Author: solarenergy

An international research team has developed two deep learning-based IDS models to improve cybersecurity in SCADA systems. The hybrid approach is said to improve the detection of complex and novel cyber threats with high accuracy, adaptability and efficiency, outperforming traditional methods across multiple data sets. April 3, 2026 Emiliano Bellini A Saudi-British research team has developed two new deep learning-based intrusion detection systems (IDSs) that can reportedly improve the cybersecurity of SCADA networks. In large-scale solar power plants, SCADA systems play a crucial role by overseeing energy generation, monitoring solar panel performance, optimizing output, identifying potential faults and maintaining smooth…

The German manufacturer said its new back-contact solar panel has an energy conversion efficiency of up to 23.52%. April 3, 2026 Sandra Enkhardt By pv magazine Germany German module manufacturer Bauer Solar is expanding its product portfolio with a new back contact panel. Initially, it will launch an all-black glass-glass version with a power of 480W. It is built on 108 bifacial half-cells and measures 1,800mm x 1,134mm x 30mm, with a stated weight of 24.8kg. The energy conversion efficiency of the module is 23.52%. The company said both the front and rear windows are 2mm thick and feature anti-reflective…

Hydro-Québec has introduced a subsidy of up to CAD 1,000 ($718.40) per installed kilowatt, covering up to 40% of eligible costs to accelerate the adoption of rooftop solar and shorten payback times for residential and commercial customers in the Canadian province of Québec. April 3, 2026 Brian Publicover Provincial utility Hydro-Québec has launched a new subsidy program aimed at residential and commercial customers installing PV systems, as part of its broader strategy to expand solar energy generation in Québec, Canada. The program offers CAD 1,000/kW of installed capacity and can cover up to 40% of eligible project costs. According to…

Swiss startup Evolium Technologies’ subscription-based business model offers private battery owners a lifetime warranty on batteries that have a second life. The startup tests and monitors each battery cell remotely, so customers can be alerted when a cell is underperforming. April 3, 2026 Blathnaid O’Dea Evolium’s second-life battery for residential applications with its own monitoring system. The system tells the battery owner when a cell needs to be replaced. Image: Evolium Technologies By ESS news Founded in 2024 and supported by the Swiss Innovation Association, Evolium Technologies is a Swiss second-life battery start-up with its own unique approach to battery…

Agratas, the Tata Group’s global battery company, has completed the steel frame of its Sanand factory in India, with production expected to begin in 2027. April 3, 2026 Uma Gupta By pv magazine India Agratasthe global battery sector of the Tata Grouphas completed the steel frame of its Sanand battery manufacturing facility in India, marking a major milestone towards operational readiness. The company expects production to start in 2027. The first phase of the project is designed for an annual production capacity of 20 GWh. Once operational, the facility will produce advanced battery cells for electric vehicles and energy storage…

A German research team has developed CuInSe₂ microconcentrator solar cells using laser-assisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition to grow indium islands directly on molybdenum-coated glass, forming absorber arrays without masks or patterns. The not yet optimized micromodules achieved an efficiency of up to 0.65% under one sun, with gains of up to 250% under concentrated lighting. April 3, 2026 Lior Kahana A research team in Germany has developed a copper, indium and selenium (CuInSe₂) micro-concentrator solar device consisting of vertically grown absorber islands on molybdenum (Mo) films. The scientists used laser-assisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (LA-MOCVD) to grow indium (In) islands…

Hybrid power purchase agreements (PPAs) that combine solar and storage are proving more difficult to secure with industrial customers than standard solar agreements, despite growing market interest. April 3, 2026 Tristan Rayner By ESS news BBDF 2026 held a panel on hybrid PPAs, with panelists all familiar with the relatively easy days of solar PPAs. Now that projects are increasingly taking place at the same location and the desire of banks and financiers is to tie up part of BESS revenues in toll contracts and not have them operated 100% by merchants, the context for the conversation is to look…

The U.S. solar industry cannot meet workforce needs as developers rush to meet July 4, 2026 construction deadlines tied to federal tax credits. April 2, 2026 Ryan Kennedy By pv magazine USA The U.S. solar industry is facing a serious skilled labor shortage developers are rushing to meet the July 4, 2026 construction deadline mandated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). An analysis of the 2025 U.S. Energy & Employment Report (USER) and the IREC National Solar Jobs Census shows that while the industry now supports more than 280,000 workers, the supply of qualified workers cannot keep pace…

The war in the Middle East is putting pressure on energy markets and increasing the value of solar and storage energy purchase agreements (PPAs), with Europe seeing a surge in activity in March, according to Swiss consultancy Pexapark. April 2, 2026 Pilar Sanchez Molina By ESS news The conflict in the Gulf has led to a structural shift in global energy markets that extends beyond short-term volatility. Attacks on liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure have increased the impact on energy markets after an initial focus on temporary logistics disruptions, according to Pexapark. War between Israel, the United States and Iran…

Ember’s latest analysis shows that there are major bottlenecks in transmission and distribution networks across Europe, threatening the viability of both future utilities and small-scale residential solar in the most affected countries. April 1, 2026 Patrick Jowett There is a shortfall of around 120 GW between the planned expansion of renewable energy sources and available network capacity in most EU member states, according to a new report from energy analysts Ember. The “Crossed wires: Network capacity could block the EU’s energy securityAccording to the report, more than one in two EU countries face bottlenecks at the transmission level where large-scale…