Agrivoltaics for vineyards
Developers recently commissioned two different wine-related agrivoltaic projects in Europe.
The Hydrogen Stream: Biotech startup targets hydrogen production from depleted wells at $1/kg
Cemvita claims it can produce hydrogen at the “lowest possible cost,” Deutsche Bahn and Fortescue Future Industries have announced plans to jointly modify diesel engines for locomotives, and the Canadian province of Alberta has started promoting its hydrogen potential in Japan.
Heterojunction solar cell based on new black silicon achieves 7.5% efficiency
Russian researchers have developed a heterojunction device based on a new wide-band black material called “black silicide.” The cell has averaged reflection (AVR) of 15% in the spectral range of 200 nanometers to 1,800 nm and purportedly can reach an efficiency of 10%.
Panasonic brings air-to-water heat pumps to Europe
Panasonic’s new heat pump can supply domestic hot water, heating and cooling from a single, integrated unit. It can also synchronize with the Japanese company’s PV panels and its CZ-NS4P technology printed circuit board technology, while also ensuring smart-grid compatibility.
Dutch startup stabilizes Netherlands’ grid with 9 MWh battery-flywheel storage facility
S4 Energy and ABB recently installed a hybrid battery-flywheel storage facility in the Netherlands. The project features a 10 MW battery system and a 3 MW flywheel system and can reportedly offer a levelized cost of storage ranging between €0.020 ($0.020)/kWh and €0.12/kWh.
Premier Energies unveils India’s first M10 bifacial solar cell
Premier Energies has become India’s first solar manufacturer to develop a bifacial monocrystalline silicon PERC solar cell based on the 182 mm format. The cell has an efficiency rating of up to 23.2%.
How long do residential energy storage batteries last?
Multiple factors can affect the lifespans of residential battery energy storage systems.
Ultra-fast synthesis of nanocomposites for sodium ion batteries, supercapacitors
Researchers in Egypt have developed a synthesis method that uses the high microwave absorbance of silicon carbide content in rice straw ash and takes just 60 seconds to produce sodium iron phosphates-carbon nanocomposites (NaFePO4-C), which can be used as sodium ion battery cathodes and as symmetric supercapacitors.
Morningstar unveils DC/AC inverters for off-grid applications
US-based solar controller producer Morningstar has launched a new line of off-grid inverters, featuring six models ranging from 150 W to 2,500 W. Production and deliveries are scheduled to start this year.
French consortium commissions solar module recycling facility
Soren and Envie 2E Aquitaine have inaugurated a new solar module recycling facility in Saint-Loubès, France.
