Statkraft aiming for up to €107 million in EU funding for hydrogen production in Germany
The Norwegian energy company wants to build 200 MW of electrolysis capacity in the German state of Lower Saxony. The waste heat generated is to be used for district heating. The EU has now asked Statkraft to enter into negotiations on funding.
German PV experts develop quality standard for solar modules
The new Solar Module Quality Standard is based on VDE SPEC 90038-1. It will guarantee that PV modules have been produced and tested according to uniform quality criteria.
Fraunhofer IMWS develops methodology for better lifetime predictions of inverters
The Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems (Fraunhofer IMWS) has developed a methodology to improve lifetime predictions of inverters, to help manufacturers reduce material use and testing efforts while lowering production costs without compromising device lifespan.
Germany wraps up ‘innovative’ tender with average price of €0.0709/kWh
Germany has concluded a new renewables tender, securing 583 MW of capacity at an average price of €0.0709 ($0.0771)/kWh.
Envertech launches microinverters for PV systems with up to 60 modules
Envertech says it has developed microinverters for PV systems supporting up to 60 modules, allowing up to four modules per unit with separate maximum power point tracking.
Otovo announces layoff plan
Norway’s Otovo says it plans to lay off around 170 employees. The company, which operates in 13 European countries, employed 384 people by the end of 2023.
IEA PVPS certifies that floating PV systems have small carbon footprint
Floating systems cause slightly more CO2 emissions than land-based solar systems, mainly because of the additional components for the structure. But overall, they also perform very well from a climate perspective.
Heat pump plus PV usually cheaper than gas heating after 11 to 14 years
An analysis by Eon and Aachen University shows how quickly heat pumps with and without photovoltaic systems and storage pay for themselves in different types of homes, also in comparison to gas heating. A heat pump with photovoltaics is usually more economical than without. Balcony solar usually pays for itself in three to six years. An accompanying survey shows that most people underestimate the economic viability of climate-friendly energy technologies.
Fraunhofer IAO, DHBW Heilbronn examine decentralized hydrogen storage
Researchers have analyzed various storage options for green hydrogen, such as in neighborhoods, at company locations and on campus grounds. Their study provides an overview of the respective advantages and disadvantages of physical, chemical and pure hydrogen storage.
Baywa re switches on 54 MW agrivoltaic site in Spain
Baywa re has commissioned a 54 MW agrivoltaic solar project in Spain. Denmark-based Velux has agreed to purchase most of its 96.8 GWh of annual output under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA).
