Author: solarenergy

Scientists have reported a new way to make perovskite solar cells both highly efficient and significantly more stable, directly addressing one of the key obstacles to large-scale deployment of this emerging photovoltaic technology. Perovskite semiconductors are being widely promoted as candidates for the next generation of solar energy because they can be processed at low temperatures into thin, lightweight and potentially flexible devices that could be cheaper to manufacture than conventional silicon panels. However, leading perovskite formulations tend to degrade under sustained heat or illumination, causing rapid efficiency losses and limiting their practical lifespan in real-world conditions. A team led…

Tariff cuts under the new US-India trade deal will reduce import costs for solar panels and energy storage components. The reciprocal rates were effectively reduced from 50% to 18%. February 4, 2026 Ryan Kennedy The Visakhapatnam Port in India Image: eclicks_by_bunny, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 By pv magazine USA The United States and India recently reached a strategic turning point in trade relations. On February 3, 2026, the countries signed an agreement to reduce mutual tariffs on Indian goods, including solar panels and energy storage components, from 25% to 18%. For developers, relief comes from eliminating fines. The US…

The global energy landscape is changing at an unprecedented speed. Governments, businesses and communities are joining the goal of achieving a net zero climate, but the technologies available today are not always sufficient to achieve the scale of change required.Solar energy has become one of the key drivers of the energy transition, with installed capacity increasing year on year and costs falling to record lows. However, there is a growing realization that the silicon photovoltaic (PV) technology, which currently dominates the market, is reaching its physical limits.Silicon solar cells have served the industry well for decades, but their theoretical maximum…

Two new solar projects in Wasco County, Oregon – Daybreak Solar and Bakeoven Solar – have begun commercial operations and will supply energy to utility Portland General Electric. The 189 MWDC Daybreak Solar and 80 MWDC Bakeoven Solar represent new domestic capacity that will support growing electricity demand. Bakeoven Solar with Oregon’s Mount Hood in the background. Avangrid “The completion of these two projects marks the latest milestone in a critical investment in Wasco County that will bring new jobs, modern infrastructure and a more resilient electric grid to Oregon,” said Jose Antonio Miranda, CEO of Avangridthe developer of the…

Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corporation and India’s Carbon Resources Private Limited have agreed to collaborate on new solar and hydropower projects in Bhutan with capacities between 100 MW and 250 MW. February 2, 2026 Patrick Jowett Bhutan’s leading renewable energy company, Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC), has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kolkata-based Carbon Resources Private Limited (CPRL) to jointly pursue renewable energy projects. Under the terms of the partnership, DGPC and CPRL will collaborate in developing new solar and hydropower projects in Bhutan with capacities ranging between 100 MW and 250 MW. DGPC will be responsible for sharing…

SunRobiSunstall’s robot-assisted construction division, is the first certified operator of autonomous solar panel installation systems developed by Cosmic robotics. The certification follows multiple successful implementations of the Cosmic-1A system on live solar projects across the United States. This designation formalizes a close, execution-oriented collaboration between SunRobi and Cosmic Robotics, aimed at bringing advanced construction robotics into real production environments. Through extensive on-site deployment, SunRobi crews have integrated autonomous installation into established EPC workflows, demonstrating how robotics can significantly improve the speed, consistency and sustainability of utility-scale workforce operations. Rather than treating automation as a standalone tool, SunRobi worked with Cosmic…

The United States has reached a trade deal with India that will reduce some of the tariffs on Indian imports. Few details were provided, but news reports say the United States will cut India’s export tariff to 18%. Previously this was even 50%. It’s welcome news for Indian solar panel manufacturers. Indian solar panel brands became popular in the United States, but import figures remained relatively stagnant while the excessive tariff rates were in place. “The $500 billion India-US trade deal, with reciprocal tariffs rationalized to 18%, represents a structural turning point for the Indian energy industry – especially on…

A new solar cell designed to work in locations such as windows and flexible surfaces where traditional panels cannot has been developed by nanotechnology researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The device targets installations on building facades, architectural glass and curved structures where rigid modules are difficult to implement. The research, led by Prof. Shlomo Magdassi and Prof. Lioz Etgar of the Hebrew University Institute of Chemistry and the Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, points to new ways to embed solar technology in windows, building facades and curved surfaces without compromising appearance or performance. The approach focuses on semi-transparent,…

When combined with SAJ’s highly efficient MPPT algorithms, the system delivers a 4.5% increase in overall energy conversion efficiency. The manufacturer also plans to release a 1250 V version. February 3, 2026 To meet the challenge of rising electricity costs during peak hours for commercial and industrial renewable generation (C&I), Sanjing (SAJ) introduced the CH3 Series 125K Hybrid Inverter and CB3 Series Battery System – a 1500V DC-coupled C&I storage solution specifically designed for the stringent demands of the market. According to SAJ, the cornerstone of the CH3 series is its advanced 1500 V DC architecture, which directly translates into…

A new bifacial PV optimization model for 18 Saudi Arabian cities identifies optimal tilt and azimuth, showing that backside irradiation can increase annual energy yield by 8–12% and shift tilt 3°–11° higher than monofacial modules. The framework validates previous studies, highlights high and low performing locations, and serves as an early-stage planning tool prior to detailed project simulations. February 3, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Researchers at Jubail Industrial College in Saudi Arabia have created an orientation optimization framework for bifacial PV that links bifacial backside irradiation, albedo, and module geometry to optimal module implementation without relying on project-specific layout inputs. “The…