Improving solar inverter design with silicones
Inverters must withstand the high levels of heat generated when operating, otherwise system performance and reliability could be at risk. Cody Schoener of Dow Performance Silicones argues using silicone-based materials for inverters can improve thermal management and fire protection, while offering thermal stability, environmental resistance, electrical isolation and support for operational efficiency.
German lab pilots 20 kV battery system to cut energy losses
Researchers at Dortmund University are testing a high-voltage battery system operating up to 20 kV to reduce energy losses and improve efficiency.
Panasonic supplies hydrogen fuel cell and solar system to Osaka Metro
Panasonic has provided transit operator Osaka Metro with a combined hydrogen fuel cell and solar power system, underscoring the Japanese conglomerate’s growing focus on industrial hydrogen applications.
UK’s largest solar project approved, joins 2.1 GW cluster
Development consent granted for 1,400 hectare Tillbridge Solar Project. The 500 MW solar plant is the 17th energy project to secure final approval through the UK government’s nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) pipeline since July 2024 and the fourth in the local area.
Dutch startup secures technology license, contractor for polysilicon plant
Resilicon says the basic engineering phase of its planned polysilicon plant in the Netherlands is underway after the project secured a technology provider and engineering, procurement and construction contractor. Once completed, the plant will produce high-purity polysilicon for solar supply chains.
Shadow-aware route planning for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics
Japanese researchers have proposed a method for future vehicle-integrated photovoltaic route planning. It integrates environmental shading effects based on satellite and geographic information system data.
Perovksite solar cell based on MXene achieves 25.13% efficiency
A Chinese research group claims to have achieved remarkable efficiency and stability in a solar cell based on a perovskite absorber incorporating MXene, a novel type of 2D material known for its excellent conductivity, chemical stability, and thermal resilience. The device reportedly retained 80% of its initial efficiency after 500 hours.
Vietnam proposes financial support for residential solar, storage systems
Households in Vietnam could receive up to VND 3 million ($113.9) in investment capital for home solar-plus-storage systems installed for self-consumption, or a preferential loan of up to VND 40 million, under proposals from the country’s Ministry of Industry and Trade.
Australia seeking 5 GW of renewables via Capacity Investment Scheme
Bids have opened for Australia’s Capacity Investment Scheme Tender 7, targeting 5 GW of renewable generation in the National Electricity Market (NEM), with projects required online by December 2030.
Supermarket EV chargers in Berlin could improve efficiency by over 250%
German researchers say shared-use and digital brokerage models could lift utilization and profitability of supermarket EV charging stations by up to 255%.
