A research team from China's Hebei University of Technology has proposed an innovative air-source heat pump coupled energy storage (ASHPCES) system for buildings, which combines an air-source heat pump with thermal energy storage to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operating costs. The system stores thermal energy during off-peak electricity tariff periods and uses it during peak demand hours, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to a conventional ASHP system without thermal storage. Using a storage-assisted configuration led to a 21.9 MWh reduction in annual electricity consumption, an 8.8% decrease in carbon emissions, and a 51.4% cut in annual operating costs, with a dynamic payback period of approximately 3.57 years. This approach also reduced the number of heat pump units needed and upfront investment costs, highlighting the benefits of utilizing time-of-use tariffs and peak-valley electricity prices for improved economic and environmental performance.
Author: Pv Magazine
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SolarWindow launches 0.85 mm-thick, self-adhesive solar film
SolarWindow Technologies has launched ElectroFlex, a thin and flexible solar product with a power conversion efficiency of 24.4% and a power-to-weight ratio of 73 W/kg, suitable for flat and curved surfaces without frames or support structures. Targeted for transportation, marine, aerospace, and architecture sectors, SolarWindow plans to expand sales to North America and Asia. Additionally, the company is developing LiquidElectricity, a transparent coating to generate electricity from glass and plastic surfaces.
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Korean scientists unveil 10 kW chemical adsorption heat pump prototype
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a chemical adsorption heat pump for cooling applications in commercial buildings, factories, and data centers. This system uses waste heat to release refrigerant, which is then condensed and evaporated to provide cooling or heating. The system is primarily driven by waste heat, requiring minimal electricity for auxiliary equipment. It achieved a specific cooling power of 346.5 W/kg and uses ammonia as a natural refrigerant, making it environmentally friendly.
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Quinbrook advances plans for polysilicon factory in Australia
Quinbrook-owned Solquartz has partnered with Townsville City Council to construct Australia's inaugural quartz-to-silicon manufacturing complex at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct. The project encompasses a polysilicon manufacturing plant fueled by solar and battery energy storage, with the Northern Quartz Campus set to generate silicon products for solar panels and other technologies. With an estimated cost of AUD 8 billion, the initiative is slated to begin operations by 2030, with the goal of positioning Townsville as a center for advanced manufacturing powered by renewable energy.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/24/quinbrook-advances-plans-for-polysilicon-production-plant/
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‘Inclusion means judging ideas on their merits’
Janine Wirth, founder of Ilanco GmbH, specializes in physical cable theft prevention for large-scale solar parks. She challenges the industry's reliance on documenting and responding to theft by focusing on preventing the loss event itself. Since Ilanco's first installation in February 2024, not one cable protected by its system has been stolen. Janine advocates for diverse thinking in renewable energy and believes innovation begins with questioning traditional practices. The success of her system demonstrates that innovation can come from different backgrounds and perspectives, emphasizing the importance of judging ideas based on their merits rather than the background of the person presenting them.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/21/inclusion-means-judging-ideas-on-their-merits/
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EU adopts budget-flexibility guidelines for photovoltaics, heat pumps, and BESS
The European Commission has extended the national escape clause for defense to include energy security measures during 2026-2028, allowing flexibility in budgetary spending to support the transition away from fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. Criteria such as additionality, effectiveness, and sustainability of public finances will be considered for accessing this flexibility. Eligible measures include investments in renewable energy, energy storage technologies, nuclear power plants, electric vehicle infrastructure, and building energy renovations. Member States must provide a list of planned energy security measures and estimated costs for approval by the Commission.
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Bangladesh mandates solar charging for millions of electric rickshaws
Bangladesh has mandated the use of solar power for charging the batteries of millions of illegally operated three-wheelers, aiming to reduce pressure on the grid and fuel resources. This transition is expected to create investment opportunities, generate employment, and contribute to green power generation in the country. Industry experts have welcomed the policy as a significant step towards sustainability, with the recommendation to include net metering for its success.
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Solar powerhouse to storage leader
Subscribe digitally to access exclusive investigative reporting, expert insights, and in-depth analysis on climate solutions. This subscription provides premium background coverage and full access to the digital edition of the magazine, offering valuable information for climate solutions experts looking for comprehensive and up-to-date resources.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/21/solar-powerhouse-to-storage-leader/
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Study finds arable crops adapt surprisingly well to agrivoltaic shading
A study by Germany's University of Hohenheim and the Jülich Research Centre found that crops like barley, beans, potatoes, cabbage, and maize can effectively adapt their photosynthesis to altered light conditions caused by photovoltaic modules. The study also showed that agroforestry systems, where trees or shrubs grow alongside crops, can decrease plants' light requirements significantly under partial shade, allowing them to use CO2 more efficiently for photosynthesis. This adaptability could be used to identify and breed crop varieties suitable for agrivoltaic systems. Agrivoltaics can help mitigate heat and drought stress by improving the microclimate, lowering soil temperatures, and helping soil retain moisture for longer periods, making them important for agriculture to adapt to climate change. Yield data varied by location and crop type, with no consistent pattern, but the research provides insights into how crops respond to natural shading, offering fundamental knowledge for sustainable farming solutions.
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Low concentrator photovoltaic receiver for wireless laser power transmission
Researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain have developed a low-concentrator photovoltaic receiver for wireless laser power transmission, aiming to improve power-conversion efficiency and angular tolerance under static illumination. They used monocrystalline silicon cells with interdigitated back-contact architecture and PMMA concentrators for fabrication, highlighting the need for further optimization in laser-to-electricity conversion efficiency. Additionally, researchers found that grouping solar cells based on similar photocurrent can significantly reduce losses, with a ring interconnection architecture performing almost as well as an ideal mismatch-free configuration. The team emphasized the importance of current-balancing strategies and tailored interconnection schemes for high-efficiency laser-powered photovoltaic reception, while also developing a semi-transparent crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic module with rear-side optical concentrators for agrivoltaics applications, balancing efficiency and optical transparency while minimizing shading.