Caribbean could become offshore floating solar PV giant, researcher says
Land is scarce but water is abundant for the Caribbean’s 700 islands. Solar economy professor Christian Breyer tells pv magazine that the region’s archipelagic makeup is not a drawback but a benefit for renewable energy generation, with the ocean potentially serving as the area’s floating solar PV backbone.
Passive cooling technique for floating PV systems
An international research team has built a cooling tech consisting of heat absorber pipes that are thermally connected to the PV module, heat releaser pipes that exchange heat with the water body, a series of connecting pipes, and a coolant reservoir. The system claims to create a continuous fluid flow that dissipates heat from the PV cells to the surroundings.
Swiss 3S introduces new half-cell BIPV modules
Swiss 3S, the Switzerland-based manufacturer, is offering the new half-cell BIPV module in four sizes, ranging from 24 half-cells to 48 half-cells. The rated output is up to 225 W.
Machine learning for predictive maintenance in large-scale PV plants
Scientists have developed a machine-learning model – utilizing K-Means and long short-term memory techniques – that aims to overcome ‘fault detection and classification’ in the operation and maintenance of large-scale solar PV farms.
New solar carport from Japan
Daiwa, Japan’s largest homebuilder, has developed a new solar carport that can accommodate solar modules from any manufacturer in various colors and shapes, allowing developers to consider the aesthetic requirements of the surrounding areas and buildings.
Fraunhofer ISE presents silicon carbide string inverter for medium-voltage applications
Fraunhofer ISE researchers claim the new silicon carbide inverter is technically able to handle voltage levels of up to 1,500 V at 250 kVA in utility scale solar power plants.
Belgian student solar car takes an early lead in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
On the journey from Darwin to Adelaide, the Innoptus Solar Team, a non-profit project of students from the University of Leuven, is in a leading position amongst dozens of competitors from around the world in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. It tapped European research labs for PV equipment and know-how.
Panasonic unveils new residential heat pumps
Japan’s Panasonic has developed a new central heat pump system for residential space heating and cooling.
Tesla steps in as challenger to rooftop PV inverter duopoly
Enphase and SolarEdge dominate US sales of rooftop solar inverters, but Tesla could be set to change that.
Reliance begins trials of swappable EV batteries
Reliance Industries recently showcased its swappable lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for electric two-wheelers. The batteries can be charged through the grid or with solar to run home appliances.
