Hong Kong–based startup launches glass-fiber composite solar module frames
Xilia Group has introduced composite frames for solar modules made from glass fiber–reinforced polyurethane. The company says the frames reduce weight, resist corrosion, and eliminate the need for grounding.
German researchers develop sodium-ion battery based on lignin
German researchers have developed a sodium-ion battery technology using lignin-based hard carbon as the negative electrode. The 1 Ah battery cell prototype showed no significant degradation after 100 charging and discharging cycles.
SMA releases new storage system for C&I solar
German inverter and battery manufacturer SMA Solar Technology AG has unveiled a modular lithium iron phosphate battery system for commercial and industrial applications, with capacities ranging from 89 kWh to 197 kWh and integrated cybersecurity features.
Guided-learning model for PV power forecasting without irradiance sensors
South Korean researchers have developed a guided-learning framework that accurately predicts PV power without requiring irradiance sensors during operation, using routine meteorological data instead. The model reportedly showed strong out-of-sample performance while outperforming conventional irradiance-based approaches, particularly under noisy or inconsistent data conditions.
Saudi Arabia could hit net-zero emissions by 2060, with 151 GW of solar
Saudi researchers outlined pathways for Saudi Arabia to reach net-zero power sector emissions by 2060, requiring up to 3.6% of land – mostly for onshore wind – with 151.3 GW of solar PV covering only 0.16% of the country.
Maxwell claims 26.92% efficiency for heterojunction solar cell
The Chinese PV equipment provider said the result was certified by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH). The cell was fabricated with Maxwell’s in-house heterojunction production-line equipment and an end-to-end process flow.
U.S.-India trade deal reduces solar tariffs
Tariff reductions under the new U.S.-India trade agreement lower import costs for solar modules and energy storage components. Reciprocal tariffs were effectively reduced from 50% to 18%.
Chad’s installed PV capacity hits 110 MW, supplying 37% of electricity
Chad has one of Africa’s highest solar penetration rates, a result of a small power system with just 12% electrification, as large-scale solar and storage projects gather pace around N’Djamena, even as political uncertainty over oil revenues constrains faster deployment.
Senegal’s solar capacity hits 671 MW
Senegal has reached an 84% electrification rate, with 294 MW of residential PV installed, while several large-scale solar-plus-storage projects are under development, despite the start of production at the Sangomar gas field.
Chile installs 1.1 GW of PV in 2025
Chile installed 1.13 GW of solar capacity last year, raising total solar capacity to 11.63 GW, while over 4 GW of renewable projects are under construction, according to the National Energy Commission (CNE).
