Hybrid perovskite solar cell generates power from sun and rain
Researchers at ICMS in Seville have developed a hybrid perovskite solar cell that generates electricity from both sunlight and raindrops, using the photovoltaic and triboelectric effects. A fluorinated CFₓ polymer layer enables water resistance, triboelectric energy harvesting, and high light transparency without reducing solar cell efficiency.
How to address imbalance datasets in solar panel dust detection
Researchers from South Korea improved solar panel dust detection by using SMOTE and stable diffusion (SD) augmentation, with SD boosting detection accuracy from 76.5% to 98.9% while preserving spatial realism.
Fronius expands residential solar backup power with PV Point Comfort
Austria-based inverter manufacturer Fronius has launched PV Point Comfort, a retrofit-ready hardware upgrade that provides automatic backup power for essential household loads without requiring battery storage.
Iraq slashes solar import tariffs to 5%
The Iraqi Customs Authority has cut customs duties on solar energy systems from 33% to 5% – covering PV panels, inverters, cables, and lithium batteries – to accelerate solar adoption, following financing support from the Central Bank of Iraq.
Argentina tenders 700 MW of battery storage nationwide
Argentina’s Energy Secretariat has opened a national and international tender for battery energy storage systems (BESS) at grid-constrained nodes outside the Buenos Aires metropolitan area, targeting about $700 million in investment.
UK government issues open call for experts to shape AI energy policy
The United Kingdom is inviting AI and energy specialists to identify datasets that could make its energy system more efficient, secure and digitized.
Singapore raises 2030 solar target to 3 GW
Singapore has increased its 2030 solar target by 1 GW after surpassing the original 2 GW goal before the end of last year.
Engie launches mapping platform to visualize France’s renewable potential
France’s Engie has introduced Enermap, a free online platform that lets users evaluate the potential for solar, wind, hydroelectric, biogas, and battery projects at the municipal and regional level using government and research data.
Austria’s Accupower launches residential sodium-ion battery
The Natec Home has a nominal capacity of 7.68 kWh and a power output of 3.8 kW, and allows parallel connection of up to 15 units. The reference price is set at €3,990.
South Korea eases solar siting rules to cut permitting delays for PV projects
South Korea has passed legislative amendments to limit the ability of local authorities to impose separation distances on solar projects, removing a major permitting barrier for PV developers.
