Solar fences stand out in Australian market simulation
Solar fences are starting to gain traction in European and North American markets, with figures from energy software specialist Gridcog suggesting that vertical bifacial solar could also be technically and economically viable in Australia.
Bosch unveils cold climate heat pump for residential applications
According to the manufacturer, the new Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra heat pump can provide 100% heating capacity at an outdoor temperature of -15 C and can operate down to – 25 C.
Das Solar claims record open-circuit voltage of 742 mV for n-type solar cell
Das Solar has achieved a world-record open-circuit voltage of 742 mV for an M10 n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell, with a power conversion efficiency of 26.33%, according to China’s National PV Industry Measurement and Testing Center (NPVM).
Shikun & Binui wins tender for 130 MW solar highway project in Israel
Israeli developer Shikun & Binui Energy says it will operate a 130 MW solar project next to a highway in Israel for a period of 25 years. It will also include up to 240 MWh of storage.
German companies unite to bring virtual power plants to mid-sized businesses
Germany’s Electrofleet has invested in its virtual power plant technology partner Dieenergiekoppler. The two collaborate to enable mid-sized businesses to use self-produced renewable energy based on fixed price contracts. Dieenergiekoppler’s latest financing round solidified the collaboration.
New solid state battery charges in minutes, lasts for thousands of cycles
Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) have developed a new lithium metal battery that can be charged and discharged at least 6,000 times — more than any other pouch battery cell — and can be recharged in a matter of minutes.
Japan PPA market now includes solar carports
Sumitomo and Shikoku Electric have agreed to sell solar power to Japanese retailer Aeon Mall under a power purchase agreement (PPA). Around 15 MW of solar carports are now being developed to supply the electricity.
Czechia records 970 MW of new solar in 2023
Czechia registered strong PV capacity growth in 2023, driven by a surge in residential installations. The nation’s PV association says it expects a shift toward larger power plants in the coming year, but notes the need for more energy storage capacity.
Hungary’s 2023 solar capacity additions hit 1.6 GW
Hungary had a record year for new solar in 2023, taking its total capacity to more than 5.6 GW. However, analysts warn that government policies are restricting foreign investment, while grid capacity shortfalls could stunt the country’s rapid rise.
EV owners more likely to install rooftop solar
Scientists at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have analyzed a survey of 869 households in the San Francisco Bay area and have found that electric vehicle (EV) owners are more likely to install rooftop solar on their homes than other consumers.
