Protecting the grid from extreme weather
IEC Standards help to make the grid more resilient as the impact of climate change intensifies.
How to reduce PV module temperature with frame perforations
Scientists in China have investigated how frame perforations can help reduce the operational temperatures of solar modules through air cooling. Their findings show that the number of perforations must be carefully calibrated, and that more is not necessarily better.
Forschungszentrum Jülich achieves 23.08% efficiency for copper-metallized heterojunction solar cell
The cell reportedly exhibits only a 0.4% efficiency loss compared to a reference device that underwent full silver metallization.
New simulation tool to measure angular losses in PV systems
Researchers in Spain reviewed six models used to calculate incidence angle modifier (IAM) losses in photovoltaic systems. They identified the Martín-Ruiz model as the most comprehensive, as it uniquely accounts for additional angular losses caused by soiling.
Field trial shows third-party control of residential heat pumps can provide grid flexibility
UK researchers find that smart, centrally controlled air-source heat pumps could slash peak electricity demand. The technology not only keeps homes comfortable but also boosts grid flexibility and cuts emissions.
France concludes C&I rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.09648/kWh
The French authorities have concluded a commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop PV tender with an average price of €0.09648 ($0.1108)/kWh. The government allocated 300.9 MW of PV capacity in total.
AGC, NPC developing new PV cover glass recycling tech
The Japanese companies announced a partnership to advance the recycling of solar panel cover glass for application in architectural flat glass production.
Ricoh developing perovskite solar technology for space, buildings
The Japanese imaging and electronics company said tests of its perovskite solar cell technology will be conducted in a demonstrator system aboard an unmanned cargo spacecraft operated by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have tested various types of heat pumps in existing buildings across Germany over four years, finding that the systems achieved seasonal performance factors between 2.6 and 5.4. The team also showed that PV-driven heat pumps can boost self-consumption rates, particularly when paired with battery storage.
GoodWe debuts PV-driven heat pump water heaters
The Chinese manufacturer said their new residential heat pump water heaters deliver a coefficient of performance of up to 4.2, with a heating capacity ranging from 4.5 kW to 5 kW. The units are available with water tanks in 200 L, 300 L, and 500 L sizes.
