Photovoltaic-thermal window achieves 3.6% electrical efficiency, provides hot water at 50 C
Scientists have developed a window that uses a semi-transparent amorphous silicon PV layer. The group tested the system in London at different inclination angles and found it can achieve a maximum electrical efficiency of 3.6% and a maximum thermal efficiency of 17.6%.
The frost heave challenge in solar installations
A Terrasmart Innovation Engineer looks at ways of overcoming weather challenges particular to the installing solar in Midwest states.
Maxeon Solar reports $179 million Q3 loss
The Singapore-headquartered company has faced product detainment by U.S. Customs and has announced plans to focus solely on the U.S. market.
Taiwan launches $126 million rebate program for small rooftop PV
Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) says it will offer up to TWD 300,000 ($9,260) per project through a $126 million rebate program for small rooftop PV systems, with eligibility limited to systems not exceeding 3 kW.
Exploring the role of hybrid energy hubs: introducing IEA PVPS Task 20
The International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) is starting a new Task 20: Energy Hubs for Green Hydrogen. This joint effort with the IEA Wind and Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) seeks to advance the integration of wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies into hybrid energy systems that produce green hydrogen efficiently and sustainably. Running from 2025 to 2028, Task 20 will address the practical, technical, environmental, and societal challenges associated with hybrid energy hubs, providing actionable insights for their implementation on a global scale.
German startup offers refurbished solar modules in balcony PV systems
Germany’s Panelretter is now offering German customers plug-in solar devices that use refurbished second-life solar modules. There are three different models with output ranging from 400 W to 810 W. The prices for the complete sets start at €220 ($232).
India reaches 63 GW of annual PV module manufacturing capacity
India has reached an annual PV module manufacturing capacity of about 63 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
Northern Europe takes the brunt of first winter systems
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that European solar generation displayed a sharp north-south divide in November. Southern Europe benefited from a stabilizing high-pressure system that deflected much of the Atlantic’s moisture-laden air masses northward.
Germany concludes rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.0904/kWh
The German authorities have selected 119 MW projects totaling 259 MW in the nation’s latest rooftop PV tender. The final prices ranged from €0.0745 ($0.0787)/kWh to €0.0969/kWh.
US targets 50 GW of solar in 2024
The United States is expected to grow its solar fleet by more than 25% from 2023 levels, with over 8 GW of distributed solar and more than 40 GW of utility-scale solar expected to be installed.
