Israel introduces storage-linked tariff for distributed PV
The Electricity Authority of Israel has decided to regulate the connection of energy storage systems to low-voltage PV plants with capacities of up to 630 kW. It is introducing a supplementary tariff for PV and storage facilities that share single metered connection points to the grid, in order to reduce bottlenecks on the grid.
Dust removal for solar panels via electrostatic cleaning
A Jordanian research team has designed a cleaning technique for solar modules that uses static electricity to remove dust from panel surfaces. The system features an electrostatic ionizer that reduces attraction between dust particles and their accumulation on modules, improving their energy yield.
UL Solutions, NREL set cybersecurity standards for distributed energy, inverters
UL 2941 provides testable requirements for energy storage and generation technologies on the distribution grid. The new cybersecurity protocol provides a framework for PV inverters, electric-vehicle chargers, wind turbines, fuel cells, and other distributed resources.
Grid issues plague solar’s comeback in Czechia
The lack of a transparent grid capacity system in Czechia is eroding the solar self-consumption business model, and in some parts of the country, grid bottlenecks are delaying grid connections.
Plug-and-play PV system for garden fences
German PV product supplier Green Akku says that its new PV system can be vertically attached to fences. It reportedly generates more solar power, even in winter.
Mibet unveils new balcony solar mounting structure
China’s Mibet has developed a mounting system for PV modules installed on balcony railings, terraces, gardens, and garage rooftops. It offers a maximum title angle of 30 degrees and can withstand wind loads of 30 meters per second.
The Hydrogen Stream: Chinese companies push for hydrogen transport
CNPC and Sinopec are working on transporting hydrogen via pipelines, while Matrix Renewables has expanded its green hydrogen partnership with Rolwind Renovables.
EU launches first cross-border solar tender
Participants in the European Union’s new cross-border solar tender will have to submit project proposals with capacities between 5 MW and 100 MW. Luxembourg is providing a voluntary payment of €40 million ($43.9 million) and Finland is hosting the projects that will compete for the subsidies.
Italy sets new provisions for innovative agrivoltaics
The European Commission is now reviewing Italy’s new rules on agrivoltaics. They define which “innovative agrivoltaic systems” are entitled to the Italian government’s €1.1 billion ($1.2 billion) incentive scheme for agrivoltaics.
US manufacturer releases cold climate heat pump
Rheem has unveiled an air-source heat pump that provides uninterrupted heating under -30.5 C ambient conditions. It has successfully passed the US Department of Energy’s Cold Climate Heat Pump Challenge.
