Scientists claim PV systems combined with thermoelectric cooling may achieve 6-year payback time
Scientists in South Africa have modeled a photovoltaic system connected to a thermoelectric cooling device and have found it may produce around 9.2% more electricity than conventional PV system without cooling. The research team claims the proposed system guarantees a minimum cost saving of 10.56%.
Barriers to residential PV in South Africa
A scoping review examining the barriers to residential PV installations in South Africa says that no studies have considered how income effects the the likelihood of households adopting rooftop solar. The researchers claim this is “a glaring omission given debates on just transitions.”
Large-scale solar, battery storage hybrid starts operations in South Africa
Norwegian PV developer Scatec ASA has switched on a hybrid solar and battery storage facility in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
Eskom launches tender to build 75 MW solar project at coal plant
Utility Eskom is seeking proposals to build a 75 MW solar plant at the Lethabo Power Station in South Africa’s Free State province.
German developer sells 240 MW project in South Africa
PNE AG, a Germany-based developer, has sold a 240 MW photovoltaic project in South Africa’s Free State province to energy company NOA Group.
South African data center specialist to build 12 MW of solar
Africa Data Centres’ new solar farm in South Africa’s Free State will begin as a 12 MW array. It will initially service its Cape Town site, before extending to supply power to the company’s facilities in Johannesburg.
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaic system for medical support
A spinoff of Germany’s Fraunhofer Gesellschaft has developed a compact vehicle-integrated PV system integrated with medical support equipment to provide off-grid, off-road mobile healthcare in rural communities. The PV modules with integrated energy management system supply all the electricity required for maintaining a cold chain for vaccines, medicines and samples.
South Africa launches 616 MW/2,464 MWh battery storage tender
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) of South Africa has opened the third bid window for its Battery Energy Storage IPP Procurement Programme (BESIPPPP), which is procuring a total of 1,744 MW of four-hour battery storage systems. It has also announced the final winner from the first window.
Cape Town launches online solar authorization portal
Cape Town, South Africa, has opened an online portal to simplify the authorization process for solar and reduce approval waiting times.
The Hydrogen Stream: DNV launches hydrogen blending studies in North America
DNV has started working on blending feasibility studies in the Canadian province of British Columbia, while the US Department of Energy has announced $750 million in funding for 52 hydrogen projects across 24 states.
