Author: solarenergy
General Motors has announced that it will offer this GM energy home energy management systems and home PowerBank batteries in leasing programs. Homeowners can lease GM Energy products, similar to leasing a vehicle. “We built GM Energy to unlock new benefits unique to electric vehicles. How incredible is it that a GM EV can power your well-equipped home, help manage your energy costs and work with the grid in the future?” said Wade Sheffer, vice president of GM Energy. “With leasing, we’re breaking down a barrier and trying to make this technology available to every homeowner, not just GM EV…
The US startup has introduced a screen-printable copper paste for back-side metallization of solar cells, which can be air-baked and co-baked with standard front-side silver pastes using conventional manufacturing processes. The paste has been tested on TOPCon cells and has helped achieve 25% efficiency and has passed a 2000 hour moist heat test. February 19, 2026 Emiliano Bellini US-based Bert Thin Films (BTF) has unveiled a new copper paste for back-side metallization of solar cells. According to the manufacturer, the new paste can be screen printed and air baked, and can also be co-baked with commercial silver pastes for front…
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $350 million loan to Gulf Renewable Energy to build 194 MW of solar capacity, including two battery-integrated projects, in central Thailand. February 19, 2026 Patrick Jowett The Asian Development Bank has signed a $350 million loan to finance the construction of three solar projects in India Thailand. The loan facility will be provided to Bangkok-based developer Gulf Renewable Energy Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of the holding company Gulf Development Public Co. Ltd. (GULF), to develop two solar-plus-storage projects with a combined capacity of 126 MW of solar and 151 MWh of storage,…
Researchers from Korea University have developed a machine learning framework that predicts solar cell efficiency based on wafer quality, enabling early screening of wafers and optimized production paths. Using more than 100,000 industrial data points, the approach combines predictive modeling, process optimization and explainable AI to support photovoltaic manufacturing. February 19, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Researchers from Korea University have a machine-learning model that can reportedly predict cell efficiency based on wafer quality. “We developed this industrial data-driven machine learning framework that uses more than 100,000 solar cell data points collected directly from a real mass production line,” said Seungtae Lee,…
The Iowa House Commerce Committee advanced the Local Generation Act (HSB 629) by a strong vote of 19-4, sending the legislation to the full House for consideration. The bill aims to provide families, farmers and small businesses with access to locally controlled community energy projects that lower electric bills, strengthen the reliability of the electric grid and keep energy investments rooted in Iowa communities. The committee vote marks important momentum for the legislation, which has received broad support from landowners, rural communities and voters across party lines concerned about rising electricity costs and growing economic opportunity in rural Iowa. Republican…
Investment and support could make small-scale space-based solar energy (SBSP) viable, with potential for electricity generated in orbit to participate in the UK’s Contracts for Difference (CfD) programme, according to a new report. According to analysis, launch costs have the largest impact on the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). February 19, 2026 Matthew Lynas Sending electricity to Earth from space-based solar power plants could be economically competitive by 2040, according to a feasibility study commissioned by the British government. The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for small-scale solar power plants in orbit is expected to fall over the next decade,…
Warehouses De Pauw (WDP) has installed an 8.5 MW solar energy system in a warehouse near Brussels-Charleroi Airport, with approximately 40% of the modules equipped with Phytonics anti-reflective film to prevent disruption to air traffic while maintaining near-complete energy output. February 19, 2026 Jochen Siemer Image: Warehouses De Pauw Belgian logistics specialist WDP has deployed an 8.5 MW solar power system at a warehouse in Heppignies, Belgium, near Brussels-Charleroi Airport, with around 5,000 of the 12,000 modules fitted with anti-reflective films from German company Phytonics to comply with air traffic safety regulations. The installation was approved after potential glare effects…
By Brad Kramer February 19, 2026 Inter sign has expanded its quality assurance offering for the solar industry with the acquisition of Aerial PV Inspection GmbH (AePVI), which provides rapid, technology-driven inspection and diagnostic solutions for solar PV systems. As the fastest growing form of renewable energyThe global solar market is undergoing rapid expansion, driven by accelerated investment in PV projects and rising demand for rapid quality assurance solutions that enable zero defects. Often caused by weather, shipping or incidents during production, installation and use, damage and defects to PV modules affect long-term performance, reliability and energy yield. AePVI helps…
Viridi has implemented a battery energy storage system (BESS) at a wastewater pumping station in Erie County Sewer District No. 2 in Hamburg, New York. The project strengthens public infrastructure while reducing operating costs and diesel emissions, while replacing traditional backup generators. The RPSLink BESS was installed to replace a diesel generator in Erie County Sewer District No. 2 in Hamburg, New York. Viridi Wastewater pumping stations are critical to public health, but typically rely on diesel generators that require regular testing, fuel treatments and ongoing maintenance, despite being infrequently used. Viridi’s solution offers a safer, more cost-effective and sustainable…
Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has announced that its 2 MW agricultural solar power plant, installed 3.8 meters above a rice field, has started operating. The project features a community model that returns part of the profits from energy generation to farmers. February 19, 2026 Patrick Jowett Headquarters in Tokyo Idemitsu Kosan has started operating a 2 MW agrivoltaic project in Japan. The Idemitsu Tokushima agricultural solar power plant is deployed on top of a rice field in the city of Komatsushima in Japan’s Tokushima Prefecture. Idemitsu says the array is one of Japan’s largest agricultural voltaic projects to date.…