How to combine photovoltaics with rainwater harvesting
Scientists have developed a system that harvests rainwater running off PV panels for household use or hydrogen production. Their analysis showed that, in the southern Sahel, the system can meet both the energy and water requirements for electrolysis, with surplus rainwater covering up to 50% of a household’s daily water demand.
Japanese scientists build bendable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with 26.5% efficiency
The tandem device is based on a bottom thin-film heterojunction cell that can bend and a top perovskite cell that can be manufactured with a low-temperature process to prevent damage. It achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded to date for a flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell.
Sunwoda launches the world’s first 10-metre, 2 MWh mobile energy storage system
Sunwoda’s MESS 2000 mobile energy storage vehicle redefines the role of mobile power—evolving from a tool for emergencies to a key player in everyday energy supply.
DAS Solar plans 3 GW solar module factory in France
Chinese manufacturer Das Solar says it will open its first European PV panel assembly plant in Mandeure, eastern France, by the end of 2025.
Spain’s Cegasa presents its first utility-scale battery
The Spanish manufacturer will exhibit the E/Xpand HV battery at the upcoming Smarter E show in Munich next month. It will showcase racks for commercial and industrial (C&I) and large-scale systems of up to 5 MWh.
Solar-air-ground CO2 heat pump system for renewables maximization
Researchers in Italy have designed a novel carbon dioxide heat pump that can work with photovoltaic-thermal energy, a finned coil heat exchanger and a U-tube borehole heat exchanger. Their experiment has shown that the simultaneous use of at least two energy sources always results in improved system performance even with limited heat transfer areas.
Aisin Corporation starts perovskite solar PV outdoor trial
The Japanese automotive components and systems manufacturer began testing its proprietary organic perovskite solar modules in what will be a 30 kW outdoor field trial at one of its facilities in Anjo.
Research shows how Japan’s PV market suffered from high feed-in tariffs
A team of researchers based in Japan and Sweden have found a correlation between higher feed-in tariffs and increased capital expenditures of solar projects in Japan. They suggest this may have led to a lack of incentive for developers to innovate or reduce costs, in turn inflating expenditure and hindering long-term market competitiveness.
The Hydrogen Stream: Scandinavia, Italy may produce grid hydrogen by 2030
Aurora Energy Research says the global electrolyzer pipeline now totals around 1.3 TW, with 114 GW in development and 32% expected online by the end of 2026. The firm cites stronger EU policy support and growing momentum in hybrid power purchase agreements (PPAs).
IEA-PVPS calls for better data collection on floating PV
A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) says limited long-term data on floating solar is creating uncertainty and hindering adoption.
