France cuts feed-in tariffs for solar up to 100 kW
The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has lowered feed-in tariffs by up to 16% for rooftop solar systems between 10 kW and 100 kW, while keeping smaller system rates unchanged.
France revises grid tariffs to spur smarter battery storage use
France’s updated TURPE 7 framework adds an annual injection-withdrawal charge to incentivize battery energy storage system (BESS) operators to balance grid loads during high demand or surplus generation periods.
Engie sells Africa off-grid business to Ignite
UAE-based Ignite has bought Engie Energy Access, creating Africa’s largest off-grid solar and minigrid operator, serving 15 million people.
French startup launches solar-based EV charging optimization system
DejaBlue has developed a plug-and-play energy management system that boosts self-consumption and cuts costs for PV-powered EV charging sites.
IPVF demonstrates 16.8%-efficient mini bifacial perovskite solar module
The French research institute said the bifacial wide bandgap perovskite technology is to be scaled in size to 60 cm x 30 cm for use in four-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem panels.
New research confirms rooftop PV affects urban temperatures, cooling demand
Using Lyon as a case study, an international research team has simulated the effects of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) coverage in an urban area at three levels: 25%, 60%, and 100%. The results have shown that solar panels can raise daytime temperatures by up to 0.72 °C, while cooling nighttime temperatures by up to 0.42 °C. In addition, daytime air conditioning demand has decreased by about 5%.
The Hydrogen Stream: Japanese researchers develop green rust catalyst
Japanese researchers have developed a green rust–based catalyst for sodium borohydride, while South Korean scientists have created a framework to assess liquid hydrogen storage tanks for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).
French startup offers water heater control to boost PV self-consumption
French startup Ecojoko has introduced a contactor that controls electric water heaters to raise solar self-consumption, with field tests underway since the summer.
New model to optimize desert PV plant cleaning schedule
Scientists have used a CPLEX-based MIP model and tested it on a section of the 10 MW Masdar City Solar Photovoltaic Plant. In their simulation, they assume the use of two robotic cleaners to operate over a 90-day horizon. Total cleaning costs were estimated at $7,987.
IPVF testing new perovskite solar PV testing platform from Ecoprogetti
The French research institute has added to its perovskite solar cell and module pilot line an Ecoprogetti integrated testing platform that combines a solar simulator with advanced electroluminescence (EL) analysis.
