NASA, SpaceX launch roll-out solar arrays for International Space Station
NASA and SpaceX have successfully launched two new roll-out solar arrays, known as IROSA, to enhance the energy production capacity of the International Space Station’s microgravity complex. These arrays will provide an expanded and efficient power source for the space station’s operations.
Solar buildouts mapped to determine impact on biodiversity in US largest estuary
A group of researchers and data scientists from the Chesapeake Conservatory studied the construction of solar energy facilities in states surrounding the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and found that solar developments on already cultivated land did not adversely impact biodiversity.
EU to avoid prolonging revenue cap on renewables
The European Commission says it is unnecessary and unadvisable to prolong the emergency measures for the energy market that were adopted at the end of 2022. This means that the €0.18 ($0.19)/kWh price cap on solar and other renewables will no longer apply in most member states from June 30.
Hungary’s largest solar power plant goes online
Mezőcsát, a 233 MW solar plant in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hungary, has officially commenced operations.
PVcase acquires Anderson Optimization
PVcase, a Lithuanian PV software company, has acquired Anderson Optimization and says the integration of the US-based firm’s software could allow it to slash design times from weeks to just 20 minutes.
Pumped hydro storage development surging in India
Torrent Power has signed a deal with the Maharashtra state government in India to set up 5.7 GW of pumped hydro storage capacity, while NHPC, a state-owned hydropower producer, is actively exploring pumped storage projects across multiple states in the country.
European organizations publish EU heat pump acceleration plan
More than 20 companies, governments, and nongovernmental organizations have presented EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson with a roadmap for the European heat pump sector, including recommended solutions to overcome barriers to growth.
Photovoltaic-thermal solar panel based on water storage tank
A research group from Ireland developed a PVT system consisting of a 170 W photovoltaic panel connected to a water tank placed at the backside of the PV module itself. The PVT module is able to considerably reduce the temperature of the PV unit while producing hot water for residential use.
Melbourne switches on 2.4 MW solar carpark
The Melbourne Market Authority has switched on a 2.4 MW solar carpark at its facility in Melbourne, Australia. It is the first phase of a three-stage project that will culminate in a 10 MW rooftop system.
IBC solar cell based on ultrathin black silicon wafer achieves 16.4% efficiency
A Spanish-Finnish research team has fabricated an IBC solar cell with an ultrathin black silicon wafer with a thickness of 40 µm. The device is based on vanadium oxide and laser-processed phosphorus-doped silicon carbide stacks as hole and electron transport layers, respectively.
