Agrivoltaics can increase grape yield by up to 60%
French agrivoltaics company Sun’Agri says that two of its facilities increased grape yields by 20% to 60% in 2024, compared to areas without solar panels. The PV modules helped regulate temperature fluctuations, reducing summer heat peaks and winter temperature declines.
Overhead agrivoltaics could disrupt global navigation satellite systems used for precision agriculture
Fraunhofer ISE researchers have investigated whether PV panels installed above orchards can affect the reception of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals and, in turn, affect the precision of advanced autonomous tools. They found a disruption and suggested some alternatives.
Screen-printed colored glass BIPV modules with sequins-like effect
Swiss retailer Lehner Versand generates 24.5% of its building energy needs thanks to a renovation project that added 109 kW capacity of solar PV to its facade. The PV array has a sequins-like effect, enabled by screen-printed glass modules and a novel curtain wall sub-structure.
Hungary deploys 1.3 GW of solar in January-October period
Hungary installed 1.3 GW of solar between January and October, bringing its cumulative PV capacity to 7.3 GW by the end of October, according to new government data.
Germany set to cross 100 GW milestone
Germany might exceed 100 GW of cumulative solar capacity in 2024, as new projections from Bundesverband der deutschen Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW) estimate 17.5 GW in new PV installations.
India adds 20 GW of solar in 12 months to October
Indian PV developers installed 20 GW of solar in the 12 months to October, bolstered by a strong project pipeline. SBI Capital Markets projects 50 GW of combined solar and wind capacity additions in fiscal 2025 and 2026.
Scientists use microwave radiation to recover copper from old VVF power cables
A Japan-Italy research team say they have developed a simple and convenient method for recovering copper wires from PVC cables that involves the use of microwave radiation and avoids the generation or use of toxic chemicals.
Coupling PV with direct air capture
Researchers in China have suggested to combine PV plants with direct air capture (DAC) technologies in an effort to reduce solar curtailment and increase DAC competitiveness. They found that the proposed combination could become viable by 2030, especially if carbon prices will increase.
SolarEdge launches mobile app for residential, C&I solar installers
The company’s new mobile app is designed to combine all operations for solar installers, from installations and commissioning to management and servicing, in one streamlined platform.
Onyx Solar launches walkable PV tiles
The Spanish building integrated PV manufacturer has launched glass-glass modules suitable for rooftops and other urban spaces. The new products have a nominal capacity of 75 W.
