Improving perovskite solar cell efficiency, sustainability with micro-concentrators
Researchers in Italy are tackling two metal halide perovskite solar PV challenges, reduce the use of lead and extend stability of the power conversion efficiency, in a novel combination of micro-concentrators and picosecond laser processing.
Perovskite solar cell testing in underwater environments shows surprising efficiency results
Researchers in Italy have tested how perovskite solar cells could perform underwater and have found that, at very shallow depths, they may even achieve a higher power conversion efficiencies compared to reference devices operating under out-of-water conditions.
How albedo interacts with different rooftop PV system patterns
Researchers have simulated 160 cases of PV rooftop installation in southern and northern Italy. Among changing parameters were size and type of the panels, as well as their roof cover rate. The considered albedos were 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, representing different types of roof materials.
Italy extends construction deadline for agrivoltaic tender
Italy has extended the construction deadline for 1.5 GW of awarded agrivoltaic projects to June 30, 2026, after developers failed to meet the original timeline.
Researchers demonstrate technical feasibility of retrofitting PV-driven heat pumps in multi-family buildings
A research group led by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE has conducted what it describes as the first empirical study on PV-assisted two-stage HP systems in existing multi-family buildings. Its findings show that substantial PV electricity exports result in greater avoided non-renewable primary energy use.
Eni sells 20% stake in renewables unit for €2 billion
Italian energy giant Eni has sold a minority stake in its Plenitude subsidiary to US-based investment company Ares for €2 billion ($2.32 billion).
Italian startup releases 9.8 kWh sodium battery for residential applications
Italy-based Heiwit has developed a 200 Ah sodium-ion battery with a lifespan of 6,000 cycles. The device reportedly offers thermal stability and rapid charging speed.
Enel inagurates 10 MWh second-life battery project at Italian airport
Enel’s Pioneer project is expected to last 10 to 15 years and has been integrated with Rome-Fiumicino airport’s Solar Farm, self-consumption PV system.
Supercharging pumped-hydro stations with floating PV
Scientists have simulated the addition of floating solar panels to Switzerland’s Etzelwerk, an open-loop pumped-storage hydropower plant. Using 10% of the upper reservoir for the solar panels, the research team was able to add about 20% of the energy output.
Hibridación renovable: el primer paso hacia una red más firme bajo los criterios técnicos de IDAE
En este pv magazine webinar organizado de la mano de Jema Energy, Jon Ander López Ibarra, Product Manager de BESS, hablará de aquellos retos a nivel de red, de la hibridación de proyectos renovables, y de la optimización económica del almacenamiento.
