Author: solarenergy

Sodium-ion batteries are emerging as a safer and cheaper alternative to lithium-ion, with a recent international study highlighting their competitiveness in stationary energy storage. The research shows that continued investment and supply chain development could enable wider adoption within the next decade. January 28, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) are increasingly seen as a sustainable alternative to lithium-ion (Li-ion) storage, especially as global demand for lithium is expected to exceed supply by 2028, according to a recent report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Despite this potential, achieving broad commercial success, especially outside niche applications, remains a challenge.…

New data from the Rhodium Group and MIT/CEEPRs Clean Investment Monitor shows that investments in clean technology manufacturing in Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have reached their lowest point in almost three years. Credit: Keystone Research Center Established investments in clean technology manufacturing in the region fell to $1.35 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025 – a 21% decline from the peak of $1.69 billion just two quarters earlier. This represents the lowest quarterly investment since the second quarter of 2023. “These numbers tell a clear story of missed economic opportunity for Appalachia,” said Diana Polson, senior policy…

In Maine, the Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County (HFHWC) has installed a solar energy project in the recently opened ReStore that will offset 100% of the facility’s electricity consumption. The 18.92 kW system was installed in collaboration with a non-profit solar energy supplier Everyone solar energy. The solar project will allow HFHWC to direct more resources to building and repairing homes for low-income families. “When a nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity of Waldo County saves energy, those savings are reflected where it matters – in safer homes, stronger repairs and greater accessibility for people in the community,” said Myriam…

Pila Energy offers a sleek, sleek home battery that requires no approvals or permits and works in coordination. What’s the catch? January 28, 2026 Tristan Rayner By ESS news A new startup was introduced at CES 2026 ESS news was Pila Energy, a home battery maker hoping to bring an Apple Watch-esque cool and sleek design and tech features to the sector. Pila energy offers a long and flat battery style, which can be placed horizontally or upright in the home. Using lithium iron phosphate or LFP chemistry, each battery weighs 20.4 kg and measures 38 cm by 67.5 cm…

New documents reveal that the US government found only two cases of communications in Chinese inverters that differed from official documentation. The discrepancies were deemed “non-malicious” and “non-intentional” by investigators. January 28, 2026 Matthew Lynas A US government analysis of Chinese-made inverters found “no definitive evidence” of malicious wireless functions, a report finds pv magazine research into the scope of wireless communication in inverters and the risks they entail. The US Department of Energy (DOE) shared its analysis with energy industry partners following media reports pointing to the presence of undocumented wireless communications in Chinese-made inverters, which was first broken…

By Brad Kramer January 28, 2026 Power Bank Corp. will complete final commissioning of its SFF-06 battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Ontario, Canada. The project had previously been announced in August 2025 and will include 4.99 MW of energy storage. The SFF-06 project is in the final phase of “hot” commissioning with EVLO. The project commissioning includes several milestones with technical partners to ensure safe installation, interconnection and commissioning with the hydropower grid for the nine EVLO battery containers. PowerBank expects the commercial operation date for the SFF-06 project to occur in January, subject to receipt of all…

Israel-based IPP Econergy has secured £21 million in project funding for its 40MW/120MWh Dalmarnock battery energy storage system (BESS) in Scotland.With this money from Santander UK, Econergy has completed the Dalmarnock project financially.The company said this was an “important milestone” in its transition from a developer to an independent power producer (IPP) model, where it develops, owns and operates its projects. It claimed the transaction “paves the way for the wider commercialisation” of its UK pipeline, which includes almost 3GW of projects.Econergy also entered into a long-term optimization agreement with EDF for the Dalmarnock project to improve revenue visibility and…

Shenzhen-based SolaEon has reported an efficiency of 27.87% for a single-junction perovskite solar cell on a 0.076 cm² laboratory device certified by China’s National Photovoltaic Industry Metrology and Testing Center. January 28, 2026 Vincent Shaw Shenzhen-based perovskite developer SolaEon has announced that it has achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 27.87% for a single-junction perovskite solar cell, which it claims is a new world record for this device category. According to company information and local media reports, the result was certified by China’s National Photovoltaic Industry Metrology and Testing Center (NPVM), a state-accredited testing body often cited in third-party certification…

The European Union added 27.1 GWh of battery energy storage capacity in 2025, with utility-scale systems accounting for the majority of new installations, as residential storage declined due to lower electricity prices and reduced support schemes, according to a new report from SolarPower Europe. January 28, 2026 Marija Maisch By ESS news The European Union’s battery energy storage fleet has grown for the twelfth year in a row, marking another record year for new installations. According to a new report from SolarPower Europe, 27.1 GWh was deployed in 2025, an increase of 45% year-on-year, largely driven by utility-scale systems. This…

The National Wealth Fund (NWF) has unveiled a plan it says could boost £100 billion of UK investment in clean energy. The new strategic plan will, among other things, prioritize battery production and energy storage, electricity grids and carbon capture projects, to deploy the Fund’s remaining £19.4 billion of capital over the next five years. The NWF – an operationally independent arm of the Treasury – said it expects the greatest impact in ten key sectors: ports and supply chains, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen, battery and EV production, steel, electricity networks, energy storage, nuclear energy, transport infrastructure and ‘place-based…