Key takeaways from Solar Solutions Amsterdam 2025
The Solar Solutions Amsterdam 2025 trade show highlighted the shift in Europe toward smarter, scalable energy systems, showcasing innovations in residential and commercial solar technology as demand for integrated, flexible solutions continues to grow.
Daytime charging of electric vehicles further expands adoption of photovoltaics
Photovoltaics continues adding capacity at a rapid pace, and 2024 was another record year for solar PV deployment. In the meantime, despite recent hurdles to widespread adoption in some countries, electric vehicle uptake grew 25% last year. Assuming a 10 kWh/day energy requirement for every new EV, the 17 million new EVs sold in 2024 would have added another 50-70 GW of new PV generation worldwide.
California Energy Commission announces $55 million in funding to build out EV charger network
The CEC estimates that approximately 24,000 new chargers were installed in the first half of 2024, and the Fast Charge California Project aims to incentivize even more.
New test method for curved VIPV surfaces
IEA-PVPS has conceived a new test method and analysis of the impact of curvature in vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) surfaces. Over the course of an 8-day summertime trial in south-eastern France, the researchers found that the curvature triggered irradiance and temperature non-uniformity of up to 261W/m² and 13 C, respectively.
Volkswagen EV covers 941 km on single battery charge
A standard Volkswagen ID.7 Pro S electric car, equipped with a 86 kWh battery, consumed just 9.2 kWh/100 km of electricity during a maximum efficiency test in December 2024.
PV-powered electric vehicles can have up to 30% higher range
A European research team has installed solar panels on a light commercial electric vehicle and has tested their performance for four months. The vehicle was able to extend the range by 530 km, although not all panels contributed equally. System efficiency was measured at up to 66%.
Australia opens longest connected EV highway network
Australia’s longest connected electric-vehicle highway network is now operational, covering a 7,000 km route in Western Australia, with 110 charging points across 49 locations.
Strategies for charging EVs with solar, boosting demand for solar power
A new study says that more solar power would be used to charge electric vehicles in the United States if inexpensive level-1 chargers were deployed at workplaces, and rate design favored daytime charging.
Powerhouse installs off-grid solar for remote EV charger in Australia
Australia’s Powerhouse has installed a 60 kVA off-grid solar array in northern Australia to power a remote EV charger. The project is part of the 7,000 km WAEV Network.
Envirostream Australia signs battery recycling deal with Hithium Energy
Envirostream Australia, a subsidiary of Livium, has signed an exclusive recycling agreement with Hithium Energy to recycle lithium-ion batteries supplied by Hithium to Lightsource bp’s Woolooga solar farm in Queensland, Australia.
