Mitsubishi to deploy heat pumps, solar, storage in remote island project
Mitsubishi Electric has launched a demonstration experiment to assess the efficiency of heat pumps in demand-response control on the Aran Islands in Ireland and San Pietro Island in Italy. As part of the European Union’s REACT project, solar, wind, and storage solutions will also be implemented to enhance the energy self-sufficiency of isolated islands.
First attempt to repair glass-damaged solar panels
A Dutch research group has used a series of techniques from the automotive industry to develop a novel methodology to repair glass in double-glass solar panels. Their experimental work represents the step towards transforming glass-damaged solar panels from waste into valuable products.
Avancis achieves 20.3% efficiency in CIGS solar panel
Avancis has set a new world record for a copper, indium, gallium, and selenium (CIGS) solar panel with an integrated series connection of 30 cm x 30 cm, achieving an efficiency of 20.3%. The German manufacturer’s accomplishment has been validated by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
Improving ground-mounted solar power plant performance via orbiting reflectors
Scientists in the United Kingdom have proposed using orbiting solar reflectors to enhance the electricity yield of terrestrial solar power plants. They claim this new technology may be particularly beneficial for improving generation at dusk and dawn, when irradiance is lower.
Hamburg to deploy large-scale heat pumps in wastewater heat project
Johnson Controls says it will supply four 15 MW heat pumps to the district heating network, in Hamburg, Germany. The new system will be equipped in the city’s central wastewater treatment plant as part of a wastewater heat project.
Futurasun acquires solar perovskite startup
Futurasun, an Italian module manufacturer, has acquired Rome-based Solertix. It now aims to bring its perovskite-based solar cell technology closer to commercial production.
Solar, wind covered Belgium’s entire electricity demand for the first time
Belgian grid operator Elia announced that solar and wind generation provided enough electricity to cover the country’s entire electricity demand for the first time this Monday.
UK plans to slash VAT on residential batteries
The UK cabinet plans to introduce a new measure to eliminate the value-added tax (VAT) on residential batteries installed after solar panels.
Dutch regulator warns of EMC issues, hacking risks for solar inverters
Most solar inverters in the Netherlands fail electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements, posing interference risks and raising the threat of hacking, says the National Inspectorate for Digital Infrastructure (RDI).
NexWafe secures funding to build wafer factory in Germany, announces new factory in Saudi Arabia
German wafer manufacturer Nexwafe is currently trying to commercialize its highly efficient monocrystalline wafer technology.
