Korean scientists build PV-powered supercapacitor with 35.5 Wh/kg energy density
Scientists in Korea have fabricated a solar-powered charging device that can reportedly achieve a power density of 2,555.6 W kg and an energy efficiency of 63%. The system uses nickel-based compounds to enhance the electrochemical performance of its electrodes.
Oversized solar farm keeps lights on until midnight
A massive 2.4 GW solar power plant with a 2:1 DC-to-AC ratio, coupled with six hours of energy storage, has been approved in northern Oregon.
Germany deploys 16.2 GW of solar in 2024
Germany installed 16.2 GW of solar in 2024, bringing total PV capacity to 99.3 GW by the end of December 2024, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
Trina Solar sites earn first SSI ESG certifications for PV modules
Two of Trina Solar’s module manufacturing sites in China have become the first such facilities to complete environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessments under the Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI).
Croatia plans solar tenders in 2025
Croatia plans to allocate €25 million ($25.7 million) for public sector solar plants and heat pumps, alongside a €10 million residential solar tender, as part of a €652 million renewable energy and decarbonization package.
Romania finances 1.5 GW solar panel factory
Romania’s Ministry of Energy has given the green light to a 1.5 GW solar panel factory to be built in the northeastern part of the country.
Sierra Leone adopts financing model for private minigrid developers
Sierra Leone’s government is working with the European Union to launch a results-based financing mechanism, offering grants to private developers to build, own, and operate minigrids across the country.
Phnix releases PV-ready heat pumps for commercial buildings
The Chinese manufacturer said the latest version of its Phnix HeatMaster heat pump series enables seamless integration with PV arrays. The systems have a coefficient of performance of up to 5 and can reach an outlet water temperature of 75 C.
Novel MPPT tech based on salp swarm, hill climbing algorithms
Researchers have suggested to use a hybrid version of the so-called salp swarm algorithm (SSA) algorithm for maximum power point tracking in PV systems operating under highly fluctuating environmental conditions. The novel method also integrates the hill climbing algorithm, which simulates the process of climbing a mountain and reportedly helps find the best possible solution to a given problem.
Vertical rooftop PV performs better than conventional rooftop solar under the snow
A case study analysis by Norway’s Over Easy Solar has found that vertical rooftop solar panels outperform conventional rooftop PV systems during snowy months. Energy yield was up to 30% higher in the winter months in Norway, according to the company.
