Greece awards 300 MW in storage tender
The Greek authorities have awarded 300 MW of new battery storage capacity in the nation’s second energy storage tender, split among 11 projects. The tender is part of the country’s 1 GW energy storage auction program.
New mounting system for east-west C&I PV systems
Netherlands-based Autarco has developed a new mounting structure for large PV modules in commercial and industrial arrays.
US researchers develop 108 cm2 perovskite solar module with 19.21% efficiency
The scientists built the panel with perovskite solar cells treated with trifluoromethane sulfonate to combat iodide defects. The mini module reportedly achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded for its size to date, with the result being confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
India’s THDC seeks consultant for 1.3 GW solar park
THDC India, on behalf of TREDCO Rajasthan, has started accepting bids to prepare a detailed project report for the development of a 1.29 GW solar park in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
Simulation model to determine coefficient of performance of air-source heat pumps
A Dutch research team has outlined a new method to assess the coefficient of performance of air-to-water heat pumps by considering ambient temperature and relative humidity. The model is based on the equalization of the so-called logarithmic mean temperature difference (LMTD), which determines the temperature driving force for heat transfer in flow systems such as heat exchangers.
US utility-scale solar capacity additions hit 36.4 GW in 2023
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says it expects developers to install nearly 63 GW of utility-scale electricity capacity in the United States in 2024 – mostly a mix of solar and batteries. It notes that the nation added roughly 36.4 GW of solar in 2023.
California introduces bill to assess rooftop solar net metering
California Assembly member Laura Friedman has introduced a bill to require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to consider the costs and benefits of rooftop solar and its non-energy benefits when designing net-metering rates.
Unusual winter weather led to record-breaking January in Europe
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that almost all of Europe experienced 10-25% more irradiance than the long term January average. Spain, in particular, experienced significant rainfall and slightly below average irradiance, while parts of Northern Europe enjoyed clear and sunny days for much of the month.
U.S. startup advances solar perovskite thin film roll-to-roll coating
Verde Technologies, a U.S.-based spinoff of the University of Vermont specializing in single junction and all thin-film tandem perovskite solar technologies, has demonstrated that its coating processes are transferable to existing commercial roll-to-roll manufacturing lines in a project with compatriot manufacturer Verico Technology.
Qcells exits Australian market
South Korean solar module maker Qcells told its local team this week that its Australian subsidiary will be closed. The decision underscores the highly competitive nature of the Australian solar marketplace and the company’s strategic decision to focus on its home market, the United States, and Europe.
