Author: solarenergy

Luxembourg’s Ministry of Economy has launched a €3 million ($3.54 million) tender to support commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects between 30 kW and 200 kW, with tenders open until April 17. February 18, 2026 Gwénaëlle Deboutte Image: Carlo Letsch, Unsplash The Luxembourg Ministry of Economic Affairs has opened a new €3 million tender to support C&I solar projects from 30 kW to 200 kW. Companies have until April 17 to submit applications. The Ministry of Economic Affairs opened the tender on February 16 and offered investment support to support companies developing PV systems with capacities between 30 kW and…

Despite being riddled with impurities and defects, solution-processed lead halide perovskites continue to defy expectations as highly efficient solar cell materials, with performance now approaching that of industry-standard silicon-based devices. A new experimental study from the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) provides a comprehensive physical explanation for this efficiency puzzle and points the way to more effective next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Over the past fifteen years, lead halide perovskites have risen from relative obscurity to become leading candidates for low-cost, high-performance solar cells. Originally cataloged in the 1970s for their hybrid organic-inorganic crystal structures and then largely forgotten, these…

Scientists from the European Commission’s Joint Research Center tested two single-junction perovskite modules outdoors for a year and reported generally stable performance, supported by a new light-infused preconditioning method to improve measurement reliability. While one module deteriorated significantly, the other maintained relatively stable efficiency with seasonal variations, highlighting the need for longer-term outdoor studies. February 18, 2026 Emiliano Bellini A group of scientists from the European Commission’s Joint Research Center (JRC) tested the performance of two single-junction perovskite solar panels over a period of one year and concluded that the tests produced ‘stable results’. “We believe the test has yielded…

A four-year study found that rooftop solar panels in an Australian pear orchard reduced sun and hail damage, but reduced fruit yield and ruddy color. Although energy production and tree resilience have been improved, the findings highlight trade-offs for agrivoltaic systems, with potential applicability to other fruit crops such as apples and cherries. February 18, 2026 Emiliano Bellini A research group from the Agriculture Victoria Researchh in Australia conducted a four-year analysis of the long-term effects of agrivoltaic energy on the productivity and fruit quality of the Australian blush pear and found that the solar panels mitigated damage from sun…

By Brad Kramer February 18, 2026 GameChange solar energy has launched GeniusShip to support the logistics of utility-scale solar project sites. The system offered advanced logistics improvements designed to streamline site receiving, improve materials visibility and reduce installation delays on utility-scale solar projects. With GeniusShip, every GameChange Solar delivery now comes with a unique QR code, giving site teams immediate access to detailed shipping information. By scanning the code, teams can view component-level data, including part descriptions, quantities and expected installation zone, eliminating guesswork and improving accuracy during receiving. “GeniusShip brings clarity and control to one of the most complex…

Designer of sodium ion energy storage Syntropic power has launched three product lines of short- and long-duration stationary energy storage systems: GridSurge for extremely cyclic, fast-response short-duration storage; GridSpan for modular long-term storage for resiliency of six hours and longer; and Tenet for residential and light commercial storage. The company was founded in 2024 as Emtel Energy USA and launched its new brand today. Syntropic Power systems do not use lithium, but instead turn to sodium ion designs that can perform better in long-term situations. “Syntropic Power is more than a new name – it’s a clearer reflection of why…

The Germany-based supplier of thermal PV process equipment and technology has launched c.Plasma Q Max to process up to 10,000 wafers per hour in TOPCon high-volume solar cell production lines. February 18, 2026 Valerie Thompson Germany-based Centrotherm has launched the c.Plasma Q Max, a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) tool aimed at manufacturers of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell technologies, including technologies that upgrade regular passive emitter and rear contact (PERC) cells. The system is said to be capable of processing up to 10,000 wafers per hour on high-volume TOPCon solar cell production lines. It features a single process…

The National Energy System Operator (NESO) last week (February 13) published the latest version of its timeline for developers to receive grid connection offers.Today, in line with the new delivery deadline, NESO said the first contract has been sent for protected transmission projects, which will be connected in 2026 and 2027, on ‘a small project connecting in Scotland’.NESO announced the new dates in a joint announcement with the UK Transmission Owners (TOs), Distribution Network Operators (DNOs) and other supply partners. Under the new timescales, protected transmission and large embedded projects due to be connected in 2026/27 will receive formal connection…

Mexico is attracting US data centers looking for faster power connections, but these facilities will initially rely on robust gas generation from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), with renewables as a potential future option, Mexican energy expert Santiago Barcón said. pv magazine. February 18, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Mexico is increasingly attracting industrial energy investments, especially from data centers moving from the United States, said Santiago Barcón, CEO of PQBarcon. There are bottlenecks in the US electricity infrastructure, especially in states like Texas, where projects requiring around 150 MW face connection times of up to seven years. This has made…

Community solar energy company Perch energy today announced the acquisition of Solsticea customer acquisition and management company in the communal tanning area. A solar project in Westchester County, New York, owned by DSD Renewables, operated by Perch Energy. Photo credit: DSD Renewables This deal makes Perch one of the most experienced and largest pure-play community platforms for solar procurement and management in the United States. It strengthens Perch’s acquisition and management capabilities and its market footprint across all community solar markets. Solstice adds highly skilled technology, sales and operations talent, as well as additional financial investments in Perch Energy. Following…