India adds record 24.5 GW of solar in 2024
India installed a record 24.5 GW of solar capacity in 2024, marking its highest annual additions to date.
SolarEdge launches AI-based energy management system
The controller integrates selected third-party products into the SolarEdge EMS ecosystem by connecting to a household’s internet router via the local area network (LAN). It can communicate with inverters, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and SolarEdge’s servers.
Ontario rebate scheme to subsidize rooftop solar, heat pumps, battery storage
The government of the Canadian province of Ontario is launching an energy rebate program later this month, offering up to 30% off the cost of residential rooftop solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage for homes.
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).
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.
Storing photovoltaic-thermal energy with volcanic tuff stones
Scientists in China have used ground heat exchangers based on volcanic tuff stones to improve storage capabilities and efficiency of photovoltaic-thermal systems. Their experiments showed that the proposed combination effectively improves PV module cooling and thermal efficiency.
EcoFlow launches residential energy management system
At CES 2025, EcoFlow has launched its Oasis energy management platform, which uses AI to optimize home energy consumption, storage, and solar power use.
Hungary approves measures for solar on apartment buildings
Hungary has decided to allow apartment owners to jointly install solar panels and will only permit solar plants equipped with grid-connected inverters from July 2025.
