Author: solarenergy

The “on-the-meter” grid technology device SPAN Edge is now accepted for customer use Pacific Gas and Electric Utility (PG&E). SPAN Edge enables real-time load management and allows homes to add new electrical appliances or charge electric vehicles without expensive electrical panel or service upgrades – addressing one of the key barriers to home electrification. PG&E will deploy the new SPAN Edge devices in conjunction with next-generation metering infrastructure through its new PanelBoost program, designed to reduce upgrade costs for customers adopting electric vehicles, heat pumps, induction cooking and other high-efficiency electric technologies. PG&E estimates that more than 600,000 homes in…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineOPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a brief overview of the major price trends in the global PV industry. February 6, 2026 OPIS China’s TOPCon module prices fell this week after four straight weeks of gains as trading activity declined ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays. Price adjustments were also driven by expectations of an easing in production costs following a recent decline in silver prices, which have fallen more than 30% since record highs in late January. The Chinese Module Marker (CMM), the OPIS benchmark rating for TOPCon modules from China,…

The World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled last week that incentives included in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) violate several global agreements because they provide additional tax benefits to domestic suppliers. The international economic group’s recommendation is that the United States eliminate the domestic content bonus offered on the investment tax credit and the production tax credit. In March 2024, China requested face time with the United States to discuss IRA subsidies that discriminate against goods of Chinese origin. Chinese representatives said the bonus incentives attached to the ITC and PTC for using U.S.-made components violated the 1994 General Agreement on…

The Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has reported a material breakthrough that brings all oxide-based batteries closer to commercial use. The work focuses on the high costs and manufacturing challenges of solid garnet-type electrolytes, a key component in next-generation non-flammable lithium batteries designed to eliminate fire and explosion risks. All solid-state batteries replace conventional flammable liquid electrolytes with solid electrolytes, improving intrinsic safety in applications such as electric vehicles and grid-scale energy storage systems. Oxide-based systems have attracted interest because they provide high energy density and avoid the toxic gas generation problems associated with sulfide-based solid electrolytes.…

Wood Mackenzie ranked NextPower as the world’s largest manufacturer of PV trackers in the first half of 2025, with companies headquartered in the United States, China and Spain occupying all the top 10 positions. February 6, 2026 Vincent Shaw Wood Mackenzie has ranked NextPower as the world’s largest PV tracker manufacturer based on data for the first half of 2025, ahead of China’s Trina Tracker in second place and US-based Array in third. The ranking assessed 24 tracker manufacturers headquartered in five countries. The rankings use a new score-based methodology that emphasizes shipping volume in favor of execution quality. ESG…

Vema Hydrogen has completed two pilot hydrogen wells in Quebec, Canada, while Advait Greenergy and InSolare Energy are advancing hydrogen projects spanning exploration, electrolyzers, research and integrated production. February 6, 2026 Sergio Matalucci Vema hydrogen has drilled its first two test wells in Quebec, “the world’s first mineral hydrogen test wells”. Vema wants to collect the data needed to advance commercial modeling. “Through these wells, Vema will begin a structured subsurface analysis program to evaluate fluid movement and monitor hydrogen production during testing. These activities are designed to generate the data necessary to refine Vema’s models and guide the next…

Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a model to identify acceptable top cell degradation rates in perovskite-silicon tandem modules. Simulations showed that increasing the efficiency of the tandem modules from 28.0% to 32.9% could increase the acceptable degradation rate by approximately 50%. February 6, 2026 Valerie Thompson To identify the acceptable degradation rate of perovskite subcells in monolithic two-terminal tandem modules, researchers from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands have developed a dual model. It predicts lifetime energy yield and degradation rates under different environmental conditions. “The novelty of this study is that we combine a physical…

Running a business involves much more than simply offering attractive products or services to customers. Today’s consumers, investors, and partners are looking beyond price tags and features, placing greater importance on a company’s core values and ethical practices. In the evolving commercial landscape, a business’s commitment to sustainability and transparency is no longer a bonus—it’s an expectation. Companies that take proactive steps to reduce their environmental impact and foster ethical practices are seen as more trustworthy and forward-thinking, ultimately strengthening their reputation and long-term success. As a result, integrating values and sustainability into a brand’s identity has become a key…

REC solar energy has contracted with cold storage solutions and logistics company Arctic Cold for a 3.3 MW rooftop solar system at its new location in Santa Maria, California. The Santa Maria facility primarily provides cold storage for fresh and frozen fruit distributed to regional food service providers and mass retailers. The ballast-mounted solar system will offset approximately 83% of the facility’s energy needs. Arctic Cold expects energy savings of $850,000 in the first year, with a power purchase agreement structure that provides protection against future energy price increases. The food industry continues to grow, increasing demand for fresh, perishable…

Under the terms of the agreement, Aiko will license Maxeon’s back-contact solar cell and module patents outside the US, while both companies halt any pending legal action. February 6, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Singapore-based solar manufacturer Maxeon Solar Technologies and Chinese solar cell and module manufacturer Aiko Solar have announced a global settlement that resolves all pending patent disputes between the two companies. “Under the agreement, Aiko will license all of Maxeon’s back-contact (BC) solar cell and module patents outside the United States, including both existing patents and patents that will be newly added over the next five years,” the joint…