Articles written by Jochen Siemer

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QBE survey finds DC cabling and plug connections are most common causes of PV fires A survey by global industrial insurer QBE in Great Britain found that the number of fires is rising nearly twice as fast as the number of new photovoltaic installations. After DC cabling and connectors, the most common causes are solar modules, battery storage systems, and inverters.
Jochen Siemer
Aug 13, 2026
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Modulrahmen, Komposit, Kunststoff, Thornova
Thornova offers solar module composite frames Chinese manufacturer Thornova says that its new composite frames offers advantages in terms of stability, corrosion, and chemical resistance. Installation is also easier because no grounding is required.
Jochen Siemer
Apr 16, 2025
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Thermal storage beats hydrogen, electrification on industrial costs A new study in Germany shows the advantages of thermal energy storage in the decarbonisation of industrial processes, including in Australia. The researchers noted clear cost advantages and high potential for flexibility in the power grid.
Jochen Siemer
Jan 30, 2025
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On the small side: module power output distortion on rise A study by German research institute Fraunhofer ISE has revealed a troubling trend. Data shows that modules are increasingly attributed higher power ratings than they actually have. Though the percentages are incremental, it all adds up.
Jochen Siemer
Nov 02, 2024
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Researchers develop ‘communicative’ PV panels A German research team is conducting practical tests to see how solar modules with integrated radio technology can be linked to form an overall network. The “communicative” panels should represent a simple and cost-effective solution for monitoring and controlling small-scale photovoltaic systems.
Jochen Siemer
Jul 18, 2024