PV-thermal energy with heat pumps, aquifer thermal storage in buildings
Researchers in the Netherlands have simulated a residential energy system combining PV, solar thermal, and PV-thermal panels with aquifer thermal energy storage and a heat pump, achieving a seasonal coefficient of performance of seven across five buildings.
Using Sudoku to improve power yield in PV systems under partial shading
Indian researchers have developed a Sudoku-based technique to reduce power losses in PV systems operating under partial shading. They claim the method increases energy efficiency and revenue generation more than conventional reconfiguration techniques.
Solitek launches anti-glare black bifacial solar modules
Lithuania’s Solitek has launched full-black 425 W bifacial solar modules with matte, satin-textured glass for glare-sensitive sites such as airports, road barriers, and buildings.
Novel switched capacitor boosting inverter for PV usage
Researchers have designed a new switched-capacitor-based multilevel inverter topology with nine switches. They have tested it in simulations and in hardware-in-the-loop tests. Efficiency reached up to 96.5%.
Dual PV module cooling tech based on water, air
Scientists in Hungary have built an experimental rig that uses a 60 W polycrystalline solar panel with 152 holes drilled into its frame for air cooling, as well as high-conductivity copper alloy pipes and fins placed on its back for water cooling.
French solar module maker CreaWatt placed in receivership
French solar module maker CreaWatt was placed in receivership on July 16, with a court hearing set for Sept. 3 to determine its future.
Sungrow launches next-gen hybrid residential energy storage system
Sungrow Power has revealed its newest hybrid residential energy storage system. Upgrades to its MG Series inverters and a battery will be launched in Q4.
Tigo introduces solar inverter output control for system repowering
Limiting inverter output, called derating, enables installers to maintain system power rating when adding a new inverter to an existing solar installation, or to help homeowners qualify for incentives with precise power targets.
European solar installers face declining sales, installations
A German sustainability research center says a market survey shows that installation volumes and revenues are falling among large European solar installers with annual revenue above €100 million ($117.5 million).
German mounting system provider launches plug in mini rooftop PV system
Germany-based Ilzhöfer is offering plug-in mini PV systems for flat and trapezoidal sheet metal roofs. The arrays feature 450 W bifacial solar panels.
