Hybridizing photovoltaics with liquid air energy storage
An international group of researchers has designed a new hybrid photovoltaic-liquid air energy storage (PV-LAES) system. Their economic evaluation for the proposed 2 MW PV-LAES project showed that the investment payback period can be within 10 years, and the accumulated net profit can reach up to $2.2 million from a life-cycle perspective.
Solar tower of power shows benefits of vertical installations
Three Sixty Solar, a commercial and utility-scale solar developer, published a report this week that provides background on its vertically mounted solar system’s initial 16 months in operation.
Viessmann unveils ground-source heat pump for space, water heating
Viessmann has developed a heat pump for residential applications that can produce between 5.8 kW to 10.4 kW of heat. It has the capacity to heat 220 liters of domestic water, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 4.8 for space heating and 3.14 for water heating.
New database for Brazil’s solar generation potential
Scientists have calculated the solar generation potential of every Brazilian state. The study show that the nation has the potential to install 337.83 GW of solar. The state of Bahia leads with 43.97 GW, followed by Minas Gerais with 41.84 GW and Mato Grosso with 39.73 GW.
Germany concludes rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.1087/kWh
The German authorities reviewed 213 MW of bids and selected 195 MW of projects in the nation’s fifth tender. The final prices ranged between €0.0900 ($0.0959)/kWh and €0.1125/kWh. The final average price was €0.1087.
BayWa re to sell PV product distribution business
BayWa AG is strategically realigning BayWa re so it can sell its solar trade business. In the future, the subsidiary will focus on international projects as an independent power producer (IPP).
Guide to understanding solar production losses
Aurora Solar offers guidelines to make the most of a solar installation by avoiding losses.
Novel design for intermediate band solar cells
A UK-Australian research group has built an intermediate band solar cell with a quantum ratchet semiconductor nanostructure that reportedly increases the ratchet band state lifetime of the device. Their new design builds on a cell structure known as the Vaquero–Stainer Device (VSD).
India installed 1.6 GW of rooftop solar in 2022
India reached almost 8.8 GW of cumulative installed rooftop PV capacity at the end of December 2022. The state of Gujarat led in terms of deployment, with a 24% share of rooftop solar installations.
Fraunhofer ISE founder, solar pioneer Adolf Goetzberger dies
Adolf Goetzberger, the founder of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and an early proponent of photovoltaics, passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 94.
