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Field testing shows perovskite solar modules can retain 78% of their initial efficiency after one year

Researchers from Belgium and the University of Cyprus have completed outdoor stability tests of perovskite solar mini-modules providing two-years of data on stability performance. The tests showed that the modules' performance loss rates during the burn-in period of perovskites ranged between 7% and 8% per month.
Energy Storage

Japan keeps lead in solid-state battery development

While China, South Korea, Europe, and the United States are also engaged in active development of all solid-state batteries, Japan is leading the charge, offering generous subsidies to technology proponents.
Installations

Sweden adds 1 GW of solar in 2024

Sweden installed about 1 GW of solar in 2024, matching 2022 levels after a record 2023.
Announcements

On February 19, 2025, in Riyadh, we will explore Saudi Arabia’s evolving solar landscape, focusing on PV sector growth, utility-scale battery energy storage, solar manufacturing in the Middle East, and best practices for O&M.

Register now with a 25% early bird discount.

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Markets & Policy

Czechia approves new laws for agrivoltaics

The Czech government has approved new legislation for agrivoltaics. The measures extend the amount of crop types that agrivoltaics can be deployed on and defines two categories of permissible agrivoltaic systems.
Hydrogen

Solar discovery could transform hydrogen production

An international study led by Flinders University in Australia has advanced nanoscale chemistry to further develop sustainable and efficient generation of hydrogen from water using solar power.
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Installations

Chinese scientists design hybrid heat pump providing ultra-high temperature heating at 180 C

The proposed system uses waste heat by thermally coupling a water lithium bromide absorption heat transformer with a water vapor compression heat pump. It reportedly achieved a temperature elevation of up to 110 C and ultra-high temperature heating of u...
Manufacturing

Perovskite solar beach umbrella and electric cooler

Anker has introduced an off-grid solar perovskite umbrella and a cooler with battery energy storage at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Installations

Ensemble deep learning for PV cell defect detection

Researchers have tested eight stand-alone deep learning methods for PV cell fault detection and have found that their accuracy was as high as 73%. All methods were trained and tested on the ELPV benchmark dataset, which includes 2,624 electroluminescence...

Press Releases

Jinko ESS Secures Contract for SunTera G2 Deployment in India’s Textile C&I Energy Storage Project

Jinko ESS is proud to announce the signing of a contract with OCEAN TEXTILE INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE LIMITED for the deployment of its cutting-edge SunTera G2 5MWh energy storage systems. With a total capacity of 10MWh, this project represents several groundbreaking milestones: the first contract for the SunTera G2 system in India as well as one of India’s first large-scale energy storage project in the textile sector, and the first-ever application of the SunTera G2 solution for commercial and industrial (C&I) purposes.

SolarVult Debuts Innovative Energy Solutions at CES 2025

SolarVult, a pioneering new brand in the solar energy industry, made a remarkable debut at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. At this global expo, SolarVult introduced a series of advanced, comprehensive solar energy solutions designed to power homes and businesses more efficiently.

Welcome the New Year with Uninterrupted Power: The Anker SOLIX X1 Advantage

The need for electricity surges over the New Year, and home energy storage (HES) systems play an important role ensuring a stable home power supply. HES systems like the Anker SOLIX X1 help balance power use and generation, providing a stable power source during the holiday season—while serving as backup power during unexpected outages to keep the festivities uninterrupted.

Phase Two Statutory Consultation launch for the proposed Great North Road 1 GW solar and biodiversity park

UK-based developer Elements Green has launched the second phase of a statutory consultation on plans for the 1 GW Great North Road solar and biodiversity park, to be located northwest of Newark-on-Trent, Nottinghamshire.

Opinion & Analysis

Featured

GPM awaits tariff support, Chinese polysilicon futures injects boost

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

From equality to equity: powering inclusive leaders in the solar sector

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) reflects on the need for tangible DEI practices and inclusive leaders who understand the meaning of equity and diversity to create inclusive environments that acknowledge individual needs and systemic barriers. Addressing these aspects is critical to fuel innovation, creativity, and resilience to overcome the challenges of our sectors in the energy transition.

Bright US Midwest contrasts with cloudy coasts in 2024

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that the US Midwest enjoyed exceptional conditions with irradiance up to 10% above normal across the year, while areas along the Gulf Coast and much of the West Coast experienced slightly below-average sunshine.

How to measure industry’s carbon footprint

The IEC has launched a new portfolio of carbon footprint verification services to help build trust and credibility in companies’ commitment to monitoring and reducing their emissions.

‘Closing the gender gap is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic one’

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Ines Monroy, founder of Spain-based Licenciasocial.energy. She says the global renewable energy industry should be prepared to adress the so-called authority gap. “When I’ve adopted a neutral, professional tone to convey directives or focus on problem-solving, I’ve been met with comments suggesting that my approach was ‘bossy’ or ‘too harsh.’ My impression is that this reaction stems from ingrained stereotypes that expect women to be overly accommodating, even in roles where decisiveness and objectivity are critical,” she states.

2024 delivers mixed solar outcomes despite heat records

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that variations in weather patterns, including El Niño and regional droughts, shaped solar energy performance worldwide last year.

Markets & Policy

Featured

SolarEdge launches AI-based energy management system

The controller integrates selected third-party products into the SolarEdge EMS ecosystem by connecting to a household’s internet router via the local area network (LAN). It can communicate with inverters, electric vehicle chargers, heat pumps and SolarEdge’s servers.

World’s largest pumped storage power plant fully operational in China

The plant features 12 reversible pump-turbine units, each with a capacity of 300 MW, including two variable-speed units, bringing the total installed capacity to 3.6 GW.

Norway records 148.68 MW of new solar in 2024

Norway deployed 148.68 MW of solar in 2024, pushing its cumulative installed PV capacity past 750 MW.

Hemlock Semiconductor receives $325 million U.S. government funding

The Michigan-based manufacturer supplies solar-grade polysilicon used in the manufacturing of mono-crystalline ingots and wafers used in solar cells.

Ontario rebate scheme to subsidize rooftop solar, heat pumps, battery storage

The government of the Canadian province of Ontario is launching an energy rebate program later this month, offering up to 30% off the cost of residential rooftop solar panels, heat pumps, and battery storage for homes.

CfD auctions must break records to hit UK solar targets, says Aurora Energy Research

Big results needed in next two contracts for difference (CfD) allocation rounds to hit UK renewables targets, according to Aurora Energy Research. Solar likely to benefit from greater CfD budgets as government targets faster deployment, Marc Hedin, head of research for UK and Ireland, tells pv magazine.

Installations

Featured

New rules allow VPPs to compete in Australia’s energy market from 2027

The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a final determination to allow virtual power plants (VPPs) to compete directly with large-scale generators in the energy market, scheduled to begin in 2027.

EWEC issues request for proposals for 1.5 GW solar project

Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) has invited 16 companies and consortia to submit proposals for a 1.5 GW solar project in the Al Dhafra region, with responses due by the second quarter of this year.

Oversized solar farm keeps lights on until midnight

A massive 2.4 GW solar power plant with a 2:1 DC-to-AC ratio, coupled with six hours of energy storage, has been approved in northern Oregon.

Germany deploys 16.2 GW of solar in 2024

Germany installed 16.2 GW of solar in 2024, bringing total PV capacity to 99.3 GW by the end of December 2024, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).

Croatia plans solar tenders in 2025

Croatia plans to allocate €25 million ($25.7 million) for public sector solar plants and heat pumps, alongside a €10 million residential solar tender, as part of a €652 million renewable energy and decarbonization package.

Sierra Leone adopts financing model for private minigrid developers

Sierra Leone’s government is working with the European Union to launch a results-based financing mechanism, offering grants to private developers to build, own, and operate minigrids across the country.

Technology

Featured

U.S.-made perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules could be produced at around $0.35/W

Techno-economic analysis conducted by NREL researchers has shown how perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules could currently hardly compete in cost with incumbent PV panels. Production costs for U.S.-made tandem products were found to range between $0.29/W and $0.42/W, with module efficiencies ranging from 25% to 30%.

Perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cells powering electrodynamic tethers used in satellites

European researchers are developing miniaturized space propulsion technology that is propellant-free and based on electrodynamic tethers integrating perovskite-copper indium gallium diselenide (CIGS) tandem solar cells. It is meant to maneuver satellites in space or in de-orbiting without relying on heavy propellants on board.

Korean scientists build PV-powered supercapacitor with 35.5 Wh/kg energy density

Scientists in Korea have fabricated a solar-powered charging device that can reportedly achieve a power density of 2,555.6 W kg and an energy efficiency of 63%. The system uses nickel-based compounds to enhance the electrochemical performance of its electrodes.

UK-African consortium explores perovskite solar manufacturing potential in Africa

The UK’s University of Swansea is leading a consortium that aims to develop sustainable next-generation perovskite solar manufacturing in Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Kenya.

Vertical rooftop PV performs better than conventional rooftop solar under the snow

A case study analysis by Norway’s Over Easy Solar has found that vertical rooftop solar panels outperform conventional rooftop PV systems during snowy months. Energy yield was up to 30% higher in the winter months in Norway, according to the company.

Phnix releases PV-ready heat pumps for commercial buildings

The Chinese manufacturer said the latest version of its Phnix HeatMaster heat pump series enables seamless integration with PV arrays. The systems have a coefficient of performance of up to 5 and can reach an outlet water temperature of 75 C.

Manufacturing

Featured

Saatvik Green secures 1 GW solar module order

Saatvik Green Energy has signed a contract to supply 1 GW of n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar panels.

Romania finances 1.5 GW solar panel factory

Romania’s Ministry of Energy has given the green light to a 1.5 GW solar panel factory to be built in the northeastern part of the country.

Novel MPPT tech based on salp swarm, hill climbing algorithms

Researchers have suggested to use a hybrid version of the so-called salp swarm algorithm (SSA) algorithm for maximum power point tracking in PV systems operating under highly fluctuating environmental conditions. The novel method also integrates the hill climbing algorithm, which simulates the process of climbing a mountain and reportedly helps find the best possible solution to a given problem.

Gold Plus Glass enters solar glass manufacturing

Indian float glass manufacturer Gold Plus Glass has commissioned a new PV glass factory with an installed production capacity of 109,500 metric tons per year.

GCL SI enters back contact business with 660 W solar module

Chinese module maker GCL SI has expanded into back contact (BC) solar cell production with its first 660 W BC module, featuring tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology.

Chinese PV Industry Brief: China Huadian launches 18 GW inverter tender

China Huadian Corp. has launched an 18 GW inverter procurement tender seeking string inverters 300 kW and above, with 1,500 V DC input voltage and 10% overload capacity. Bidding starts on Feb. 6, 2025.

Energy Storage

Featured

Chile has 15 GW of energy storage under environmental permitting

The Chilean Association of Renewable Energy and Storage (Acera) says 3 GW of energy storage projects have gotten off the ground and another 15 GW are at the environmental permitting stage.

New simulation tool maps existing, planned district heating networks

Researchers in Germany have developed a simulation software tool that visualizes heat flows in existing district heating networks and is capable of predicting load peaks. It can also be used to help plan and commission new grids.

Storing photovoltaic-thermal energy with volcanic tuff stones

Scientists in China have used ground heat exchangers based on volcanic tuff stones to improve storage capabilities and efficiency of photovoltaic-thermal systems. Their experiments showed that the proposed combination effectively improves PV module cooling and thermal efficiency.

Australian researchers question lack of solar microgrids in remote areas

Researchers from four Australian universities have released a new paper questioning why solar microgrids are not the norm in remote central Australia.

EcoFlow launches residential energy management system

At CES 2025, EcoFlow has launched its Oasis energy management platform, which uses AI to optimize home energy consumption, storage, and solar power use.

Spanish startup deploys utility-scale batteries made from used EV devices

The Port of Alicante will install three 7 MW systems, each comprised of hundreds of 14 kW modules assembled by Spanish startup GDV.

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