Technology and R&D

Sensors from German electronics manufacturer SICK are used in solar PV tracking systems since 2021. Now they are making their way into agrivoltaic applications.

A new survey conducted by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE showed that 72.4% of the country’s farmers are considering the deployment of an agrivoltaic project. Among the main factors behind this choice, the researchers identified the additional source of income coming from solar power generation and the perceived usefulness of the technology.

A Spanish research group has investigated how thermoelectric heat pumps may be used as power-to-heat technology to increase temperatures in thermal energy storage systems. It found the proposed system configuration may achieve an overall efficiency of 112.6% at at 135 C.

Researchers in China have conducted a numerical study on the wind sensitivity of offshore floating solar plants. They have tested six row-arrangements of panels and have found an optimal system configuration that is reportedly less sensitive to wind direction.

As photovoltaic (PV) technologies evolve, understanding their environmental implications is crucial for a sustainable energy transition. IEA PVPS Task 12 analyzes the environmental impact of passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology in PV installations in comparison to the monocrystalline silicon technology (AI-BSF) and the trend towards installing horizontal singla-axis tracker systems as opposed to fixed tilt systems. Primary data from one PERC and tracker manufacturer enable this study’s conclusions. Using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, the study compares two locations in Italy with different irradiation patterns to evaluate the sensitivity to solar irradiation. The findings reveal that PERC technology and horizontal single-axis tracker systems demonstrate lower environmental impacts compared to Al-BSF and fixed tilt configurations.

New research from Italy shows lower wheat production under elevated agrivoltaic systems, but a simultaneous increase in nutritional value for livestock. pv magazine Italy spoke with the academics about their future research.

Australian researchers have calculated the levelised cost of green hydrogen under different installed capex scenarios for 2030. They also looked into the different possible sizing of PEM electrolyzers.

Researchers in China have applied a machine learning technology based on temporal convolutional networks in PV power forecasting for the first time. The new model reportedly outperforms similar models during all seasons.

The organic cell retained 89% of its initial performance after being immersed in water for four hours and survived a washing machine cycle. The researchers plan to develop the technology further, with an end goal of using it for wearable devices.

The Japanese manufacturer claims the new product has a seasonal energy efficiency ratio of up to 9.47 and a seasonal coefficient of performance of up to 5.20.