Carrier launches new heat pump for residential, light commercial use
Carrier, a US-based heating solutions provider, has introduced a new heat pump system featuring a cooling seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER2) of up to 29.7 and a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2) of up to 12.2.
New research warns of unexpected UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells from invisible light
Researchers from UNSW have found that invisible light accelerates UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells, producing the same degradation effects as visible light but at a much faster rate. This can lead to significant open-circuit voltage losses and reduce cell efficiency.
Lyten to acquire Northvolt’s $5 billion battery assets in Sweden and Germany
US startup Lyten has stepped up again to buy Northvolt’s Swedish and German assets, continuing its takeover of the failed battery giant’s $5 billion manufacturing empire. The move marks a major shift in Europe’s battery landscape.
China wafer, polysilicon prices climb 33% since early July
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Scientists build bifacial CIS solar cell with record efficiency, power density
Researchers in South Korea have demonstrated a lower temperature process for bifacial copper, indium, selenium (CuInSe₂) solar cells with a rear-side efficiency of 8.44% and 15.30% on the front. The device has been developed for applications in tandem solar cells.
Researchers highlight importance of site-specific agrivoltaics design
A research team from Temple University in Philadelphia analyzed the synergies and trade-offs of land conversion to agrivoltaics and other multi-use solar energy landscapes globally. They found that co-located solar systems should be specifically tailored in order to offer optimal performance and minimize negative impacts.
Thermal batteries offer alternative to lithium-ion storage
Jaicky Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Voltanova – a deep-tech firm incubated by the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) – speaks to pv magazine about the company’s thermal battery system and how it compares to lithium-based energy storage.
Glass-free PV modules tested on bulk cargo ships
Japan’s Eco Marine Power announced a trial of an integrated solar PV system aboard a bulk cargo ship to demonstrate both practicality and performance. It features glass-free monocrystalline silicon modules from U.S.-based Merlin Solar Technologies.
Photovoltaic-thermal solar air heater based on PCM cylinders, air convection
Researchers in Malaysia designed a photovoltaic-thermal system that can be used in solar drying, space heating, rooftop systems, and off-grid thermal applications. It relies on a double-pass cooling technique based on air convection and phase change material that can reportedly increase PV efficiency from 7% to 9% and thermal efficiency by 31.45%.
Agrivoltaics on rice fields, not a lost cause
Researchers in Japan have made another attempt to make agrivoltaics on rice fields technically and economically feasible, despite well-known productivity issues when rice is grown below solar modules. They used double-axis tracking, finding potential with careful management of shading and tilt angles.
