Neoen secures first corporate PPA in France
French renewables developer Neoen says it will provide power to broadcast services provider TDF under a long-term deal. It will source the electricity from 62 MW of solar across two projects that are now under development in southeastern France.
Semi-transparent solar cell based on silicon-germanium quantum wells
German scientists have developed a solar cell with multiple quantum wells to enable higher levels of photocurrent. The 3.4%-efficient device could be used for glass facades in buildings and windows, sunroofs in vehicles, and greenhouses for agrivoltaics.
Germany’s new rebate program for residential heat pumps has come into effect
A set of amendments to Germany’s law that offer a rebate program for sustainable heating has come into effect on January 1st. The new rules grant rebates of up to 40% to help homeowners to buy and install heat pumps.
Gravitricity to deploy prototype underground hydrogen storage system
Gravitricity, an Edinburgh-based storage specialist, aims to develop the first full-scale demonstration of its underground hydrogen storage solution by working with structural engineering contractor VSL Systems UK.
Floating solar tech for aquaculture
Norway’s Inseanergy has developed floating solar tech for aquaculture projects. It recently commissioned its first commercial array – a 290 kW floater for salmon-farming specialist Bjoroya – in addition to a 160 kW installation for a cod fish farm.
Video: Fraunhofer ISE outlines 2023 prospects for TOPCon solar modules
Jochen Rentsch, head of department at Fraunhofer ISE, speaks to pv magazine about recent progress in TOPCon module development, including new efficiency records by JinkoSolar and Jolywood. Production costs are falling as more Tier 1 companies shift from PERC to TOPCon, and multi-gigawatt production is already a reality. Could the TOPCon solar cell segment reach a tipping point for efficiency in 2023?
New algorithm to detect shadows in rooftop PV systems
Dutch scientists have developed a new algorithm to isolate shadow-related PV system malfunctions and estimate potential energy losses caused by shadowing.
SolarEdge to acquire energy analytics specialist Hark Systems
SolarEdge is set to fully acquire Hark Systems, a UK-based smart energy technology firm.
PV could turn Europe into ‘solar-to-X economy’
New research from LUT University shows the central role of solar in Europe’s attempt to reach its 2050 zero-emissions target. It describes how photovoltaics will gradually become the characteristic element of the Old Continent’s emerging energy system by extending its use to the heat and mobility sectors.
Portugal reveals first details of upcoming green hydrogen tender
The Portuguese authorities plan to award 10-year contracts to developers for 3,000 tons of green hydrogen and 10,000 tons of renewable methane.
