Can dimethyl ether replace propane as refrigerant in heat pumps?
New research from Spain has sought to understand if dimethyl ether and ternary mixtures of carbon dioxide, dimethyl ether and butane could represent an alternative to propane in heat pump systems. Their analysis has shown dimethyl ether could be the best alternative to R290, as it offers the highest coefficient of performance values for both cooling and heating, and avoids issues related to temperature glide.
Global PV dataset shows 2019-2022 data
Using Google Earth imagery and 2019-2022 Sentinel-2 datasets, Chinese scientists have developed a two-stage classification framework to obtain the annual global dataset of solar photovoltaic panels at 20-meter resolution from 2019 to 2022.
Biwatt launches commercial sodium-ion energy storage product
Biwatt has unveiled a 155 kWh sodium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) for commercial and industrial (C&I) customers.
Qcells tandem solar module passes critical stress tests
Qcells says its perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules have passed several independently verified stress tests. The South Korean module maker claims the results meet benchmarks for commercial acceptance of its tandem tech.
How to assess bifacial PV system performance on sloped terrains
Scientists have developed a precursor formulation for different PV simulation tools that can help calculate the expected performance of solar farms deployed on hilly slopes. Validation tests against an experimental setup showed an error of less than 3%.
All agrivoltaic system designs at a glance
Researchers in Sweden and Italy analyzed the economics of one-axis, vertical, and elevated PV systems for agrivoltaic applications, finding that overhead agrivoltaic systems may perform better the further south they are installed. The discounted payback period and levelized cost of electricity were also calculated and compared.
UK startup building solar power beaming tech for space applications
Three year old Space Solar has completed an 18-month engineering design and development project for key parts of its modular space-based solar power system.
The Hydrogen Stream: Axpo reports progress on automated H2 project
Axpo has started remotely controlling a 2.5 MW hydrogen production facility (HPF) in Switzerland, while Statkraft says it will halt new green hydrogen projects amid market uncertainty.
Halocell, Australian researchers to scale lead-free solar tech
Australian perovskite cell producer Halocell Energy is partnering with University of Queensland researchers to accelerate the commercial production of lead-free solar panels based on record-breaking tin-halide PV cell technology.
pv magazine Homeowner Guide: Top tips and red flags to home solar
pv magazine is compiling a guide to home solar installations, aimed at those who are interested in installing but are new to the market and want to make an informed decision. We have spoken to associations, installers and industry specialists in major solar markets across the globe to compile best practice guidance and advice that aims to be applicable to home solar installations anywhere in the world. The first part of the series aims to help homeowners looking to embrace PV identify the best installers on the market.
