Whale algorithm to integrate rooftop solar with air source heat pumps
Researchers in China have developed an optimized version of the whale optimization algorithm that reportedly indentifies the optimal area ratio of rooftop PV systems and solar collectors used in combination with air source heat pumps. They demonstrated that the installation area of photovoltaic modules and collectors affects both the power side and the thermal side.
Australia’s rooftop PV additions hit 3.17 GW in 2023
A record 921 MW of PV was installed across Australian rooftops in the fourth quarter of 2023, taking new rooftop solar capacity to about 3.17 GW for all of last year.
Israeli startup launches 530 W bifacial PVT panel
P.G. Solar Greener says that its new panels have a thermal capacity of 1,280 Wh. They can reportedly achieve an overall dual electrical efficiency of 26%, due to an embedded cooling technique.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: DAS Solar launches IPO
Chinese module maker DAS Solar says it aims to raise $351.7 million through an initial public offering (IPO). It will use the funds to expand its cell and module capacity.
EU approves billions for German battery factory, French renewables industry
Northvolt is set to secure €902 million ($986 million) of state aid to build a battery gigafactory in northern Germany, while France has been allocated €2.9 billion to ramp up production of batteries, solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps, according to a European Commission announcement.
Mitsubishi debuts residential air-to-water heat pumps
Mitsubishi’s monobloc Hydrolution EZY can reportedly produce domestic hot water up to 60 C when outdoor temperatures reach -25 C. It is available in two versions, with outputs of 10 kW and 14 kW.
Utility scale solar farms contribute to bird diversity
New research has shown that solar parks can play a positive role in promoting bird diversity in the agricultural landscape of Central Europe. The scientists said solar farms offer food availability and nesting sites.
IEA-PVPS releases cross-sectional evaluation tool for BIPV
The market for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is evolving, necessitating the development of a comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation methodology. IEA-PVPS Task 15 developed a cross-sectional evaluation tool, designed for architects, developers, and other stakeholders involved in BIPV projects. Through a step-by-step process, this methodology addresses economic, energy-relevant, environmental, and visual performance, providing a robust tool for comparing and optimizing BIPV installations.
Futurasun starts construction of 2 GW back contact module factory in China
The Italy-based solar module manufacturer said it is progressing with its previously announced transition from module manufacturer to a vertically integrated manufacturer with 12 GW of cell capacity. It also said the project to build a module factory in Italy is going through a “complicated process.”
Qcells signs big EPC, PV module deal with Microsoft
Qcells says it will supply 12 GW of modules, along with engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services, under a new eight-year agreement with Microsoft.
