SMA releases new storage system for C&I solar
German inverter and battery manufacturer SMA Solar Technology AG has unveiled a modular lithium iron phosphate battery system for commercial and industrial applications, with capacities ranging from 89 kWh to 197 kWh and integrated cybersecurity features.
Guided-learning model for PV power forecasting without irradiance sensors
South Korean researchers have developed a guided-learning framework that accurately predicts PV power without requiring irradiance sensors during operation, using routine meteorological data instead. The model reportedly showed strong out-of-sample performance while outperforming conventional irradiance-based approaches, particularly under noisy or inconsistent data conditions.
The transition to back contact follows market trend toward long-term solar project sustainability
Module quality, reliability, and proven field performance are at the core of bankability assessments and investment decisions for solar PV projects, according to Chao Jia, President of LONGi Europe for DG. He says this is why advanced module technologies like back contact are gaining relevance.
Battery management systems key to deploying batteries in data centers
A new study highlights the critical role of advanced AI-integrated battery management system technologies in monitoring, optimizing, and predicting battery performance for reliable and sustainable data center operations.
Maxwell claims 26.92% efficiency for heterojunction solar cell
The Chinese PV equipment provider said the result was certified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH). The cell was fabricated with Maxwell’s in-house heterojunction production-line equipment and an end-to-end process flow.
New surface texturing boosts TOPCon solar cell efficiency by 1%
Chinese researchers have demonstrated a single-step submicron structured surface texturing process that improved the absolute efficiency of a TOPCon solar cell by 1% through broadband anti-reflection and lower electrical resistance. The cell-level performance was validated in laboratory and outdoor tests.
Growatt launches 5 kWh AC-coupled balcony storage system
The IP66-rated Aura 5000 system features bidirectional inverter functionality and an AC output of up to 2.5 kW.
The optimal fixed tilt, azimuth angles for bifacial PV in Saudi Arabia
A new bifacial PV optimization model for 18 Saudi Arabian cities identifies optimal tilt and azimuth, showing rear-side irradiance can boost annual energy yield by 8–12 % and shifts tilt 3°–11° higher than monofacial modules. The framework validates previous studies, highlights high- and low-performing locations, and serves as an early-stage planning tool before detailed project simulations.
NREL researchers quantify UV-induced degradation levels in TOPCon solar cells
Researchers at NREL found that UV exposure can cause significant, partly non-recoverable degradation in TOPCon solar cells, with strong cell-to-cell and intra-cell variability linked to passivation and processing inconsistencies. While some UV-related losses recover quickly under light and are unlikely to affect field performance, the findings highlight gaps in current qualification tests and the need for improved UV aging standards.
The impact of microclimate effects on floating PV plants
French researchers have developed a high-resolution computational framework to model microclimate effects of large floating solar PV systems, enabling accurate predictions of heat transfer, ambient temperatures, and water evaporation based on panel configuration and wind conditions. The model can inform thermal performance, environmental impacts, and optimize designs for utility-scale floating PV, as well as ground-mounted and agrivoltaic installations.
