Meyer Burger and Solestial aim to conquer space
The companies want to develop cost-effective and efficient photovoltaic products for space applications using next-generation, ultra-thin, radiation-resistant solar cells. Starting next year, hundreds of vehicles for space travel could be equipped with the flexible modules.
100 MW hybrid ESS set for Sardinia
A 100 MW hybrid gravity and battery ESS will use the mine shafts of large underground coal mine on the Italian island of Sardinia to offer a novel energy storage solution, in an 80/20 mix of BESS and gravity.
Hydronic closed-loop cooling system for photovoltaic modules
An international research team has developed a closed-loop PV cooling system that can reportedly offer 24-hour continuous operation. The system is claimed to be particularly suitable for hot and arid regions and to improve the lifespan of solar panels by up to 8.2%.
Solar panels could raise value of houses by up to 7.1%
Using a range of machine-learning techniques, a group of scientists found that PV systems can significantly increase the value of a property in the United Kingdom. The analysis was based on property data from Zoopla, one of the leading providers of UK property listings, and price paid data sourced from the government’s Land Registry from 2012-2018.
Acciona Energía wins 12-year CfD for 189 MW in Croatia
The Spanish utility says the 189 MW Promina project, currently under development, will be Croatia’s largest solar farm upon commissioning in 2027.
450 MW of BESS planned for Scottish Highlands in three projects
In the north of Scotland, multiple new BESS projects are under consideration by the local council, two at up to 200 MW, along with a 49.9 MW project.
Increasing voltage in cadmium telluride solar cells through nickel oxide back buffer layer
Cadmium telluride solar cells are commonly based on non-ohmic back contacts that affect the device open-circuit voltage. Researchers in the United Kingdom sought to address this issue by adding a nickel oxide back buffer layer, which formed an ohmic back contact and increased open-circuit voltage levels.
Floating photovoltaics for hydrogen generation, storage
New research from the UK shows that Oman could utilize a floating PV farm at the Wadi Dayqah Dam for hydrogen generation. The scientist said the project is technical viabile, although only with advancements in hydrogen energy storage technology could make it economically feasible.
Record installation figures for heat pumps, battery storage in UK
Half year data from UK certification body MCS reveal a step change in the number of heat pump installations in 2024, as well as a record breaking first six months for battery storage installations. At the current rate, the annual heat pump installation record will be broken by the end of 2024
The Hydrogen Stream: Canada, Italy announce funds for hydrogen trade, infrastructure
Canada and Italy announced funds for hydrogen projects. Meanwhile, a team of researchers explained that Australia should ship hydrogen to Japan by 2030 via methyl cyclohexane (MCH) or liquid ammonia (LNH3), not completely rejecting the option of liquid hydrogen (LH2).
