Creative thinking for vertical east-west bifacial PV projects
A Finnish-Norwegian research group has assessed the global potential of vertical east-west bifacial PV (VBPV) projects and found that these installations may provide a low LCOE at Nordic latitudes, in Central Europe and subtropical desert areas. The researchers also found that residential and commercial VBPV systems are a grid-friendly solution for low-voltage networks when compared […]
Aerocompact unveils quick-mounting hook for PV arrays on pitched roofs
The device is claimed to be an ideal solution for deploying solar arrays on Mediterranean roof architecture. Austrian mounting system provider Aerocompact has launched a quick-mounting hook for PV systems on pitched roofs. The new device is called the CompactPITCH XT35-VLOW and is claimed to be an ideal solution for Mediterranean roof architecture, which is […]
Svolt unveils new storage solutions for residential, commercial PV systems
The Chinese manufacturer has presented new products based on its lithium-iron phosphate battery technology. Their capacity ranges from 10.6 to 639.6kWh. From pv magazine Germany Chinese battery manufacturer Svolt has released a new stationary energy storage solution based on its on lithium iron phosphate technology. The battery storage is intended to be used in combination […]
MIT scientists develop PV cleaning system based on electrostatic repulsion
Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a system that can be operated at a voltage of around 12V, with a 95% recovery rate for lost power after cleaning. The waterless system can be operated automatically via an electric motor. Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a lab-scale solar module […]
Photovoltaic forced ventilated facade for applications with air source heat pumps
Scientists in Spain have designed a BIPV forced ventilated facade that can be used as support for heating and a domestic hot water (DHW) building system based on air source heat pumps (ASHPs). In the proposed system configuration, the heat pump is expected to cover building heating demand at all times, regardless of the performance […]
Submersing modular raft for floating photovoltaics
Developed by a Dutch consortium, the Hide and Shine Floating Solar (HAS FPV) technology is claimed to be extremely resistant to storms and harsh weather conditions. The modules can be submerged totally or partially and, in case of a severe storm, they can be submerged up to two meters below the surface. Waterschap Rivierenland, the […]
Mitrex releases solar brick for BIPV facades
Mitrex solar facades are being installed on a 7000 square feet area on a building in Canada, producing an estimated 90,000 kWh of power annually. From pv magazine USA Mitrex, a Canadian solar technology manufacturer, is launching the Solar Brick. This solar-integrated surface looks just like a brick wall, but embedded lie solar modules. Mitrex […]
Thermochemical storage-plus-rooftop PV to store heat for winter months
A group of researchers in the United Kingdom is developing a modular, multi-vector energy system that can be installed into new homes and retrofitted into existing buildings to provide seasonal heat storage. In the proposed system configuration, a rooftop solar array would be used to power a heat pump or another electrical heating element, which […]
Solar-powered robotic mower for vineyards
Developed by a French start-up, the robotic mower can be used in a 50-unit herd across a property of around 50 hectares and a radius of 20 km. It is powered by polycrystalline cells and equipped with battery storage. The system can operate with a maximum slope of 15% and reach a speed of 300m/h. […]
Solar foil for BIPV applications
HyET Solar and the Delft University of Technology are developing a photovoltaic foil technology that is claimed to be suitable for any type of surface. The solar foil has a 12.0% conversion efficiency and is based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon and nanocrystalline silicon in a tandem cell configuration. Netherlands-based flexible solar module maker HyET Solar […]