A new research project by the European Union is funding the development of innovative heat storage systems with more than 4.7 million euros. The technologies are intended to help store solar heat generated during the summer inexpensively for use in the winter.
On the first of January, strict rules for construction came into effect in Germany. Heating new buildings without using renewable energy is nearly impossible. Oil heaters will probably not be used anymore in new single family houses.
As part of a research project, the Swiss Institute for Solar Technology SPF in Rapperswil has developed a new solar heat pump heating system that achieves energy savings of up to 30%. At the same time, the system ensures that almost no errors can occur during installation.
A city district in the German town Freiburg will use a solar thermal system for heating and hot water production. During periods with low solar irradiation, the buildings will be supplied with heat from a district heating system.
A Scottish ultra-low carbon home won a prestigious Solar Award using a very uncommon solar installation. Ignoring some subsidies schemes, both PV and solar thermal panels are arranged in a quite unusual east-west-configuration.
What happens to a collector when it is exposed to the elements day in and day out? Does it lose a significant amount of its performance over the years or might the frame even crumble at some point? Researchers did not find evidence for any of this. Modern, industrially manufactured collectors are resilient. And not just in the moderate climate of central Europe, but also under extreme conditions such as in tropical India.
The German solar pioneer Solvis has filed for bankruptcy. Insolvency proceedings were initiated on 30 October. However, an investor from the United States has already been found who will take over the company.
Here you can find a small selection of comprehensive market overvies from the solar thermal sector:
Market Overview: Vacuum Tube Collectors
Market Overview: Flat Plate Collectors
Market Overview: Solar Stations
Photovoltaic Feed