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 […]

Chinese PV Industry Brief: 50 GW plan for rooftop, BIPV

Elsewhere, Wafer manufacturer Shangji Automation has secured a long-term wafer supply agreement from cell maker Aiko Solar and wafer maker Zhonghuan Semiconductor reported record revenue for 2021. Furthermore, GCL-Poly appears to have backtracked on its plan to rename the business GCL Technology The Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Construction (MOHURD) released a development plan aimed […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

Rollable CIGS solar modules from France

French start-up Solar Cloth is planning to scale up capacity at its module production facility near Cannes. The factory will produce 17.6%-efficient flexible solar modules integrated into textile supports. French start-up Solar Cloth has developed a copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) solar module for housing, greenhouses, aeronautics, mobility, sports and leisure applications. The modules […]

The weekend read: Charging with solar at home

From pv magazine 02/2022 One of the biggest differences between residential EVs is in terms of solar-optimized charging. With solar-optimized charging an energy management system adjusts the charging power so that, as far as possible, charging always takes place with the surplus rooftop solar electricity. Such systems, if there is little sunshine or household electricity […]