Germany

Researchers in Hungary have developed a model to calculate the optimal PV and battery storage balance to support the European grid in the next few years. They found that the cost-optimal range is at 530–880 GW of PV, combined with battery storage equivalent to 2.5–7.5% of the total intermittent capacity.

Germany recorded 141 hours of negative day-ahead electricity prices in June, just below the record set in May, bringing the first-half total close to the full-year figure for 2023.

The standard is intended to regulate basic safety requirements and testing. However, an international standard is currently being developed that reaches partially contradictory results. The German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, however, is taking a relaxed view of this.

Scientists in Germany have analyzed the thermal runaway behavior of sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries inside a 10-L reaction vessel. They have thermally abused 30 samples, each under a different state of charge level, and have found that both types suffered from runaway when the charge is at least 50%.

Germany installed 1.1 GW of new solar in May, bringing total installations for the first five months of 2025 to 5.97 GW, slightly below the 6.16 GW added over the same period in 2024.

Scientists in Germany have collected dust from Qatar, Morocco and Thailand to analyze the impact on the performance of uncoated solar glass and uncoated PV mini-modules. Their analysis has shown that dust coverage could range from 4% to 60%.

Researchers in Spain have simulated an energy community with varying electric-vehicle penetration levels (0%, 50%, and 100%) to analyze system optimization under different regulatory frameworks and EV brands. Charging strategies significantly affected overall performance and outcomes.

Scientists have used photovoltaic charge lithography to imprint surface charges on passive dielectric substrates by shining a halogen lamp onto iron-doped lithium niobate. The technique may support next-generation microfluidic, biomedical, and chemical applications.

Researchers in Germany have modeled dozens of indirect-expansion solar-assisted heat pump systems using photovoltaic-thermal panels for single-family homes in Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg. Simulations accounted for local weather, electricity use, and thermal demand.

Germany registered 130 hours of negative day-ahead power prices in May, driven by midday solar oversupply, as PV output regularly outpaced demand. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) says prices dipped below €1/($1.14)MWh for 160 hours.