Research from France shows that PV panel height influences airflow and evapotranspiration in agrivoltaic systems, with heights under 3 meters affecting crops. Scientists emphasize the need for accurate measurements and computational fluid dynamics for water and energy exchanges. Panel height is crucial for determining impact on agricultural yield and energy production. Airflow modifications can significantly affect energy, water, and gas exchanges, as well as photosynthesis. High panels with proper spacing can reduce panel temperature and enhance energy generation. The section discusses a study on an experimental agrivoltaic plant with bifacial PV modules mounted on trackers, showing that soil moisture in the agrivoltaic section remained above field capacity until spring, while the control zone experienced water stress by May. PV panels affected airflow, reducing wind speed and turbulence, with variations depending on panel tilt and wind direction. The researchers emphasized the need for a specific evapotranspiration formulation for agrivoltaic systems, considering panel geometry, airflow, radiation, and plant height, with computational fluid dynamics simulations confirming the qualitative trends observed in the study.
Tag: France
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French startup launches ‘universal’ home energy management system
Access to France's reduced VAT rate for residential solar installations is dependent on the use of low-carbon panels and a home energy management system, such as PvPilot's software. This platform orchestrates household electrical devices in real time based on solar production and consumption patterns, controlling devices like water heaters, batteries, and electric vehicle charging stations. By visualizing energy data and optimizing AC-coupled batteries, the system aims to increase solar self-consumption and enable fully solar-powered operation without drawing from the grid. This B2B2C model offers a comprehensive solution for maximizing the efficiency and sustainability of residential solar installations.
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Ore Energy completes 100-hour iron-air storage system for EDF in France
Ore Energy has successfully completed a pioneering 100-hour iron-air long-duration energy storage system pilot project for EDF in France, funded by the EU. This groundbreaking project, the first of its kind in Europe, showcases the potential of iron-air technology to offer multi-day energy storage in a practical utility environment. Through testing under different load profiles and seasonal conditions, the system demonstrated its ability to store and discharge energy for up to four days. The valuable data gathered from this pilot project will play a crucial role in assessing long-duration storage technologies for meeting renewable energy balancing requirements in Europe.
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A Coal Town Reborn
The town of Loos-en-Gohelle in France has successfully transitioned from a coal mining economy to a sustainable one, with solar panels powering 90% of public energy needs by 2021. The town embraced its mining heritage and involved locals in the transformation process, leading to a diverse range of projects in clean energy, agriculture, biodiversity protection, and more. Citizen participation was key in this transition, which took decades and involved breaking away from the control of mining companies. The success of Loos-en-Gohelle has inspired others to replicate its citizen-powered transition model, with the founding of La Fabrique des Transitions to spread its methods nationwide, potentially impacting France's climate transition efforts.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/france-coal-town-reborn-loos-en-gohelle/
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New European solid-state battery business targets commercial production
Axens Group, Syensqo, and IFP Energies nouvelles have joined forces to establish Argylium, a company dedicated to developing high-performance sulfide solid electrolytes for solid-state batteries in Europe. Utilizing technology from Syensqo's Paris laboratory, Argylium aims to industrialize next-generation sulfide solid electrolyte materials for all-solid state batteries. With a solid-state battery pilot line in La Rochelle, France, the company's goal is to commercialize these materials and contribute to the advancement of climate-friendly energy storage solutions.
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Ordinary people can’t keep paying for a crisis they didn’t create
Chloé Sublet and Léa Renault, participants in the Tax Their Billions campaign by 350.org, advocate for billionaires to pay their fair share for climate solutions. The campaign has influenced public opinion in France towards taxing extreme wealth to fund environmental action, emphasizing the need for accountability and a just transition. 350.org encourages followers to join their climate movement for a safe and equitable future, highlighting the power of ordinary people coming together to push boundaries in the fight against climate change. Climate justice, according to Chloé and Léa, can only be achieved when responsibility is placed where it belongs.
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EVs Take 32.9% Share In France – Renault 5 Record Volume
In November, plugin EVs accounted for 32.9% of auto sales in France, with BEVs experiencing nearly a 50% year-on-year growth. The Renault 5 emerged as the top-selling BEV, achieving record sales volume. This surge in BEV sales is attributed to the Social Leasing program and the production ramp-up of affordable new models, leading to a steep decline in diesel and petrol vehicle sales. Renault and Hyundai Inster are gaining market share for electric vehicles, with BEVs and some HEVs seeing growth while combustion-only vehicles are facing losses. Despite a weak macroeconomy, the focus in France remains on transitioning to electric vehicles, with questions about BEV market share in December and the potential impact on Tesla's market position.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/12/20/evs-take-32-9-share-in-france-renault-5-record-volume/
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DMEGC launches framed solar module weighing 7.5 kg/m2
At the EnerGaïa trade show in France, Chinese manufacturer DMEGC unveiled the DMxxxM10RT-54HBW-LV lightweight rooftop solar module designed for roofs with low load-bearing capacity, weighing less than 7.5 kg/m2. With a power output of 460 W, the module meets the requirements of fragile roof structures and is certified to IEC standards. By utilizing thinner glass, the module aims to make thousands of square meters of rooftops usable for solar energy, offering a promising solution for expanding solar energy capacity in areas with limited roof strength.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/10/dmegc-launches-framed-solar-module-weighing-7-5-kg-m2/
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Toyota developing two-seater electric vehicle with solar roof
Toyota Manufacturing UK is leading a consortium to develop a lightweight micro-mobility electric vehicle with a PV roof, digital connectivity, and sustainable components, aiming to extend driving range by 20%. The project, supported by the University of Derby researchers and funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade with £15 million, focuses on creating a last-mile L6e-type vehicle with integrated solar PV. Partners in the consortium will collaborate on shared components to reduce costs and create economies of scale. This initiative aligns with other similar projects like the European Giants consortium and the French Croisière Verte team's use of portable solar with lightweight electric vehicles.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/10/28/uk-team-developing-tinyvipv/