Scientists develop thermal model for floating solar with 15.45% efficiency
Scientists have developed a multi-physics thermal model for panels with a natural convection cooling loop and tested it against experimental data. They have also experimented with varying the coolant channel thickness and different coolants. The highest measured electrical efficiency reached 15.45%.
EWEC locks down land for 4.6 GW of solar, wind in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) says it has secured four sites in the United Arab Emirates to develop 4.6 GW of solar and wind projects.
US-backed Econergy secures financing for 92 MW solar farm in Romania
Econergy Renewable Energy has secured financing from Raiffeisen Bank for its 92 MW Parau solar project in Romania, marking the Israeli company’s second such transaction with the bank.
Pumping underground water in the desert with PV, wind
Scientists have designed a system that combines solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to operate water pumping systems in Jordan. They simulated it under several scenarios in search of the optimal size.
JA Solar to invest in solar manufacturing hub in Oman
JA Solar has revealed plans to invest CNY 3.957 billion ($542 million) to build a factory in Oman with 6 GW of solar cell capacity and 3 GW of PV module capacity.
The Hydrogen Stream: Qatari researchers unveil PV-led desert agriculture system
Researchers in Qatar have proposed a solar-powered freeze desalination and electrolysis system for freshwater and green hydrogen production, while BP says it has made a final investment decision for its 100 MW Lingen Green Hydrogen project in Germany.
Solar advances across MENA region
The fossil fuel rich Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region faces mounting pressure to diversify its energy mix. While solar is cheap, it faces significant sociopolitical and economic challenges.
Midea Hiconics releases new residential all-in-one battery storage systems
The Chinese company says its three-phase Hienergy series can pair with PV arrays of up to 8.5 kW, with battery storage reaching up to 40.8 kWh.
Israeli strikes destroy 150-200 MW of solar in Lebanon
Israel’s recent strikes have reportedly destroyed or damaged 400,000 to 500,000 solar panels, costing Lebanon an estimated 150 MW to 200 MW of installed solar capacity, according to Pierre El Khoury, former director and president of the Lebanese Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC).
UK government seeking developers for solar project in Cyprus
The UK Ministry of Defence has launched a tender for a 875 kW solar array to be built within its base in Cyprus. The deadline for expressions of interest is Jan. 14, 2025.
