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.
How long do residential solar batteries last?
Multiple factors affect lifespan of a residential battery energy storage system. We examine the life of batteries in Part 3 of our series.
EcoFlow Stream Ultra X launches, offering bigger battery for balcony solar
EcoFlow’s new Stream Ultra X adds a 3.84 kWh storage capacity model into the mix, while remaining compatible with previously launched Stream products for adding more home storage and AI smarts.
Vertical bifacial photovoltaic balustrade for building edges
Conceived by scientists in Hong Kong, the solar balustrade integrates bifacial PV panels and is considered an ideal solution for “cool roofs.” Roof albedo and module orientation are critical drivers of system performance.
Aiko offers 500 W all-back contact solar modules for C&I applications
The Chinese manufacturer has upgraded its Infinite ABC solar module series with four new product versions. It claims the new modules are the world’s first 500 W panels measuring less than 2 m2.
CEA-INES, WattByWatt achieve 28% efficiency for tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell
France’s CEA-INES and WattByWatt, a Canadian startup, announced a 9 cm2 tandem perovskite-silicon PV cell with an efficiency of 28%, the result of an ongoing research collaboration.
MaxVolt launches smart inverter with inbuilt lithium battery
The Indian battery manufacturer has launched wall-mountable, high-efficiency inverters with inbuilt lithium battery for residential and commercial solar applications.
How long do residential solar inverters last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar system. In Part 2 of our series, we look at solar inverters.
How to integrate machine learning in solar cell manufacturing
Scientists in Korea have developed a new methodology to employ machine-learning models in “smart” solar cell manufacturing. They utilized data collected from equipment that closely resembles actual industrial manufacturing tools.
