Semi-transparent photovoltaics cost-competitive only up to 50% transparency
Researchers from Spain found that semi-transparent PV systems are commercially viable only up to about 50% transparency, as higher transparency sharply reduces efficiency and increases system costs. Their analysis shows that declining power density, and not balance-of-system or financing factors, is the main driver of higher LCOE, even in high-irradiation regions.
Germany adds 17.5 GW of solar in 2025
Germany installed about 17.5 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, taking cumulative installations past 117 GW by year end, according to preliminary data from the German Solar Association.
Spain opens €90 million funding round for 7 GWh of pumped hydro storage
Spain will provide €90 million ($105.3 million) in funding for nearly 1 GW of pumped hydro projects, adding 7 GWh of long-duration energy storage (LDES) by 2035. Each project will be eligible for a maximum €50 million grant and all work must be completed by June 30, 2035.
EPFL researchers enhance perovskite solar cell performance via rubidium
Researchers led by Michael Grätzel at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland have recently led efforts to improve perovskite optoelectronic properties using small-radius rubidium ion chemistry to enable more stable and efficient perovskite solar cells.
ML System unveils solar facade panels, roof-integrated PV tiles
The Poland-based module manufacturer has developed Photonwall, a building integrated solution for ventilated façades. It also offers Photonroof, a ceramic PV roof tile solution. Both BIPV products are available in colors and finishes that match the aesthetics of modern and historic buildings.
Industrial batteries in France earn revenue through secondary reserve
Storio Energy has enabled behind-the-meter (BTM) industrial battery systems to participate in the automatic Frequency Restoration Reserve (aFRR), a service that has until now been dominated by front-of-the-meter storage in France.
France, Germany, Italy break solar records in December
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis finds Germany broke its record for solar production on a day in December on Christmas Day, reaching 87 GWh, while Italy and France achieved the same feat three days later, registering 66 GWh and 54 GWh respectively.
Greece struggling to connect grid-scale battery storage projects
Greece has awarded permits for about 900 MW of standalone, front-of-the-meter battery storage through three auctions, but no projects have yet been connected to the grid.
Spain allocates funding for 9.4 GWh of large-scale storage projects
Spain has awarded more than €818 million ($956.3 million) in European Union funding to 126 energy storage projects totaling 2.2 GW of power and 9.4 GWh of capacity.
UK study finds azimuthal trackers boost floating PV performance
A University of Exeter team has tested single-axis tracking systems for floating solar across 12 UK sites, finding azimuthal tracking delivers the largest energy gains and lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
