Author: solarenergy

Researchers in Spain developed a new model incorporating dynamic shading conditions in Madrid to evaluate yield and test control algorithms for vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) systems. January 26, 2026 Valerie Thompson Researchers from Spain’s Technical University of Madrid (UPM) have developed a model framework to simulate the performance of vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) modules under realistic dynamic shading and seasonal conditions. The demonstrator model, based on urban conditions in Madrid, can calculate yields but can also be used to evaluate alternative maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. The team combined simulation with high-resolution video recordings of predefined and characterized routes captured at…

Oze Grup’s Sivrihisar project combines a 49.2 MW solar power plant with 34.1 MWh of battery storage, which is Turkey’s first grid-connected hybrid facility approved under the Sustainable Finance Framework (DGES). January 26, 2026 Tristan Rayner By ESS news Turkey has commissioned its first major solar and storage power plant, with Oze Grup confirming that its Sivrihisar project in Eskisehir, about 140 km southwest of Ankara, has completed all regulatory processes and been commissioned. Oze Grup announced the milestone in a LinkedIn statement, while the trade press reported that the facility was formally inaugurated last week. The Sivrihisar project combines…

Utility-scale solar construction company Sunstall has been launched SunRobia robot-assisted solar installation platform designed to accelerate, standardize and reduce risk for large-scale solar construction. A screenshot of a SunRobi case study video. SunRobi is the digital and operational home of RAIS (Robotic Assisted Installation of Solar) – a technology-agnostic framework that integrates robot-assisted equipment, GPS-guided precision, AI-based location intelligence and field-proven construction expertise into a deployable solar installation value chain. “At Sunstall, we have always believed that solar construction should evolve as quickly as the energy transition itself,” said Helge Biernath, president and CEO of Sunstall. “SunRobi is more than…

A more than 15% increase in silver prices over the past week is putting additional cost pressure on the solar supply chain, as silver paste costs currently represent around 30% of total PV module costs. January 26, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Pastes with a higher silver content enable high-quality metallization at lower temperatures Image: DKEM Silver prices continued to skyrocket this week, reaching an all-time high of $108.17 per ounce (oz). In the last seven days alone, prices are up nearly 15% from $94.73/oz. For comparison, the average silver price in 2024 was $28.27/oz. Prices were $31.30/oz in January 2025 and…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineSolcast, a DNV company, reveals that extreme Canadian wildfires last year pushed aerosol levels about 30% above normal, sharply reducing solar radiation across Canada and even affecting Europe, while the Congo Basin also experienced worsening aerosol conditions. In contrast, China and South America experienced unusually low aerosol levels, supporting stronger solar radiation due to cleaner air, fewer fires, and favorable climate and policy conditions. January 23, 2026 Solcast Aerosol anomalies in 2025 reveal the massive impact of Canadian wildfires on solar conditions, with smoke and particulates from one of the worst fire seasons…

EG4 electronics joins Jump to enable the adoption of EG4 products in Virtual Power Plant (VPP) programs. Through this collaboration, EG4 inverters and batteries integrated with the Leap platform will enable customers to access home backup with network interactive capabilities, automated participation in utility programs and wholesale network services, and monetization of battery storage and flexible charging assets. “Our mission at EG4 is to make reliable backup accessible to the whole home while delivering long-term value,” said James Showalter, CEO of EG4 Electronics. “By working with Leap, EG4 systems can go further, supporting network reliability and enabling customers to participate…

This week, Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Melodie de l’Epine, Senior Project Manager/Head of Research & Innovation at the French Becquerel Institute. She says encouraging men to move from strict hierarchy to informal exchanges promotes a more equitable relationship. Women can benefit from noticing how men address each other and consciously participate, because subtle forms of address strongly determine power perceptions. January 23, 2026 Women in Solar+ Europe Our industries operate in a context of constant fluctuations. Policy frameworks are changing, market conditions are evolving rapidly and uncertainty is part of our daily reality. This means that as…

According to a review of FERC data by the SUN DAY Campaign, solar energy accounted for 72% of new electricity generation capacity on the U.S. grid in the first ten months of 2025. Solar energy has held this position for 26 months in a row and has now replaced wind energy as the largest source of renewable energy capacity on the US electric grid. In October alone, solar accounted for 60% of new generation capacity and FERC expects an additional 90 GW of solar to be deployed over the next three years, eclipsing new nuclear and coal deployments. In FERC’s…

The U.S. Department of Energy has moved to release commitments or revise billions in funding for clean energy projects while prioritizing natural gas and nuclear power. January 23, 2026 Ryan Kennedy By pv magazine USA The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that it will restructure or cancel $83.6 billion in loans and contingent liabilities, shifting its focus from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind in favor of baseload energy such as gas and nuclear. In conjunction with this action, the DOE renamed the lending organization the Loans Programs Office Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). The…

Advanced green technologies (AGT), a Florida-based commercial solar contractor founded in 2007, along with its parent company, Advanced Roofing Inc., have transitioned to an employee-owned organization. AGT and its affiliated companies will maintain their leadership, human resources and operational practices through the transition to an employee-owned organization. AGT operates as the renewable energy division of Advanced Roofing, founded in 1983 and grown into a fully integrated commercial roofing, HVAC and solar services provider throughout Florida. The organization also includes Advanced Air Systems, founded in 1994. Today, the Advanced family of companies serves customers from seven locations in Florida and employs…