Author: solarenergy

A new study shows that perfectly symmetric materials can generate strong photocurrents when their surfaces are designed to accommodate special electronic states, overcoming a long-standing limitation in photovoltaic design. The work points to new strategies for both solar energy conversion and ultrafast spintronic technologies by exploiting the physics of surfaces rather than relying solely on the properties of bulk crystals. Conventional solar cells use interfaces such as p-n junctions to separate photo-generated charges and produce usable power. Another mechanism, known as the bulk photovoltaic effect, can create direct current in a homogeneous material without such bonds, but traditionally requires a…

Researchers have used multivalent amidinium ligands to increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells up to 25.4%, achieving a stability of more than 95% after 1100 hours at 85 C. The proposed approach enables controlled low-dimensional passivation layers, providing a practical route for durable, large-area perovskite devices. January 20, 2026 Valerie Thompson An international group of researchers has used multivalent amidinium ligands as an alternative to conventional monovalent ammonium ligands for passivation of perovskite films. When used in a large-area inverted 2D/3D perovskite solar cell, the ligands helped achieve a cell power conversion efficiency of 25.4%, with the device maintaining…

Supplier of lithium batteries NeoVolta announced it would begin manufacturing battery energy storage systems (BESS) in Pendergrass, Georgia. Through a joint venture with Longi and recently ESS acquisition PotisEdge“NeoVolta Power” will start mass production in the 2 GWh power plant in mid-2026. The site is scalable up to 8 GWh. PotisEdge BESS The facility will initially focus on prismatic battery pack assembly and DC container integration, supporting approximately 89 production personnel at stable initial capacity. While NeoVolta has traditionally focused on the residential market, the Georgian-made BESS will be designed for the utility and commercial markets. “This transformative joint venture…

Researchers in China developed a novel two-dimensional (2D) seeding agent to control crystallization in a perovskite film with a wide band gap of 1.80 eV. A perovskite-silicon tandem device made with the resulting optimized subcell achieved an efficiency of 31.13% and outperformed a control device. January 19, 2026 Valerie Thompson A research team from Northwestern Polytechnical University, together with Xi’an Shiyou University and Xidian University, has developed a new strategy for controlling perovskite film crystallization for tandem organic-inorganic hybrid halide perovskite solar cells with a wide band gap. It was made possible by using CsPb2Br5 as a two-dimensional (2D) graft.…

The Polish Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Association (PSFiME) says proposed changes to Poland’s energy law could impose high upfront costs for developers, raising barriers to entry into the market and unfairly favoring large, well-capitalized players. January 19, 2026 Tristan Rayner Image: Aliaksandra Yadzeshka, Unsplash By ESS news Poland’s solar and energy storage industry is sounding the alarm over a draft amendment to the country’s energy law, which could delay new renewable energy projects and undermine private investment, especially from domestic players. The concerns center on the UC84 bill, which would change the rules for connecting renewable energy projects to the…

Researchers from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology have developed a robust coating layer that significantly improves the operational stability of perovskite solar cells while maintaining high efficiency. In accelerated tests simulating intense midday sunlight at 85 degrees Celsius, the coated cells retained more than 95 percent of their initial energy conversion efficiency after more than 1,100 hours of continuous use, demonstrating great potential for outdoor use in real-world conditions. Perovskite solar cells are known for their high efficiency and relatively low production costs, but their limited long-term stability is a major obstacle…

Software specialist Planno from the United Arab Emirates has launched software to automate the search for roof areas with potential for solar energy generation. January 19, 2026 Valerie Thompson Planno, a software company based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has launched subscription-based prospecting software for commercial and industrial (C&I) solar developers and planners to use to identify and qualify promising rooftops in a growing number of countries. It automates several steps of the prospecting phase for commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop project developers, “making the process faster and more data-driven,” said Daniel Domingues, founder and CEO of Planno. “It…

Four agencies told 16 leading companies to curb irrational competition as China tightens oversight of power and batteries. January 19, 2026 Vincent Shaw The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Image: 維基小霸王, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 By ESS news China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) said it has convened a high-level symposium with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) on January 7 to “further regulate” competition in the energy and energy storage battery sector. The meeting was chaired by MIIT Vice…

US-based Copeland has launched its Sensi Hydro sanitary water heat pump, designed to provide energy-efficient hot water for hotels, commercial buildings and public facilities. The units feature ZW scroll compressors, independent refrigerant circuits and a backup mode to ensure reliable hot water supply. January 19, 2026 Lior Kahana The Sensi Hydro Image: Copeland American heating specialist Copeland has launched a new sanitary water heat pump for applications in commercial buildings. The new product, called Sensi Hydro, is designed to provide a consistent hot water supply and is available in models ranging from 6 HP to 20 HP. According to the…

By Martin McConnell January 19, 2026 An Illinois utility company Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) has presented a second multi-year network plan (MYGP) to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which outlines future “critical investments” in the Land of Lincoln’s electricity grid for the period 2028-2031. The new plan was developed with feedback from both stakeholders and customers in mind and is now aligned with the state’s renewable energy goals. The company plans to “make cost-effective investments in infrastructure that simplifies and accelerates the interconnection of solar and wind energy” with the ComEd system’s broader energy network, in addition to the system’s already…