Midea unveils PV-compatible indoor heat pump for space-constrained residential applications
Midea has launched a compact indoor air-source heat pump for retrofit and space-constrained homes. The R290-based system offers up to 4.45 kW output, a coefficient of performance of 4.5 and smart PV-compatible controls.
Key takeaways from Chile’s Re+ Cono sur
Chile’s Energy Minister Ximena Rincón called for a more proactive approach to renewables, storage, and electrification at the RE+ Southern Cone Summit last week, highlighting the need to reduce fossil fuel reliance and invest in enabling infrastructure.
BBDF 2026: How financing standalone vs. co-located projects really works
The “lab” session at Battery Business & Development Forum 2026 made transparent how different stakeholders evaluate and view energy storage projects between standalone and co-located options, and where views diverged.
Germany’s heat pump public discourse is positive but volatile
Research from Germany analyzed sentiment in online news coverage to explore how heat pumps are portrayed in German public discourse. It found that while public perception is generally positive, it is neither uniform nor stable, and dipped significantly during debates around Germany’s heating law in 2023.
Solar Fabrik launches 400 W red-brown module for heritage roofs
Solar Fabrik has introduced a 400 W red-brown glass-glass PV module designed to meet strict aesthetic requirements for historic and protected buildings, offering a 20.02% efficiency and compatibility with traditional tiled rooftops.
BBDF: German network agency to release BESS grid fee framework soon
Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) is set to present a framework for future network fees in May 2026, with industry discussions highlighting how these charges could interact with flexible connection agreements and affect battery energy storage system (BESS) returns.
Can sodium-ion storage drive energy flexibility in France?
France’s Association Environnement Juste has proposed a storage mandate for renewables projects exceeding 10 kWp in order to integrate flexibility at the source. The association argues European sodium-ion batteries could present an economically and environmentally viable solution, capable of stabilizing grids without depending on imported metals.
Solbian launches solar kit for boat davits
Available in 80 W and 108 W versions using high-efficiency SunPower Maxeon cells, the kit offers wind resistance up to 25 m/s and easy installation on unused boat surfaces, according to the manufacturer.
Sassmann develops ‘solar panel grid’ for pigeon protection
Sassmann, a Germany-based company, has developed a modular “solar panel grid” system designed to prevent pigeons from nesting beneath photovoltaic modules.
Abu Dhabi extends solar self-supply policy to residents
The UAE capital is expanding its solar self-supply policy to the residential sector, after first launching for the agricultural sector in February.
