Optimization algorithm for vertical agrivoltaics
Developed by Swedish scientists, the proposed algorithm is said to calculate a project’s ideal design by combining climatological data with figures on expected solar power generation, shading distribution, water for irrigation, and agricultural yield. Its creators spoke with pv magazine about the key parameters that the model seeks to determine, one of which is the optimal distance between the solar module rows depending on the kind of crop.
ITRPV: Large formats are here to stay
The 2021 edition of the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics (ITRPV) was published today by German engineering association VDMA. The report, which forecasts technology trends across the solar industry, expects PERC to maintain its position as the dominant cell technology and notes that large wafer formats are here to stay.
The father of Spain’s solar tax works, now, for a PV company
The former Spanish industry minister, José Manuel Soria, has become the president of Island Green Power España SL, the Spanish unit of U.K.-based developer of large photovoltaic plants, Island Green Power.
Electric cars to store renewables in the Netherlands
We Drive Solar and Hyundai are planning to set up a network of 500 bi-directional EV recharging stations in the city and region of Utrecht. Through this technology, electric cars may contribute to the storage of renewable energy in a country affected by grid constraints.
Household solutions for maximizing self-consumption using smart controls for heating and EV charging
The future residential energy supply is complex and challenging for installers: solar panels on the roof, battery storage nearby, and an electric vehicle in the garage. And, in 2021, energy management systems for smart control to maximize self-consumption, and the share of green electricity in households.
Sunowe’s panel-smuggling trial to resume in Germany
Sunowe’s trial over allegations of PV module smuggling is expected to resume on May 4. The company has been accused of not paying €20 million in anti-dumping and anti-subsidy tariffs.
Cracking the case for solid state batteries
Scientists in the UK used the latest imaging techniques to visualize and understand the process of dendrite formation and electrolyte cracking in an all solid-state battery. With new insight into the mechanisms by which these cracks form and ultimately lead to battery failure, the results could help direct the focus of future research into solid-state battery technology.
Italy devotes €1.1bn to agrivoltaics, €2bn to energy communities and storage
The funds will be part of the EU Covid-19 recovery package. Overall, the Italian government expects to deploy 2 GW of agrivoltaics and 2 GW through energy communities.
Excess PV power to activate floor heating in commercial buildings
Austrian heat and PV specialist my-PV is proposing a new solution to use surplus PV electricity for thermal concrete-core activation in commercial buildings.
German solar generates 40 GW for the first time
Germany is currently seeing cool, sunny weather, which is ideal for PV power generation. According to Energy Charts, the photovoltaic systems installed in the country have cracked the 40 GW mark for the first time.
