Researchers identify optimal level of solar, battery storage for European energy market
Researchers in Hungary have developed a model to calculate the optimal PV and battery storage balance to support the European grid in the next few years. They found that the cost-optimal range is at 530–880 GW of PV, combined with battery storage equivalent to 2.5–7.5% of the total intermittent capacity.
First attempt to build tandem solar cells based on perovskite, transition metal dichalcogenide
Scientists in India have proposed to design new tandem solar cells using transition metal dichalcogenide as an absorber material for the bottom PV device. Their simulations showed these tandem cells may reach an efficiency of over 35%.
Redwire deploys 60 kW roll-out solar array for first lunar orbit space station
The U.S. company held the first test deployment of its solar arrays designed to power solar-electric propulsion systems for the Gateway space station.
Open-source tools to build self-made management system for surplus PV power
French engineer André Buhart has published the plans and open-source software to create a DIY “solar energy router” to manage PV overproduction. Depending on the configuration, the device can direct excess photovoltaic energy to water heaters, pool motors, or underfloor heating, among others.
Novel sizing approach for PV, battery storage in smart homes
Scientists in Iran have developed a novel framework to optimize the capacity of PV and battery storage in smart homes, using a two-stage stochastic programming model. They considered the uncertainties in the grid, market price, and PV output, while also looking at different operation cases.
Envision proves BESS fire resilience in CSA-certified test
Envision recently completed a large-scale, CSA C800 witnessed burn test of its 5 MWh energy storage system, demonstrating robust thermal containment and adding to industry-wide safety efforts.
UK researchers developing new type of cadmium telluride PV panels for space applications
A team of UK researchers is working on lightweight cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar devices for space arrays. The aim is to develop 20%-efficient ultra-thin devices to provide lightweight, compact, lower cost solar power for satellites and space-based manufacturing applications.
Deye launches C&I power conversion system with battery storage
Deye has developed a new power conversion system (PCS) optimized for solar integration, with modules ranging from 100 kW to 125 kW. The Chinese manufacturer says the PCS supports flexible system design and targets commercial and industrial (C&I) applications.
Bottom-up cost model for perovskite solar module manufacturing
Scientists in Switzerland have conducted techno-economic analysis of perovskite solar module manufacturing costs in terms of levelized cost of energy and have found that these products could be competitive in the Alpine country provided that they achieve an efficiency of over 24% with a lifespan of 20 years and over 20% with a lifecycle of 30 years.
Combining PV-driven heat pumps with district heating in multi-apartment buildings
An international research group has investigated how PV-powered heat pumps and district heating could be combined to heat a multi-apartment building in Sweden and have found that, of the three combinations they evaluated, relying on heat pumps as the primary heat source was the “most beneficial solution” in terms of operating costs and environmental impact.
