Spray cooling for floating PV
A research team in Germany developed a dynamic model of spray cooling for floating PV systems that couples thermal behavior, electrical performance, and active cooling, and validated it against a 750 kW installation. Simulations across four climates showed that spray cooling reduces module temperatures by up to 42% and improves energy yield by up to 3.8%, with benefits strongly dependent on local conditions.
Thermostatic radiator valves can reduce energy consumption in air-source heat pumps by 6-8%
Researchers in the United Kingdom found that thermostatic radiator valves can reduce air-source heat pump space heating energy use by 6–8% without affecting system efficiency when used correctly. TRVs must be applied carefully in well-designed, balanced systems with at least one open flow path, as they mainly serve as a secondary tool for room-level comfort control rather than a replacement for proper heat pump design and low flow temperature operation.
Pur Energy launches all-in-one battery–based home backup power solution
India-based Pur Energy has launched the PuREPower 3.0 Lite, an all-in-one lithium battery-based power backup solution positioned as a cleaner and more compact alternative to conventional inverter and lead-acid battery combinations for the residential segment.
U.S. startup aims to make signing up for solar as easy as signing up for cell phone service
Florida-based Terra Energy offers solar subscriptions to homeowners on an initial 36-month agreement and seeks to retain those customers for the long-term by proving it can offer something better than the alternative.
Vietnam’s solar capacity surpasses 19 GW
Figures from the International Renewable Energy Agency state that Vietnam’s cumulative solar capacity reached 19,252 MW by the end of last year, indicating a 586 MW increase in 2025.
BMW targets 2028 hydrogen car launch, cites infrastructure and cost hurdles
BMW Group tells pv magazine its iX5 Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) will enter series production in 2028 using a third-generation fuel cell system developed with Toyota, but says hydrogen pump prices must reach parity with diesel for the vehicle to succeed commercially.
Agrivoltaics maintain or enhance forage quality, study finds
Researchers have analyzed the biomass and nutritional value of grasses and legumes for grazing dairy cattle, growing in agrivoltaics fields. The results showed that forage quality may be maintained or even enhanced in agrivoltaic environments.
Germany adds record 1 GWh of battery storage in March
Germany could break the gigawatt-hour mark for the first time on a monthly basis. Around 45,000 new residential photovoltaic storage systems have been registered in the market master data register so far in March.
Heat pumps may help boost residential solar in France
The government’s electrification plan, presented last week, includes a goal to double heat pump deployment in France by 2030, potentially benefiting the residential photovoltaic sector.
Solar self-generation could outperform PPAs in Brazil, delivering up to 32.9% savings
A study comparing power purchase agreements and solar self-generation in Brazil’s free market finds that direct investment in photovoltaic plants can cut costs by up to 32.9%, with solid returns but higher risk exposure. While regulatory exemptions significantly improve project economics, self-generation remains sensitive to costs, market prices, and policy changes that could affect long-term viability.
