Glass-free, colored PV modules for building rooftop retrofits, façades
Researchers from Swiss and Austrian institutions have demonstrated a novel design for a glass-free, structurally robust silicon PV module. With a weight below 6 kg/m2, the targeted application is older buildings with weak roof structure.
Optimizing endless PV-driven heat pump scenarios for costs, self-sufficiency
Researchers have used mixed-integer linear programming-based multi-objective optimization to optimize 30,912 unique scenarios showing heat pumps operating in combination with PV power. The optimization modeling was conducted under day-ahead spot market prices terms.
Aerocompact debuts ground-mounted PV solution for small-scale solar
Aerocompact has launched COMPACTGROUND GS 10 PLUS, a ground-mounted PV solution designed for small projects and diverse terrain like farmland and asphalt.
Aerocompact introduces tool-free PV mounting system
Austria’s Aerocompact says its new PV mounting system can be installed on foil, bitumen, gravel, and concrete rooftops. It can reportedly withstand wind loads of up to 1.7 kN/m2 and snow loads of up to 3.5 kN/m2.
Deploying floating PV on mine pit lakes, tailings ponds
Researchers in South Korea have conducted a literature review on recorded cases of floating PV plants placed on mine pit lakes and tailings ponds, both of which are byproducts of the mining industry. Looking at more than dozens of cases, they have concluded that mine pit lakes generally provide more stable environments for deployment.
Austria records 20% decline in PV capacity expansion in first quarter
In the first three months of 2024, the addition of new PV systems in Austria was just under 500 MW. This year, according to estimates by PV Austria, the figure is around 20% lower in the same period. The association is appealing to the government not to further stifle the market.
The Hydrogen Stream: OMV starts 10 MW H2 production plant near Vienna
OMV says it has successfully started its 10 MW green hydrogen plant at the Schwechat refinery near Vienna, while Austrian university TU Graz says it has inaugurated a hydrogen electrolysis test center at its Inffeldgasse Campus to develop and test hydrogen technologies.
Austria launches €60 million rebate program for rooftop PV in 2025
Austria has opened applications for its €60 million ($68.3 million) rooftop PV rebate program for 2025, with a second-round “Made in Europe” bonus offering 20% more funding for projects using European-made components, says OeMAG.
Fronius launches hybrid inverters for residential, commercial applications
The Austrian manufacturer said its new hybrid inverters can increase the usable output of the PV system to up to 150%. They are available in six version with rated AC power ranging from 15 kW to 33.3 kW.
The Hydrogen Stream: Just 17% of EU hydrogen projects likely on track
Westwood Global Energy Group says just 17% of the European Union’s hydrogen projects will advance without intervention, while Smartenergy says Spain’s Orange.bat project has cleared a key environmental hurdle and will launch in May 2028.
