New cooling gel could raise PV module efficiency by 12%
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have developed a hydrogel composite that absorbs moisture in solar modules overnight and facilitates evaporative cooling throughout daylight hours. The system has undergone lab tests and outdoor experiments on two continents.
Quantum-based energy management method for PV-powered buildings
Scientists from Cornell University combined quantum computing with model predictive control to manage the energy of two PV-equipped university buildings. Compared to deterministic approaches, the quantum strategy achieved a 6.8% improvement in energy efficiency and an annual reduction of 41.2% in carbon emissions.
Multi-constraint modeling for agrivoltaics
Researchers at Cornell University in the U.S. have developed a novel optimization model for agrivoltaic site design and benefits, which was demonstrated using irrigation-optimization relative to economic and environmental goals.
The impact of different cloud types on solar forecasting
A team of researchers have analyzed the impact of different cloud types on solar irradiance predictions. They found prediction models that factor in the physics of how clouds interact with sunlight are more accurate than models that do not consider cloud types.
The Hydrogen Stream: Air Products cancels three US projects
Air Products is pulling out of three US projects due to unfavorable economics and regulatory changes. The company says it remains focused on its Neom green project in Saudi Arabia and the Louisiana Clean Energy Complex
The Hydrogen Stream: MENA H2 projects surge in 2024
Dii Desert Energy says hydrogen projects in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) surged to 117 installations in 2024, with 90% classified as green, while Plug Power has introduced the first-ever spot pricing program for liquid green hydrogen.
Agrivoltaic community solar under development in New York state
BlueWave has started working on three agrivoltaic community solar projects in Johnstown, New York, totaling 16 MW.
US ethanol facility to host steam-generating heat pump
Western New York Energy says it will install an industrial steam-generating heat pump at its ethanol plant in Medina, New York, with a maximum output temperature of 215 C and a coefficient of performance of 2.7.
Novel blockchain-based virtual utility for P2P PV trading
Researchers from Canada’s Western University have developed an open-source, blockchain-based virtual utility for peer-to-peer (P2P) solar trading, using smart contracts to save up to $1,600 (US dollars) for 10 homes in simulated scenarios.
TotalEnergies builds 12 MW solar carport at New York’s JFK Airport
French energy giant TotalEnergies has started building an onsite solar-plus-storage system at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. It will provide energy to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and Con Edison, as well as community solar for area residents.
