Optimizing photovoltaic systems in harsher climates
A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) covers guidance on improving the performance of PV systems deployed in climates such as deserts, tropical regions and snowy areas.
NREL develops translucent solar panels for bigger, better crops
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory grew tomatoes under translucent solar panels, which could play a promising role in agrivoltaics.
New vertical agrivoltaic system from Australia
Australian company Solspan has unveiled a 6.4 kW vertical solar wall system for applications in agrivoltaic projects. It measures 4 m x 4 m and can be interconnected with other units to create MW-sized systems.
‘Grid-forming technology is no longer experimental – it’s here and working’
In grids increasingly dominated by renewables, grid-forming technology is emerging as critical tool for maintaining stability and ensuring reliable power system operation. In this interview with ESS News, Rui Sun, Sungrow’s Deputy General Manager-Grid Technology Center, explains how grid-forming works, why it matters, and where the technology is already proving its value. He elaborates on technical challenges, regulatory gaps, and why grid-forming could soon become the new industry standard.
Australia grants major project status to 6 GW power export plan
SunCable has welcomed the Australian federal government’s decision to renew major project status for its Australia-Asia PowerLink, which aims to deliver up to 6 GW of renewable power from the Northern Territory to industries and urban centers in Darwin and Singapore.
Improving solar windows via microfabrication techniques
Researchers in Europe are investigating semi-transparent solar windows, applying microfabrication technniques to both CIGS and perovskite devices, to overcome the view-impeding properties of earlier solar window concepts.
Researchers identify optimal level of solar, battery storage for European energy market
Researchers in Hungary have developed a model to calculate the optimal PV and battery storage balance to support the European grid in the next few years. They found that the cost-optimal range is at 530–880 GW of PV, combined with battery storage equivalent to 2.5–7.5% of the total intermittent capacity.
First attempt to build tandem solar cells based on perovskite, transition metal dichalcogenide
Scientists in India have proposed to design new tandem solar cells using transition metal dichalcogenide as an absorber material for the bottom PV device. Their simulations showed these tandem cells may reach an efficiency of over 35%.
Redwire deploys 60 kW roll-out solar array for first lunar orbit space station
The U.S. company held the first test deployment of its solar arrays designed to power solar-electric propulsion systems for the Gateway space station.
Open-source tools to build self-made management system for surplus PV power
French engineer André Buhart has published the plans and open-source software to create a DIY “solar energy router” to manage PV overproduction. Depending on the configuration, the device can direct excess photovoltaic energy to water heaters, pool motors, or underfloor heating, among others.
