Growatt launches 5 kWh AC-coupled balcony storage system
The IP66-rated Aura 5000 system features bidirectional inverter functionality and an AC output of up to 2.5 kW.
Data center survey reveals majority believe renewables and BESS are the ideal energy mix, power issues start in 2027
54% of respondents cited “energy availability and redundancy” as the single greatest obstacle to successful data center development between now and 2030.
Solar-plus-storage for data centers: not a simple switch
Renewables and storage could reliably power data centers, but success requires active grids, coordinated planning, and the right mix of technologies. Hitachi Energy CTO, Gerhard Salge, tells pv magazine that holistic approaches ensure technical feasibility, economic viability, and energy system resilience.
Reducing PV module temperature with leaf vein–inspired fins
Researchers in Iraq have developed biomimetic leaf vein–inspired fins for photovoltaic panels, with reticulate (RET) venation reducing panel temperature by 33.6 C and boosting efficiency by 18% using passive cooling. Their study combines 3D CFD simulations and electrical evaluations to optimize fin geometry, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional cooling methods.
China added 66.43 GW of new-type energy storage in 2025
CNESA says China’s non-pumped storage technologies hit 144.7 GW in 2025, with 66.43 GW added.
TheStorage launches its first industrial-scale sand-based heat storage system
The Finnish start-up says its sand battery technology is scalable from 20 to 500 MWh with charging power from 1 to 20 MW, depending on industrial needs.
Agrivoltaics can help lettuce survive extreme heat
Scientists have grown organic romaine lettuce under 13 different types of PV modules, in an unusual hot Canadian summer. Their analysis showed lettuce yields increased by over 400% compared to unshaded control plants.
Cubenergy releases energy storage block for utility, C&I applications
Cubenergy has launched FlexCombo 2.0, a scalable battery energy storage system for utility, commercial, and industrial applications, offering up to 16 MWh capacity with LFP batteries. Its modular design, advanced BMS, and cloud-based operations enable easy installation, seamless expansion, and efficient grid integration, according to the manufacturer.
Dutch utility testing ‘silent’ residential heat pumps
Dutch utility Eneco is testing low-noise air-to-water heat pumps from startup Whspr in around 20 homes, aiming to ease installation constraints near property boundaries. The systems reportedly achieve coefficients of performance of up to 5 and show up to 80% noise reduction in laboratory testing.
A closer look at Tesla’s new residential solar panels
The new Tesla Solar Panel and mounting system pairs with the company’s inverter, Powerwall battery, EV charging and vehicles, creating an all-Tesla residential solar offering for the first time.
