Design framework for BIPV shading devices
Canadian researchers have developed a new model to improve the performance of building-integrated PV (BIPV) shades in buildings. They considered solar electricity, heat transferred through windows, and interior daylighting quality.
PV-powered residential air-source heat pump with PCM thermal storage
A UK research group has proposed the combination of solar-powered heat pumps and thermal storage based on phase-change materials for residential applications. They said such a system could facilitate cost savings of up to 39%.
US research institute proposes compensation for storage
Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL) researchers have developed a new framework to compensate energy storage as a dual-use asset.
Romania simplifies grid-connection process for distributed solar
The Romanian government has decided to make it easier to connect rooftop PV systems to the grid. The new rules, which will go into force soon, could spur the development of solar arrays under the country’s net metering regime.
Online tool provides answers to complexities of home solar, storage in Australia
The Australian PV Institute (APVI) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have launched a free version of SunSPOT, a tool for tailored guidance on ideal solar and battery setups.
Enphase to add up to 7.2 GW of US solar microinverter production capacity
Enphase CEO Badri Kothandaraman has said that the company will build four to six new manufacturing lines in the United States.
Japan on track to hit 90 GW of PV capacity by end 2023
The Japanese solar market reached a cumulative installed PV capacity of 78.4 GW at the end of 2021, according to a new report from IEA-PVPS. Japanese analyst Izumi Kaizuka told pv magazine that the country could annually install up 6 GW of new solar in both 2022 and 2023.
REC scraps plan to build 4 GW solar module factory in France
REC says it has dropped its plans to set up a factory in France due to “various market changes.” It wanted to invest €680 million ($716 million) to produce heterojunction solar modules in the town of Hambach.
Australian supply chains would benefit from addressing modern slavery issue
Australia’s Clean Energy Council and law firm Norton Rose Fulbright have published a white paper arguing that the country’s renewable energy supply chains could “benefit significantly” from a concerted effort to address forced labor.
Novel approach to thermophotovoltaics could lead to thermodynamic limit
US researchers have developed a new way to design solar thermophotovoltaics (STPV) with a lower efficiency deficit. They claim that the power generation tech could approach the Landsberg limit.
