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Large-scale solar can cool nearby areas

An international team of scientists observed a cooling effect in a large radius around solar arrays. The cooling may have implications for local ecosystem management. Scientists from the University of California-Davis, Lancaster University, and Ludong University in China published research showing that utility-scale solar facilities can have a cooling effect not only on the land covered by…
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New discovery could make organic PV competitive with crystalline silicon

A group of international researchers has observed how non-radiative charge recombination occurs in organic PV and claims to have identified a potential solution that could bring this solar tech closer to crystalline silicon in terms of power conversion efficiency. An international research team led by the University of Cambridge, in the United Kingdom, claims to have…
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New mounting structure for floating PV

The float can host conventional solar modules with a 120-cell design, a power output of over 400 W, and a weight not exceeding 30kg. It is being developed by South Africa-based Phelan Energy Group, in Dubai. South Africa-based solar project developer Phelan Energy Group has unveiled a new floating structure for solar modules that is based on…
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The U.S. installed 5.7 GW of solar in Q2

The second quarter of 2021 was the 4th best on record as the U.S. installed 5.7 GW of capacity. The second quarter of 2021 was a record Q2 for U.S. solar development with 5.7 GW installed. This marks the 4th largest quarter ever for solar development in the United States. Sector-by-sector growth was strong. It…
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EU offers €1m to help plan cross-border renewables

Preparatory studies can be backed by a funding line offered under the energy program of the Connecting Europe Facility infrastructure cashpot, with applications open until November 30. Public and private bodies planning cross-border renewables projects in the European Union can take advantage of a €1 million funding line to help finance preparatory studies. The European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment…
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Iberdrola to hybridize four Spanish wind farms with solar PV

Iberdrola plans to build four hybrid PV-wind projects in Andalusia, southern Spain. Spanish energy giant Iberdrola has submitted several proposals to hybridize some of its wind farms in Spain with solar plants. According to the Spanish Official Journal, the company plans to build a PV plant with a capacity of up to 33.3 MW in the municipality…
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PV-powered autonomous sea access for people with disabilities

Greek startup Tobea has developed a PV-powered platform for people with disabilities. The system consists of a fixed-track mechanism in which a moving chair can be shifted in and out of the water. It can be powered by conventional modules and relies on a battery supplied by a Greek manufacturer. Greek startup Tobea Ltd., a…
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Clean Energy Group awards $1 million for solar + storage in underserved communities

The funds have led to the completion of 30 solar + storage projects in low-income communities, with 63 more on the way. Clean Energy Group (CEG), a national nonprofit focused on the equitable expansion of clean energy, said it awarded more than $1 million in grants to community-serving organizations advancing solar + storage. The grants have…
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Solar-powered delivery van with 400 km range

Swedish start-up Clean Motion is seeking to commercialize an electric delivery van that is also powered by IBC solar modules placed on its roof. The vehicle is claimed to have a 400 km range, of which up to 130 km are provided by the PV array. Swedish start-up Clean Motion is planning to start production…
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Anumar switches on southern Germany’s largest solar park

The 120 MW solar plant will sell power under two long-term PPAs for the electricity to be generated by 90 MW of its capacity. Bavarian photovoltaic company Anumar has officially commissioned its Schornhof solar park – located in Berg im Gau, 20km southwest of Ingolstadt – with a capacity of 120 MW. According to the company, it…
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