US solar assets lose average $5,070 per MW from power losses
A new report calculates the average power loss of 373 GW of utility-scale and commercial and industrial solar assets in the U.S. at 5.08%, more than double the level five years ago. The power loss average among projects deploying robotics and automation falls to 3%.
Survey finds 85.8% of Canadians support agrivoltaics
Canadian researchers conducted the first nationwide survey on public attitudes toward agrivoltaics, finding strong support across provinces with 85.8% of respondents in favor, although preferences varied by configuration. Opposition mainly stemmed from resistance to change, aesthetic concerns, and lack of awareness, highlighting the need for public education and updated policy frameworks to enable wider adoption.
Australian state backs pumped hydro as long-duration energy storage
The New South Wales government in southeastern Australia has granted priority status to two large-scale pumped hydro projects, providing long-duration energy storage (LDES) to strengthen grid reliability.
Phnix unveils indoor monobloc heat pump for space‑constrained urban retrofits
The Chinese manufacturer said its new airMono indoor monoblock heat pump is tailored for space‑limited urban retrofits, providing heating, cooling, and domestic hot water without an outdoor unit. The system’s coefficient of performance ranges from 2.5 to 4.1, while the seasonal coefficient of performance spans 4.5 to 4.7.
Pakistan blocks retroactive export rate cut in net billing shift
Late amendment put forward to halt sudden retroactive change to export rates for net metering contract holders in Pakistan. It follows strong criticism from local solar industry leaders over sudden change in export rates under new net billing structure.
Japanese scientists build near-white heterojunction solar cell for BIPV applications
The lab-scale, near-white heterojunction solar cell uses nanoclay-based scattering layers combined with dielectric multilayer films to preserve power conversion efficiency while enhancing visual appeal. The researchers report optical losses of less than 1% at a 50% clay volume fraction, which are significantly lower than those observed with textured glass.
Google to deploy world’s largest iron-air battery for US data center
Google plans to deploy a 300 MW/30 GWh iron-air battery system in Minnesota under an agreement with Xcel Energy, pairing it with 1.6 GW of new wind and solar.
Italy’s new energy provisions could boost gas use, undermine renewables and storage competitiveness
Italy’s new energy decree aims to cut consumer electricity bills, but industry experts warn it could slash solar revenues by over 30%, slow the PPA and battery storage markets, and increase gas-fired generation. The measure also raises regulatory and state aid concerns, potentially making the Italian electricity market riskier for investors.
Solar electricity during night-time
Night-time in solar PV systems averages 16 hours, requiring significant storage or alternative generation to meet demand. Pumped hydro and batteries are key, with pumped hydro offering long-duration, low-cost storage for cloudy or windless periods. Complementary strategies include wind power, load shifting, and dispatchable generation, while high solar and wind penetration reshapes grid operations and pricing.
U.S government sets preliminary countervailing duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia and Laos
The U.S. Department of Commerce has issued preliminary findings that solar manufacturers in India, Indonesia and Laos benefited from government subsidies, paving the way for countervailing duties of up to 143.30%.
