WP5: Application-specific PV systems and components
Large-scale PV installations necessitate substantial land use. One solution to minimize conflict is the co-use of land, or to also utilize lakes or oceans.
Combining farmland with PVs – termed Agri-PV – can make use of areas used in agriculture without necessarily reducing food production. We will use pilot test sites in Norway to demonstrate how energy and food production can work together efficiently.
Floating PV (FPV) systems can make use of lakes and oceans; however, waves and wind will affect the performance and reliability over time. Through both experimental testing and modelling in different types of environment, we will make FPV more efficient and durable.
For solar panels on buildings or infrastructure, aesthetic considerations are key. By incorporating colors and varying gloss levels, we aim to ensure that solar panels blend seamlessly with their surroundings. We will develop new designs that are flexible, attractive, inexpensive, and easy to install.
