Photovoltaics for hydroponic greenhouses
Researchers in Iran have investigated the operation of a real solar-powered greenhouse in the Alborz province and have found that only 4% of the greenhouse’s roof needs to be covered with PV modules to meet demand for lighting and pumping water.
What crops fit with vertical agrivoltaics?
Research at three Canadian locations tried to identify which crops can grow between differently spaced rows of vertical agrivoltaic systems. The scientists concluded that all traditional corps could be grown at the research sites, including arugula, beets, bok choy, celery, coriander, collards, fava beans, kale, lettuce, parsley, parsnips, peas, swiss chard, and thyme.
Woltair expands online heat pump, solar PV platform
After finding growth in its home market and Poland, Czech Republic-based Woltair raised venture capital to expand its heat pump and solar PV software platform, used by both installers and homeowners, into Germany and Italy.
Component sizing key for upscaling high-temperature heat pumps
A group of researchers has investigated how high temperature heat pumps may be upscaled for industrial applications and has found that larger setups promise higher efficiency. They also found that smaller setups show a better coefficient of performance resulting from design effects.
Rooftop PV reduces building retrofitting costs by up to 50%
Cambridge researchers have analyzed the benefits of installing a PV system on the roof of an apartment building in addition to energy refurbishment and have found that photovoltaics, especially if combined with heat pumps, makes retrofit projects more affordable.
Intersolar 2024: Day 3: Tecloman unveils Cubox mobile storage platform
Our pv magazine newshounds will be walking the floors for one last time in Munich today as Intersolar Europe 2024 winds down for another year.
Researchers suggest using digested polymers for PV cell coatings, encapsulants
An international research team has proposed to use recyclable biomass-digested polymers as a material for PV coatings and encapsulants. The scientists developed a coating for PV cells that reportedly allows an increase in power output of up to 10%.
Intersolar Liveblog 2024: Ban-Ki Moon, Cate Blanchett at ‘We Choose Earth Tour’
Our pv magazine newshounds are walking the floors in Munich today to bring you all the developments at Intersolar Europe 2024.
Digital twin technologies for solar tracking in agrivoltaics
Fraunhofer ISE researchers are applying deep learning and digital twin modelling tools to optimize PV tracker control systems for use in farming and biodiversity projects. The goal is to be able to automatically position the modules throughout the day to meet the needs of the plants growing below, in light of the microclimatic conditions, and the need to optimize yield.
