How to combine residential heat pumps with PV, battery storage
New research from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has shown that combining rooftop PV systems with battery storage and heat pumps can improve heat pump efficiency while reducing reliance on grid electricity.
3S Swiss Solar Solutions completes 250 MW module factory in Switzerland
Switzerland-based module manufacturer 3S Swiss Solar Solutions opened its second production facility in its home country.
Cyprus launches rebate scheme for rooftop solar
The scheme is expected to help around 6,000 homes install solar panels and will open for applications in February.
April total eclipse to impact solar generation from Mexico to New England
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that, on April 8, a total eclipse will pass from Mexico, across Texas and up the East Coast, with most of the continental US experiencing a significant drop in solar generation.
New research shows potential of hydrogen-source heat pumps
A new research project, thought to be the first to assess hydrogen as an energy source for heat pumps, has found that hydrogen-backed heat pumps could be an eco-friendly option for the building sector and support decarbonization in line with the UK’s net-zero targets.
AEG launches 23.3%-efficient ABC solar panel with 40-year warranty
AEG is currently offering three versions of its new ABC solar panels for rooftop applications, with power outputs of 445 W to 455 W and efficiency ratings ranging from 22.8% to 23.3%. They feature half-cut ABC cells with n-type technology.
California unlikely to reach clean energy targets without rooftop solar
California’s rooftop solar industry is rapidly shedding jobs and losing companies to bankruptcy due to policy changes. The California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) has suggested some near-term policy changes to slow the bleeding.
Germany hits 356,000 heat pump installations in 2023
Heat pump sales in Germany rose by more than 50% for the second year in a row in 2023, according to new figures from Bundesverband Wärmepumpe (BWP).
Australian consumers say bigger is better for rooftop solar
Solar panel and system prices are on the decline in Australia, but figures from industry analyst SunWiz show that a growing number of Australian households are opting to forgo savings in search of higher generation capacity.
Distributed US solar and storage policy trends
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center covers the latest trends in US solar policy.
