Author: solarenergy

International Renewable Energy Agency Director General Francesco La Camera says the “door remains open for further cooperation” following the announcement that the United States is withdrawing its membership. January 13, 2026 Patrick Jowett The United States withdraws its membership from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). IRENA is one of 66 international organizations from which President Donald Trump ordered the US to withdraw via an executive order last week. The full list, which is mainly aimed at organizations dealing with climate, labor and migration, also includes the International Solar Alliance and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. A statement published…

Ola Electric has rolled out Ola Shakti, a residential energy storage system (BESS), from its gigafactory in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. Powered by Ola Electric’s indigenous 4680 Bharat cells, Ola Shakti is India’s first residential BESS that is completely indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. January 13, 2026 Uma Gupta Ola Shakti residential BESS Image: Ola Electric By ESS news EV manufacturer Ola Electric has rolled out Ola Shakti, a home energy storage system (BESS), from its gigafactory in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu. The launch marks the company’s entry into the Indian residential BESS market and marks its expansion…

China is on track to achieve a fully renewable energy system by 2051, nearly a century earlier than the United States, according to a global survey of 150 countries. January 12, 2026 William Driscoll By pv magazine USA The United States could nearly eliminate its carbon emissions and air pollution by 2148 if it maintained the pace of adding 43 GW of renewable energy sources per year, set during the first seven months of 2025, and achieved a “near-electrification” of every energy-consuming sector. Prof. Mark Jacobson of Stanford University presented this finding and results for 149 other countries in a…

Anchor SOLIX introduces a new energy storage system for homes. The Anker SOLIX E10 system is a battery with optional generator add-on with automatic switching options. A single E10 unit delivers up to 37.2 kW for fast start-up of large loads. With a power output of up to 10 kW/unit for up to 90 minutes, the E10 allows users to power demanding devices during power outages without incurring unnecessary costs for excess designed power. The basic E10 system can consist of up to five 6 kWh batteries. Up to three E10 sets can be combined to achieve 90 kWh of…

Turn energya national renewable energy provider and independent power producer, has completed three community solar projects in Illinois, totaling 13,475 MWAC support from Tapestry, the parent company of accessory brands such as Coach and Kate Spade. In December 2025, Tapestry announced that it had invested in enough renewable electricity to cover energy production in its stores, offices and fulfillment centers worldwide. “Pivot is excited to partner with Tapestry on this portfolio in Illinois,” said Liz Reddington, VP of development at Pivot Energy. “It shows how companies continue to advance sustainable energy solutions while supporting local communities for workforce development, education…

The use of a new roll-to-roll process and optimization technology resulted in polymer films for use in colored PV modules in a potentially wide range of colors with low iridescence and low levels of efficiency loss. January 12, 2026 Valerie Thompson Danish researchers have developed color-tunable film technology, made in a roll-to-roll process, for building integrated PV modules (BIPV). In two recent papers, the researchers detailed an optimization algorithm and process to structure the surface of a polymer film called Colorfoil. This film, which is placed between the encapsulation layer and crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells in PV panels, enables…

Chinese state energy group SPIC has launched a 1MW/4MWh pilot project, showcasing a long-duration energy storage alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries and compressed air energy storage (CAES). January 12, 2026 Vincent Shaw By ESS news China’s State Power Investment Corp (SPIC) says it has put into operation the world’s first ultra-high temperature heat pump energy storage system, called ‘Chuno’, after completing a megawatt-scale pilot and third-party performance testing. SPIC’s Central Research Institute (also called SPIC Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.) launched the technology in Beijing on December 25, describing it as a “Carnot battery” concept that couples a…

A new Perspectives study into the future of the global PV supply chain outlines how module prices, performance and lifespans may evolve over the next 25 years. The work reflects a collaboration between leading solar energy research institutions worldwide. One of the authors of the study, the director of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), said pv magazine that the efficiency of solar modules and cells could exceed 35% by 2050, with panel prices expected to fall by a factor of two. January 12, 2026 Emiliano Bellini An international research team of leading solar PV institutions and companies…

For companies considering solar installations, understanding the regulatory landscape is critical, and determining whether a solar panel construction permit is required is critical. Early 2024,a review led by the Departments for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Leveling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and Media and Sport have identified planning rules for solar panels as a key barrier to wider adoption.This guide provides a detailed overview of building permit requirements, with an emphasis on commercial and industrial contexts, to help property owners and energy managers navigate the process effectively.What is a building permit for solar panels?In many cases, solar panels…

The new system is designed for powers of 29.9 kW and 50 kW with a scalable capacity up to 216.9 kWh and is aimed at companies looking for flexible energy storage solutions without the complexity of installation. January 12, 2026 Marija Maisch By ESS news AlphaESS has launched the StaX-M29.9/M50, a modular energy storage system designed for small commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. With a power of 29.9 kW and 50 kW and a scalable capacity up to 216.9 kWh, the system is tailor-made for companies looking for flexible energy storage solutions without the complexity of installation. The system features…