Survey captures wide-spread optimism for solar’s future, but respondents divided over AI
Nearly two-thirds of a survey’s respondents said they believe solar will become the dominant energy source in their country. However, the survey also captured many challenges the OEMs, technicians and solar installers face.
Mercedes-Benz testing new solar paint
Mercedes-Benz said it is now evaluating a 20%-efficient, non-silicon photovoltaic coating that is significantly cheaper than conventional solar modules.
Subsea pumped storage tech secures funding from U.S., German governments
A cross-Atlantic subsea pumped storage collaboration will seek to overcome the land-based challenges plaguing traditional pumped hydro storage technology.
PV Hardware unveils solar tracker
The Spanish company said that its new tracker “is designed for maximum adaptability to any terrain.” It works with all PV modules.
BP completes takeover of Lightsource business
Deal for 50.03% of Lightsource BP leaves oil and gas giant with total control of renewables developer. Lightsource BP is expected to continue trading with a standalone operating model, retaining its independent brand.
Storing solar power through aluminum-rock composite
UK-based Caldera has developed a new heat storage technology that can reportedly convert on-site generated solar power into on-demand heat, thus replacing conventional gas boilers. The system uses a composite of recycled aluminum and volcanic rocks to store heat at up to 500 C and produce steam.
New process to recover silver from end-of-life solar cells achieves 98% efficiency
Scientists have used hydrometallurgical and electrochemical processes to recover pure silver from solar cells. The proposed technique also utilizes a method known as electrodeposition-redox replacement, which reportedly increases the silver recovery rate.
Northvolt closes Cuberg’s ops, shifts lithium-metal battery R&D to Sweden
Three years after acquiring U.S.-based Cuberg, Swedish battery maker Northvolt has decided to shut down the California unit and move future lithium-metal battery R&D to Sweden.
New bidding strategy for PV asset owners operating in spot market
Conceived by an international research team, the new bidding strategy applies to the day-after and the intraday markets. It uses a technique that transforms results from probabilistic models into actual scenarios. Their method showed its ability to yield increased revenues and reduced imbalance.
Mobile floating PV plant powers Paris’ Olympic village
Transported 900 metres along the Seine, a 78 kW temporary photovoltaic power plant has docked at the Athletes’ Village to meet the needs of the Olympic and Paralympic Place for renewable electricity consumption.
