African PAYG solar companies have hogged 72% of sector’s investment
The first post-pandemic update on the state of the world’s off-grid solar industry has painted a picture of domination by European companies, but highlighted the potential for new startups in West Africa and an increasing use of PV as a backup to unreliable grid supplies.
Methylammonium-free perovskite solar cell with 22.29% efficiency
Japanese scientists have built a perovskite solar cell without methylammonium to improve the device’s thermal stability. The cell showed better efficiency and stability under standard testing conditions.
Sodium-ion battery anode made from toxic hogweed
Russian researchers have transmuted poisonous Sosnowsky’s hogweed into high-grade anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The obtained material has a Coulombic efficiency of 87%, which is on par with the best reported results for hard carbons synthesized from other raw materials.
SunDrive lands $13 million to scale copper-based solar tech
Australia’s SunDrive has completed a new AUD 21 million ($13 million) funding round to help commercialize its revolutionary solar cell tech, which replaces silver with copper to improve solar panel efficiency and reduce costs.
Swedish startup offers reusable nickel metal hydride batteries for renewables storage
Nilar International began manufacturing the ReOX reusable batteries at its factory in Sweden. The natural aging process of the battery is reversible and the battery is reportedly able to operate at full capacity at least three times.
Chinese manufacturer brings residential heat pump kit to Europe
Sprsun has developed a monobloc heat pump that is reportedly easier and faster to install. The product features a 3 kW/220 V electric heater, a water pump, an expansion tank measuring 5 liters, a three-way valve, and an 18 A AC contactor.
Sunrun’s residential VPP injects 1.8 GWh into grid over 3-month period
In the hot summer months, thousands of residents with solar-plus-battery systems networked together to reduce peak energy costs and provide grid stability for ISO-New England’s customers.
Endesa secures node to deploy 953 MW of solar-wind-storage in Spanish tender
Endesa’s proposal for its Andorra energy hub in Spain is based on the hybridization of renewable technologies, storage and green hydrogen for the decarbonization of local companies.
Shell becomes bulk buyer of Skeleton’s SuperBattery
Shell says it wants to use Skeleton Technologies’ SuperBattery storage system in its mining division to electrify and decarbonize its off-road vehicle fleet. The fast-charging batteries are based on a patented curved graphene material.
PV water-draining device with new anti-clogging design
Portuguese startup Solarud has unveiled the next generation of its water-draining device for PV panels with low, sloping inclines. The new design avoids clogs caused by sand and dust, in nano and customized versions that fit installations and modules of different sizes.
