Author: solarenergy
Researchers in China have developed a new compressed air energy storage system that uses flooded roads in abandoned coal mines to store compressed air and heat for nighttime power generation. Simulations show that the design can achieve a thermal efficiency of 71.5%, stable performance and higher energy density at greater depths, with minimal long-term effects of air leakage. December 3, 2025 Lior Kahana An international group of researchers led by scientists from China’s Chongqing University has developed and thermodynamically assessed a new compressed air energy storage (CAES) system that uses the roads of abandoned coal mines for underground storage. The…
A study published in Science Bulletin describes a solar-powered system that produces freshwater while simultaneously capturing boron from seawater and brine using a composite gel identified as (MXene-MgO)@sodium alginate (MMS). The work focuses on the interconnected pressures on water, food and energy supplies in regions such as Yemen, Pakistan and Haiti, where demand is rising and water scarcity and hunger are severe. Conventional desalination can provide drinking water, but standard processes often do not meet World Health Organization restrictions for boron in drinking water and usually discard boron rather than recovering it as a resource. To address these limitations, the…
Civil robotics has launched a new AI-powered material distribution system for the solar industry. CivNav accelerates solar construction by streamlining logistics, efficient stacking and pallet placement, and advanced planning and workflow segmentation. “We’re seeing some really exciting technology entering the industry to solve long-standing inefficiencies,” said Tom Yeshurun, CEO and co-founder of Civ Robotics. “The most important element for us is to keep it simple and accessible, so that everyone in the workplace can benefit from new developments, regardless of their experience level. As we continue to build new robotic systems, we ensure that innovation and user experience always go…
The Japanese electronics manufacturer is testing its glass-based perovskite solar PV technology in office windows made by YKK AP, a construction and building materials company. December 3, 2025 Valerie Thompson Japanese electronics manufacturer Panasonic Holdings and YKK AP, a construction and building materials company, are testing the installation of windows made with glass-based perovskite photovoltaic (PV) solar panels from Panasonic. The focus of the test is to “examine installation methods for interior windows and confirm workability,” a spokesperson said pv magazine. The study uses Panasonic glass-type perovskite solar PV in four YKK internal windows with weatherproof wooden sash frames measuring…
Renewable energy research firm Pexapark says Europe’s independent power producers (IPPs) are evolving into customer-centric platforms with a focus on adding battery energy storage systems (BESS) to their portfolios and more structuring and pricing capabilities to prepare for the next wave of deals. December 3, 2025 Patrick Jowett Swiss renewable energy research firm Pexapark has released a white paper documenting the changing role of independent power producers (IPPs). Titled “The next generation IPP playbook”, the publication features insights from interviews with senior leaders and executives at eight of Europe’s leading IPPs: Eurowind Energy, Mirova, Nadara, Nuveen Infrastructure, OX2, Sonnedix, Taaleri…
A University of Cambridge-led team of researchers has demonstrated precisely controlled layer-by-layer epitaxial vapor growth of two-dimensional halide perovskite films in an industrially compatible process. Their findings could help in the development of more thermally stable perovskite solar cells. December 2, 2025 Valerie Thompson A team led by researchers from the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom has demonstrated layer-by-layer (LbL) vapor-phase based growth of halide perovskites, specifically cesium, lead and bromine (CsPbBr3), grown on a two-dimensional (2D) perovskite single crystal. The 2D substrate was PEA2PbBr4, where PEA is an acronym for 2-phenylethylammonium. “The resulting CsPbBr 3-PEA 2 PbBr…
US-based solar panel manufacturer Endurans Solar has achieved IEC 62788-2-1:2023 certification for its new D15T transparent back plate product, as part of the full validation of the D15 series safety standard by the accredited independent testing laboratory TÜV Rheinland. Designed specifically for large-scale bifacial solar applications, the D15T backplate provides a powerful, lightweight alternative to standard rear glass, which directly translates to significant cost savings and project efficiency. The D15T backplate can provide panel manufacturers with cost savings through weight savings. Replacing the 2mm thick glass on the back with the transparent polymer solution reduces the overall weight of the…
An international research team consisting of scientists from Chinese module manufacturer Longi has examined the resistance distribution of antimony and phosphorus doped wafers used in solar cell production and found that they provide comparable mechanical strength. However, their work also showed that antimony-doped wafers have a more uniform resistivity, with a slight increase near the tip. December 2, 2025 Emiliano Bellini An international research team led by the Australian National University and Chinese module manufacturer Longi has investigated antimony (Sb)-doped Czochralski grown silicon rods as an alternative to phosphorus (P)-doped blocks in PV wafer production and found that they exhibit…
Australian researchers have developed a high-resolution energy modeling framework to assess how PV and batteries can provide 24/7 electricity to heavy industries, taking into account costs, grid interaction and load flexibility. They found that while reductions in technology costs help, smart grid integration and flexible industrial operations are much more effective at reducing electricity costs and enabling 100% sustainable energy use. December 2, 2025 Lior Kahana Researchers from the Australian National University have explored the techno-economics of PV and battery integration in heavy industry through energy simulations and a new high-resolution energy modeling framework that includes life cycle degradation and…
By Brad Kramer December 1, 2025 Welcome back from the Thanksgiving holiday (for those of you in the United States). This edition of Projects weekly highlights RWE’s recently commissioned 200 MW PV + 200 MWh storage Stoneridge Solar project in Texas. In addition, Wisconsin utilities received approval to add solar + storage and other renewable energy sources to the state’s energy supply. In addition, the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (Colville Tribes) in northeastern Washington and Open Access Technology International Inc. (OATI) together to deploy microgrids throughout the reserve. Finally, a school district in Minnesota is switching to solar…