Australian researchers track self-repair in silicon solar cells after UV damage
Engineers at the University of New South Wales have developed a real-time monitoring technique that reveals how silicon solar cells can self-repair following ultraviolet-induced damage, offering new insights into solar panel degradation and lifetime performance.
New hydrogel layer tackles solar module hotspots
A team of scientists has developed a novel hydrogel solar panel coating that is reportedly capable of lowering hot spot temperatures by up to 16.2 C, outperforming conventional hydrogels. The hydrogel also demonstrated superior durability and improved power output by up to 13%, according to the research group.
New Jersey governor orders major solar, storage expansion on first day
Mikie Sherrill, governor of the US state of New Jersey, has signed two executive orders directing state regulators to accelerate utility-scale solar, expand community solar to 3 GW and advance up to 750 MW of battery energy storage as part of an effort to contain rising electricity prices and address projected capacity shortfalls.
Chinese startup claims record-breaking 27.87% efficiency for single-junction perovskite solar cell
Shenzhen-based SolaEon has reported a 27.87% efficiency for a single-junction perovskite solar cell on a 0.076 cm² lab device, certified by China’s National Photovoltaic Industry Metrology and Testing Center.
Hongyuan rolls out 40 µm ‘engineering-ready’ ultra-thin silicon wafers
Hongyuan Green Energy says it has produced a first batch of 40 µm monocrystalline silicon wafers that support full-size and half-cut formats, with slicing completed using the company’s in-house wafering equipment.
RheEnergise commissions first ‘high density hydro’ long-duration storage in UK
Pilot long-duration energy storage (LDES) project uses low viscosity, denser-than-water fluid. RheEnergise is panning for future projects in 10 MW to 100 MW range, with six to 20 hours of storage capacity.
Five trends for energy storage as global market passes 100 GW
A new report from Wood Mackenzie identifies five key trends that will define the energy storage industry in 2026, including supply chain restructuring and the rise of non-lithium batteries.
Scientists unveil hybrid-energy heat pump combining absorption and compression cycles
Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a hybrid-energy heat pump that seamlessly combines absorption and compression cycles using crystallization-free ionic liquids, improving efficiency and reliability across varying solar conditions. Simulations in multiple Chinese cities show the system can significantly cut electricity use and cooling costs, making it promising for sustainable building cooling and future commercial scaling.
World’s largest compressed-air storage plant switched on in China
New 2.4 GWh adiabatic compressed air energy storage (CAES) plant now operational in in Jiangsu province. The large-scale CAES uses molten salt and pressurized thermal water storage to achieve high efficiency, with power generated through two 300 MW units.
Sigenergy secures top position for multiple storage markets as installer adoption accelerates
SunWiz market data ranks the manufacturer as the top energy storage supplier in Australia, Ireland, and South Africa.
