PV-powered heat pumps with thermal, electrical storage
Italian researchers have looked at the potential of thermal and electrical energy storage to improve self-consumption rates in buildings when coupled with PV-powered heat pumps. They have concluded that such an approach could yield self-consumption rates of more than 80%.
Jetstream changes drive UK and Spain solar resource higher
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, presents the solar irradiance data it collected for Europe in August. The UK saw on average 110% of normal August irradiance, with values exceeding this in the north. Spain and Portugal received 10-20% more than normal, due to reduced cloud.
Bringing the benefits of affordable EV charging points to apartment blocks
One of the benefits of electric vehicle (EV) ownership is being able to plug your car into a wall at home ready for the following day’s commute but the idea is not so simple for apartment dwellers. Harald Seip, of EV charger company Elaway, suggests ways EU policymakers could solve that problem.
Powerful data in PV project development
At any stage in a PV project’s development, the sheer amount of data available on every aspect can seem overwhelming. However, making good use of detailed information on factors like land and site conditions, historical and recent weather data, system configuration and performance, can bring real advantage. In this pv magazine Webinar, we see how RatedPower puts all of this data at the user’s fingertips from the very beginning.
Online mapping tool to identify policy-suitable land for renewables
Called Geospatial Opportunity Mapping (GOMap), the new tool considers high-resolution information from both the local authorities and local utility companies. It is reportedly able to determine the number of rooftop or ground-mounted solar projects that can be deployed in a given area.
The Hydrogen Stream: Gulf nations moving forward with tech cooperation
Acwa Power and Eni have signed a hydrogen development deal, while AFC Energy has signed an agreement with Tamgo to sell hydrogen generators.
Italian Council of State clarifies rules for agrivoltaics
The Italian Council of State has issued new rules to address a number of regulatory gaps, according to lawyer Andrea Sticchi Damiani, who recently won two cases related to agrivoltaic projects. In both instances, the council confirmed that agrivoltaic facilities are distinct from conventional ground-mounted PV plants.
Amsterdam surpasses 1 million installed solar panels
Amsterdam has now installed more than 1 million solar panels, with the Dutch capital currently boasting 250 MW of rooftop PV capacity across 120,000 households. The municipal government aims to equip around 500,000 home with PV systems by 2040.
Anda-Olsen unveils lithium iron phosphate batteries
Anda-Olsen launched new LiFePo4 batteries that come with a built-in heating elements that reportedly makes them safe to use even in freezing temperatures. The manufacturer offers the new product in two versions with a nominal capacity of 100 Ah and 200 Ah, respectively.
Uniper to build Germany’s largest PV plant
Uniper plans to power a green hydrogen production facility in the German state of Lower Saxony with 317 MW of solar.
