‘The crop people don’t understand the PV aspect’
University of Exeter academic Aritra Ghosh tells pv magazine a multidiscipline approach is required to unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics. Discussing a new paper comparing static and tracker agrivoltaics systems in the United Kingdom, the researcher argues better understanding of microclimates under modules and how PV affects crop biochemistry is needed.
Microclimates could bolster case for agrivoltaics
A new paper finds that combining photovoltaics with crop farming can result in revenue gains over the life of a PV system at a diverse range of locations in the United Kingdom. Researcher Aritra Ghosh tells pv magazine that the benefits of agrivoltaics are “multifaceted.”
The Hydrogen Stream: Italy’s Eni lays out plans in Algeria and Egypt, UAE joins race with help from Japan
Italian energy company Eni is partnering with local companies in Algeria and Egypt to explore the possibility of producing green and blue hydrogen in the North African countries. The United Arab Emirates is also collaborating with Japanese partners to develop the country’s hydrogen sector, while in New York, hydrogen has arrived in Long Island.
Bill Gates’ energy innovation fund commits to $1 billion in investment
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is backing research on low- and zero-carbon technologies; however, their guidelines show a lack of understanding of solar technology and market development.
Meyer Burger attracts further investment
The signs continue to be positive for Meyer Burger’s capital increase, as the Swiss solar equipment manufacturer has announced a fourth separate investor in just a couple of weeks, this time with an investment of CHF 10.8 million (USD 10.7 million).
UK frees up just shy of half a million pounds for solar innovation fund
Innovate UK, a division of the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, invites businesses to apply for share of GBP 455,000 for projects that drive solar innovation.
Solar Impulse co-founder expects passenger electric planes within 10 years, SolarStratos aircraft unveiled
Bertrand Piccard, pilot and co-founder of groundbreaking Solar Impulse project, believes electric planes powered by solar energy can carry passengers within the next decade. SolarStratos project aims to become first solar-powered plane to penetrate stratosphere.
Additional investor commits to Meyer Burger
The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer has received a CHF 5.76 million (USD 5.7 million) commitment from new investor Brustorm SA, as the company continues its capital increase, as part of the major restructuring it announced earlier in the year.
Australian researchers produce 12% efficient, 16cm2 perovskite PV cell
University of New South Wales engineers have achieved the highest efficiency for a perovskite PV cell of its size to date.
Oxford PV signs partnership with solar manufacturer
To top off a busy year for the British perovskite pioneer, Oxford PV has announced the signing of a joint development agreement (JDA) with a global solar cell and module manufacturer, as it aims to commercialise its perovskite technology for the solar industry.
