Lior Kahana

Italian researchers have developed a palladium-on-silicon catalyst using recycled PV module silicon, enabling efficient microwave-assisted biaryl synthesis. The catalyst achieved high yields, recyclability, and lower environmental impact compared with conventional silicon and carbon-based supports.

Researchers have developed a framework that simultaneously determines the optimal siting and sizing of energy storage while identifying worst-case grid component failures. They said the framework analyzed power networks with up to 116 buses in less than 100 seconds.

Researchers found that floating PV systems do not necessarily experience higher humidity-induced stress than ground-mounted systems, with climate conditions and system design often playing a larger role.

The dual-source photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) heat pump combines solar and ambient-air heat collection in a single finned evaporator, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers. The researchers say the simplified design could reduce installation costs.

Researchers in Japan have identified the circuit-level mechanism behind hotspot mirroring in half-cell HJT modules, showing that current mismatch can drive localized overheating in unshaded cells. The study combines outdoor measurements and simulations to reveal key design factors influencing hotspot severity, offering guidance for improving half-cell module reliability.

Spanish researchers have developed a three-phase framework that uses unmanned aerial vehicles to map PV plants, identify defective modules and assess fault severity. Tested at two utility-scale facilities in England, the method achieved module-detection accuracy of up to 98.55% and fault-classification accuracy of 96.6%.

A research team has used machine learning and spatial analysis to show that socioeconomic factors are most strongly associated with PV waste generation, while geographical and climatic conditions are more closely linked to PV lifespan. Their Australia-wide analysis suggests PV recycling policies should be tailored to regional conditions.

Researchers in China found a hybrid system combining 200 kW of PV, 200 kW of wind and a 100 kWh battery achieved a 70.8% self-sufficiency rate for a community consuming 1,000 kWh per day. While standalone PV delivered a lower levelized cost of energy, the hybrid configuration offered the best overall balance between cost and supply reliability.

Researchers have developed a game-theory-based method for optimizing the location, capacity and operation of distributed energy storage. Simulations on a 33-node distribution network reportedly reduced load fluctuations from 25.98% to 14.25% while requiring around 85% less storage capacity than conventional methods.

An Italian research team has developed a 121-sensor monitoring platform for agrivoltaic greenhouses, integrating PV performance, microclimate analysis, and automated irrigation control. Tested under real conditions in a semi-transparent PV greenhouse, the system enables detailed crop-environment monitoring and provides a foundation for future Digital Twin-based adaptive management.