The case for combining pumped-hydro storage with floating PV
Researchers in Italy have analyzed the techno-economic viability of enhancing three pumped hydro plants in Italy with floating PV on the lower basin. They say that, with their wide results, consequences could be extrapolated to similar regions.
The best tilt angle to improve PV module performance in world’s worst soiling accumulation zone
Scientists have measured the performance of PV modules under strong soiling conditions in Saudi Arabia and have identified the most suitable tilt angles for improving power generation. They have also found that a key role is played by rain intensity, dust, sandstorms, and cloud cover.
Vertical rooftop PV performs better than conventional rooftop solar under the snow
A case study analysis by Norway’s Over Easy Solar has found that vertical rooftop solar panels outperform conventional rooftop PV systems during snowy months. Energy yield was up to 30% higher in the winter months in Norway, according to the company.
Pumping underground water in the desert with PV, wind
Scientists have designed a system that combines solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to operate water pumping systems in Jordan. They simulated it under several scenarios in search of the optimal size.
Five-year testing show PV façades perform better than expected
Researchers in the Netherlands have analyzed the performance of PV façades during the period 2018-2023 and have found that these system may generate more economic value than conventional rooftop PV systems. Their analysis was based on financial, technical and environmental metrics
Improving solar cell efficiency with upconversion nanoparticles
An international research group has developed a light upconversion system that can reportedly improve crystalline silicon solar cell efficiency by up to 0.87%. The technology consists of multilayer nanoparticles that act as near-infrared absorbers across different spectral ranges.
Panasonic powers UK factory with solar-driven hydrogen fuel cell generators
Panasonic has launched a solar-powered hydrogen fuel cell project at its factory in Cardiff, Wales, with the microwave assembly now operating on renewable energy.
Desalination system based on PVT-driven membrane distillation
Scientists have designed a PVT-driven direct contact membrane distillation system for off-grid applications. The system is intended for desalination purposes in remote areas.
Anti-soiling coating increases PV panel current in arid regions by 64.7%
Scientists in Egypt have created an anti-soiling coating for solar panels by mixing ethanol, deionized water, ammonium hydroxide and tetraethyl orthosilicate. They tested a coated panel outdoors for ten months and found that the panel showed a 64.7% higher current compared to reference modules without coating.
The Hydrogen Stream: Harvard researchers say H2 costs underestimated
Harvard University researchers say hydrogen costs are underestimated due to unaccounted storage and distribution variability across sectors, while Kore Infrastructure has told pv magazine that it aims to reach a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of between $1/kg and $2/kg.
