Author: solarenergy
UNSW researchers developed an experimentally validated model that links UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells to hydrogen transport, charge capture and permanent structural changes in the passivation stack. They show that thicker alumina layers significantly improve UV resistance by limiting hydrogen migration, providing clear guidance for more robust TOPCon designs. January 7, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Researchers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have investigated this ultraviolet-induced degradation (UVID) in TOPCon solar cells and have discovered that a thicker layer of aluminum oxide (AlOx) prevents this kind of “Our new work provides a comprehensive, experimentally validated model for UV…
The GWh-scale long-term energy storage project is expected to reduce curtailment in Xinjiang, a region in China with high solar and wind power generation and transmission bottlenecks. The flow battery installation is located at the same location as a PV installation. January 7, 2026 Matthew Lynas Image: WeChat, Xinjiang local government By ESS news The world’s first gigawatt-hour scale vanadium flow battery energy storage project has gone into operation in China, with a total installed capacity of 200 MW/1,000 MWh. Located in Jimusar Province, Xinjiang, the solar and storage project represents a total investment of CNY3.8 billion ($520 million) and…
Huawei and Sungrow are ranked as the world’s top two solar inverter manufacturers for the first half of 2025, based on Wood Mackenzie’s ‘Global Solar Inverter Manufacturer Rankings H1 2025’ report. The ranking assesses 23 leading manufacturers from seven countries based on eight performance criteria. Manufacturers accounted for approximately 90% of global shipping volume in 2024. “The 2025 global inverter landscape will be led by a diverse group of power electronics leaders who combine scale with innovation,” said Timothy Shen, senior research analyst at Wood Mackenzie. “Competitive advantage is increasingly determined not only by shipping volume, but also by the…
Chinese manufacturer Fox ESS has launched a modular battery energy storage system with a capacity of 5.99 kWh that can be scaled up to 83.86 kWh per stack. January 6, 2026 David Caroll By pv magazine Australia Energy technology manufacturer Fox ESS has released its CQ6 high-voltage battery energy storage system which it claims offers a capacity of 5.99 kWh in a stackable design that makes it ideal for Australian homes and businesses. “The battery is a high-performance, scalable battery storage system,” said Fox ESS. “This flexibility makes it suitable for a variety of environments, whether suburban rooftops, regional properties…
Ampion manages the subscriptions for two new community solar projects recently brought online in Illinois by ENGIE North America. The Knox 2A and Knox 2B projects in Galesburg are 2 MWAC each. “Community solar is about more than just clean energy. It’s about ensuring that households – including those with the greatest need – share in the benefits of the shift to clean energy,” said Kristen Fornes, Head of Distributed Solar and Storage at ENGIE. “These projects in Knox County demonstrate how renewable energy can strengthen communities, reduce costs and create a healthier future for families.” More than 60% of…
China’s Longi says it will begin mass production of base metal PV modules in the second quarter of 2026, as rising silver prices increase pressure to reduce metallization costs. January 6, 2026 Vincent Shaw Chinese module manufacturer Longi has revealed that it will begin mass production of base metal PV cells in the second quarter of 2026, with rising silver prices and cost pressures on the solar manufacturing supply chain pushing towards copper-based metallization. The company announced in investor communications on January 5 that it has already started building some of the production capacity needed for the service. Longi described…
Researchers from Spain found that semi-transparent PV systems are only commercially viable up to around 50% transparency, as higher transparency greatly reduces efficiency and increases system costs. Their analysis shows that declining power density, and not system balance or financing factors, are the main driver of higher LCOE, even in high-radiation areas. January 6, 2026 Emiliano Bellini A group of scientists from the University of Jaén in Spain have conducted technical and economic analyzes to assess the cost competitiveness of semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) technologies and found that commercial feasibility is possible if the transparency level does not exceed 50%. “Unlike…
A new two-electron bromine chemistry sharply reduces corrosion and improves performance, opening a clearer path for network-scale zinc-bromine flow batteries. January 6, 2026 Vincent Shaw By ESS news Researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP), Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a new bromine-based flow battery chemistry that addresses one of the technology’s longest-standing barriers: severe corrosion caused by free bromine during charging. The team reports that the approach simultaneously extends cycle life and increases energy density, potentially improving the commercial prospects for zinc-bromine (Zn/Br) flow batteries for long-term energy storage. Bromine flow batteries are attractive for grid…
Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy will build a 40,000 cubic meter vessel designed to meet global hydrogen demand in the 2030s. January 6, 2026 Patrick Jowett Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Japan Suiso Energy (JSE) have signed a contract to build the world’s largest liquid hydrogen tanker. The ship is expected to have a capacity of 40,000 cubic meters. It will be built at Kawasaki’s Sakaide factory in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. Kawasaki Heavy Industries said in a statement that the project will meet global hydrogen demand in the 2030s and form the basis of the future hydrogen supply…
By Brad Kramer January 5, 2026 Happy New Year and welcome to the first Projects weekly from 2026! We highlight Consumers Energy’s startup activities at Muskegon Solar in Michigan. Additionally, Seminole Financial completed the refinancing of a 26 MWdc solar project portfolio with Greenwood Sustainable Infrastructure (GSI), and CPS Energy issued an RFP to acquire up to 500 MW of additional battery storage in the San Antonio region. Keep reading for all the fine details! Consumers Energy is flipping the switch on the Michigan solar project Consumer Energy has commenced operations at its Muskegon Solar facility in Michigan, the company’s…