“Solar process heat is a hot topic in research and development”
by Joachim Berner

Last winter, 15 students at Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt, Germany, were given a special assignment, namely to write down their design ideas for a solar system that could supply thermal energy to a factory. The aim was to make them familiar with state-of-the-art solar process heat technology.

Uncertain prospects for growth in Italy
by Riccardo Battisti

Figures from different sources have painted a mixed picture of Italy’s solar thermal market in 2018. According to Assotermica, the country’s Association of Manufacturers of Equipment and Components for Heating Systems, the sector declined by 8 % in 2018 compared to the previous year.

Webinar: How to use facades to generate solar energy

The focus of the next IEA SHC Solar Academy webinar will be on the assessment, onsite monitoring and simulation of building-integrated solar systems. On 18 September, three experts who work for Task 56, Building Integrated Solar Envelope Systems for HVAC and Lighting, will share their findings in a 1.5-hour webinar starting at 2 pm GMT.

Carbon tax in force but few have to pay
by Bärbel Epp

The South African carbon tax was finally implemented on 1 June 2019 after there had been several public consultations and delays over the last years. SHIP technology suppliers, however, have doubts that the new tax will boost demand for industrial solar heat.