Spanish start-up Bihar Batteries to commercialize sodium-ion batteries in 2026
The company has produced its first sodium-ion battery prototype and, in collaboration with Spanish research institute CIC energiGUNE, developed sodium-ion cell prototypes that have shown “very promising results.”
How to reduce PV module temperature with frame perforations
Scientists in China have investigated how frame perforations can help reduce the operational temperatures of solar modules through air cooling. Their findings show that the number of perforations must be carefully calibrated, and that more is not necessarily better.
Alfa Laval launches once-through steam generator for thermal storage
The Swedish company stated that its new product was designed for use in compact, molten salt energy storage applications, eventually in combination with PV power. In its standard configuration, it can reportedly withstand temperatures up to 400 C and pressures up to 60 bar.
Forschungszentrum Jülich achieves world record 23.08% efficiency for copper-metallized heterojunction solar cell
The cell reportedly exhibits only a 0.4% efficiency loss compared to a reference device that underwent full silver metallization.
Bosch starts up 2.5 MW hydrogen electrolyzer in Germany
German industrial group Bosch says the Bamberg facility complies with European Union renewable hydrogen rules and will produce over one ton of green hydrogen daily.
Japan’s NGK discontinues manufacturing of sodium-sulfur batteries
The manufacturer cites rising material costs, heightened competition from lithium-ion batteries, and the slow uptake of long-duration storage technologies as the reasons for the decision.
Hydrogen production to lower curtailment at Dutch solar park
The H2 Hollandia project will connect a 5 MW electrolyzer to an existing 115 MW solar park to produce around 300,000 kg of green hydrogen annually. Project developers told pv magazine the electrolyzer will prevent around half of the solar park’s current curtailment levels.
Researchers develop antimony-doped n-type silicon ingots to enhance solar module mechanical strength
An international team is proposing to use antimony-doped Czochralski-grown silicon as an alternative to n-type silicon for photovoltaic applications. Their analysis showed that 140 μm as-cut planar antimony-doped wafers exhibit slightly higher mechanical strength compared to common wafers doped with phosphorous.
New simulation tool to measure angular losses in PV systems
Researchers in Spain reviewed six models used to calculate incidence angle modifier (IAM) losses in photovoltaic systems. They identified the Martín-Ruiz model as the most comprehensive, as it uniquely accounts for additional angular losses caused by soiling.
Field trial shows third-party control of residential heat pumps can provide grid flexibility
UK researchers find that smart, centrally controlled air-source heat pumps could slash peak electricity demand. The technology not only keeps homes comfortable but also boosts grid flexibility and cuts emissions.
