A research project led by Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has shown that vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) can significantly reduce strain on power grids, especially in the logistics sector with high electricity demands. Passenger cars in Central Europe could generate up to 55% of their electricity needs through onboard solar generation, while in Southern Europe, this could rise to 80%. VIPV systems have the potential to reduce charging costs, decrease the need for external charging infrastructure, and lower electricity demand from the European grid by 15.6 TWh by 2030 if all new vehicles sold between 2024 and 2030 were equipped with VIPV.
Tag: Southern Europe
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German scientists explore whether solar power plants can induce rain in deserts
A research project led by the University of Hohenheim in Germany, funded by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, aims to assess the climatic impacts of large-scale photovoltaic installations in desert regions. The project will study how photovoltaic parks in coastal desert environments could potentially enhance rainfall by interacting with moisture-bearing sea breezes. The research will involve deploying high-resolution LiDAR systems and conducting measurements near large solar installations in the United Arab Emirates to determine optimal size, placement, and design parameters for maximizing their impact on precipitation formation. The project also explores integrating solar power generation with drought-resistant crops and water management strategies in arid regions. Disturbed atmospheric teleconnections could impact solar power generation in various regions including North Africa, Southern Europe, the Southern Arabian Peninsula, India, North Asia, and Eastern Australia.