Panasonic reveals new air-to-water heat pumps
The new products are intended for commercial applications and and multi-dwelling buidlings. They have a size of 20 kW to 30 kW and use R290 as the refrigerant.
Perovskite solar cell with self-assembled organic electron transport layer achieves 21.5% efficiency
Developed by scientists in Saudia Arabia, the device is reportedly the most efficient perovskite solar cell ever reported to date with an organic electron transporting layer. The cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.13 V, a short-circuit current density of 24.7 mA cm2, and a fill factor of 77%
Quinbrook to build polysilicon factory in Australia
Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners’ plan for a multibillion-dollar polysilicon production plant in Australia has received a major boost, with the Queensland state government clearing the way to fast-track the project.
Sodium-ion batteries – a viable alternative to lithium?
While lithium ion battery prices are falling again, interest in sodium ion (Na-ion) energy storage has not waned. With a global ramp-up of cell manufacturing capacity under way, it remains unclear whether this promising technology can tip the scales on supply and demand. Marija Maisch reports.
Polysilicon prices persist in potential trend downward, governed by unfavorable factors
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, offers bite-sized analysis on solar PV module supply and price trends.
German startup unveils PV charging-parking system for e-scooters, bikes
German startup Domum has developed PV charging-parking systems for e-scooters and e-bikes. They use up to 660 W of solar panels.
Hydrogen batteries vs. lithium-ion batteries
Researchers in Australia have compared the technical and financial performances of a hydrogen battery storage system and a lithium-ion battery when coupled with rooftop PV. They evaluated two commercially available systems – LAVO and Tesla Powerwall 2 – and found that the lithium-ion battery provides better financial profits, whereas the hydrogen battery offers more battery lifespan for long duration of energy storage.
Inverter undersizing not universally effective to reduce soiling losses
An international research team explained that, although inverter clipping is initially effective in mitigating soiling losses, these losses could become more visible with time, as solar module degradation makes clipping less frequent. They also warned that inverter undersizing alone may not be enough to mitigate soiling losses and suggested cleaning as an additional way to reduce them.
U.S. Boiler unveils hydronic heat pump for residential applications
The US-based manufacturer said its new heat pump system has 5-ton capacity and a coefficient of performance of up to 3.95. It uses difluoromethane (R32) as the refrigerant and relies on DC inverter enhanced vapor injection (EVI) technology.
AGC Automotive Europe unveils photovoltaic panoramic sunroof for passenger vehicles
The Belgian automotive company said system can integrate either TOPCon, HJT, or xBC solar cells. The VIPV unit features a glass-glass construction and it does not need a roller blind system.
