Author: solarenergy

Researchers in the Middle East have developed a fuzzy logic controller that simultaneously optimizes the tilt angle of PV systems and performs maximum power point tracking (MPPT). Years of simulations indicate that the proposed approach increases energy generation by approximately 20%. November 12, 2025 Lior Kahana A team of scientists from Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University in Saudi Arabia explored the use of a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) to simultaneously optimize the tilt angle of photovoltaic panels and perform maximum power point tracking (MPPT). “The novelty of the current study is that it presents an intelligent optimization method based on…

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) says new EU rules will make network-building functions mandatory for large-scale storage and renewable plants. November 12, 2025 Tristan Rayner and Pilar Sánchez Molina By ESS news ENTSO-E has published its report Phase II Technical Report on Networking Requirementsoutlining how generators, including inverter-based storage systems, will be mandated to stabilize the European electricity grid. The report is a hugely important amendment to the upcoming Network Code on Generator Requirements (NC RfG 2.0), which introduces binding grid-building obligations for new storage and renewable plants with a capacity of more than 1…

mPower Technology Inc. has enabled an automated production line for its silicon solar panels designed for space missions. The site currently has an annual capacity of 1 MW, which will double by mid-2026. November 12, 2025 Patrick Jowett The solar aviation specialist mPower Technology Inc. has started a production line for its solar panels at Universal Instruments Corporation in Conklin, New York. The Albuquerque-headquartered company, a spinoff of Sandia National Laboratories, says the facility is the world’s first automated high-volume aerospace solar module manufacturing facility, enabling delivery to major constellations and lunar energy projects. “[The production line] today represents a…

Ampion renewable energy has more than 1,400 low-income residents enrolled in the Erie County Low-Income Renewable Energy Program (ECLIPSE) during the first six months of use. The community solar initiative supports residents of Erie County, New York. A community rooftop solar panel in Harrison, New York. Current participants are expected to save a total of $63,000 per year on electricity costs through discounted solar credits applied to their electricity bills. The program offers eligible residents savings of up to 10% on their electricity bills, with no upfront investments or installation requirements. “ECLIPSE strives to reduce the energy burden for households…

Third-generation solar cell technology is undergoing rapid development at Hong Kong Polytechnic University. PolyU researchers have identified breakthrough approaches in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells, aiming for advances in efficiency, stability and scalability. Their performance analyzes and recommendations aim to increase energy conversion efficiency from approximately 34 percent to 40 percent. The group accelerates commercialization by fostering industry, academia and research collaborations, supporting carbon neutrality plans and the adoption of renewable energy for innovation, including artificial intelligence. The team, led by Prof. Li Gang and Prof. Yang Guang from PolyU’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, critically assessed the technical challenges…

Loose connections, damaged or faulty wiring are among the leading causes of solar panel fires, according to new analysis from insurer QBE. Freedom of Information requests to the UK Fire Service have seen an increase in the number of fires in solar installations, with incidents recorded in homes. November 12, 2025 Matthew Lynas According to an analysis by QBE Insurance, the number of fires involving solar panels in Britain has increased by 60% between 2022 and 2024, outpacing the number of new installations. The business insurer has revealed that the UK fire brigade attended 171 incidents involving a solar installation…

The name reflects the new approach to delivering a complete system rather than individual components, and that system will soon include Nextpower power conversion equipment. November 12, 2025 Ryan Kennedy By pv magazine USA Today, US-based Nextracker officially changed its name to Nextpower, Inc. to reflect the company’s evolution and expansion beyond the tracker business. The move towards integration started with a wave of acquisitions, while the focus was still on trackers and the name The global top supplier for solar trackers for the tenth year in a row. The acquisitions include eBos, software, foundations, robotics and steel frames. “Our…

In this blog, Peter Stanley, CEO of Elexon, explains the importance of flexibility in achieving a clean energy system, and how Elexon will help facilitate this in its role as a market facilitator.To achieve Clean Energy 2030, energy markets must become more accessible and effective and stimulate greater competition, innovation, growth and investment. If we want to achieve this goal, flexibility must play a much larger role in the energy system. We need to rapidly increase the amount of flexible assets participating in the wholesale, ancillary services, balancing mechanisms and local flexibility markets. We also need to make it much…

Researchers in the United Arab Emirates have developed a new model that relies on open-circuit voltage or maximum power point voltage to estimate the operating temperature of PV modules without using sensors. November 12, 2025 Valerie Thompson Researchers at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) R&D Center have developed a new sensorless self-thermometry approach to estimate the operating temperature of PV modules. The new method, also called the Shift-Factor method, works by analyzing changes in the open-circuit voltage (Voc) or the maximum power point voltage (Vmp). “By correlating these electrical responses with irradiance and module temperature, this method not…

Lithium battery recycler Elements take off has signed a multi-year off-take agreement for lithium carbonate Trafiguraa player in the global raw materials industry. The agreement includes a total of 15,000 tonnes (15 kilotons) to be delivered between 2027 and 2031. >99% pure, recycled lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) recovered from black liquor on a commercial scale. Credit: Ascend Elements Under the terms of the agreement, Trafigura will provide global marketing and logistics capabilities, while Ascend Elements produces refined, low-carbon lithium carbonate produced from recycled lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap through its patented Hydro-to-Cathode process. Ascend operates recycling plants in Georgia and Kentucky…