Preventing soiling with surface textured photovoltaic dummies
Scientists in South Africa have used computational fluid dynamics to investigate whether a dummy panel, placed in front of a working PV panel, can mitigate soiling. They have tested this setup with various inclination angles, heights, and distances and have found that the dummies accumulated up to 58% more dust than the PV panels.
Narada Power debuts 783 Ah cell, 8.3 MWh solid state battery
The new 20-foot Center L Max system is configurable for storage durations ranging from two to eight hours and is compatible with 2000 V platforms. It utilizes the manufacturer’s proprietary 783 Ah cells, which feature an oxide solid electrolyte.
Swiss startup inaugurates removable PV plant on railway tracks
Swiss startup Sun-Ways says it has activated what it calls the world’s first removable solar plant on active rail tracks, with passenger trains set to run over the 18 kW installation from April 28.
Viessmann launches new residential air-to-water heat pumps
The Germany manufacturer said its new heat pump systems use propane (R290) as the refrigerant and are able to provide a maximum flow temperature of 70 C. Their coefficient of performance ranges from 4.7 to 5.1.
Tigo Energy releases off-grid solar package
The off-grid solution includes module optimizers, an inverter, a battery, and an automatic transfer switch.
HyperStrong unveils utility-scale battery storage system housed in 10-foot container
The MagicBlock utility-scale storage platform supports two-hour to eight-hour discharge durations, targeting flexibility markets and long-duration energy storage needs. The 10-foot container supports a maximum capacity of 3.2 MWh and is available in both AC- and DC-coupled versions.
Chemitek Solar launches new antistatic soiling mitigation coating
The Portuguese company said its new anti-soiling solution lasts for at least a year. It can be applied during routine cleaning operations by mixing it directly in the cleaning water.
How to combine photovoltaics with rainwater harvesting
Scientists have developed a system that harvests rainwater running off PV panels for household use or hydrogen production. Their analysis showed that, in the southern Sahel, the system can meet both the energy and water requirements for electrolysis, with surplus rainwater covering up to 50% of a household’s daily water demand.
Japanese scientists build bendable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with 26.5% efficiency
The tandem device is based on a bottom thin-film heterojunction cell that can bend and a top perovskite cell that can be manufactured with a low-temperature process to prevent damage. It achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded to date for a flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell.
Sunwoda launches the world’s first 10-metre, 2 MWh mobile energy storage system
Sunwoda’s MESS 2000 mobile energy storage vehicle redefines the role of mobile power—evolving from a tool for emergencies to a key player in everyday energy supply.
