Author: solarenergy

Researchers led by Guido Pagano of Rice University used a specialized quantum device to simulate a vibrating molecule and track how energy moves within it. The work, published December 5 in Nature Communications, could improve understanding of the basic mechanisms behind phenomena such as photosynthesis and solar energy conversion. The researchers modeled a simple molecule with two locations, where one part provides energy and the other part receives, both shaped by vibrations and their environment. By tuning the system, they could directly observe energy moving from donor to acceptor and study how vibrations and energy loss affect that transfer, providing…

SoftBank Group is testing AI-powered mobile base stations powered by solar panels and a 3 kW wind turbine to reduce energy consumption while maintaining service quality. The system stores excess energy in batteries and can automatically switch to the electricity grid if necessary. January 16, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Japanese investment holding company Softbank Group is testing a new type of mobile base station that generates a significant portion of its electricity from solar and wind energy. The pilot system will be installed at one of the company’s facilities in Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture. It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to dynamically…

According to data from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), a record 34,0888 households in Ireland will have installed solar panels by 2025.This represents a 16% increase from the previous year, when more than 29,000 subsidized installations were awarded under SEIA’s solar PV program in 2024.Compared between 2023 and 2025, the increase was 49%, underlining the continued interest in residential solar from Irish households.Five counties – Clare, Kerry, Waterford, Mayo and Wexford – each showed an adoption level of more than 1,000 households, helped by the Solar PV Scheme, which offers up to €1,800 (£1,560) for a solar installation.“The…

With lithium prices hitting a two-year high in early 2026, sodium ion batteries are once again in the spotlight as innovators on both sides of the Atlantic announce major milestones. January 16, 2026 Marija Maisch By ESS news US startup Unigrid has begun commercial-scale international shipping of its proprietary NCO sodium ion cells, making it the first battery company outside China to export sodium ion technology at scale, according to the company. The move was made possible by crucial transportation certifications and Unigrid’s cost-efficient foundry production model. This approach makes it possible to scale up quickly without the capital burden…

Workers representing unions from across New Jersey have formed a coalition that aims to advance the state’s clean energy economy and create new union jobs. Ana Maria Hill, vice president and New Jersey state director of 32BJ SEIU, speaks at a press conference announcing the formation of Climate Jobs New Jersey. Climate Jobs New Jersey hopes to address the state’s rising energy costs by implementing a statewide solar and storage program, with construction led by union labor. The coalition will also advocate for the state to take control of the planning and procurement of energy projects to meet New Jersey’s…

Vikram Solar Ltd today announced the adoption of the G12R format across its entire portfolio of PV modules. The company says this move reflects a broader industry trend toward larger size wafers, high-efficiency n-type technologies and bifacial module designs aimed at improving energy yield and project economics. January 16, 2026 Uma Gupta By pv magazine India Vikram Solar Ltd today announced that it will adopt the G12R format across its entire portfolio of PV modules. The company says this move reflects a broader industry trend toward larger wafers, high-efficiency n-type technologies and bifacial module designs aimed at increasing energy yield…

The Brazilian Association of Energy Storage Solutions (ABSAE) predicts that installations in Brazil’s commercial and industrial (C&I) segment will exceed 2 GWh by 2026. In addition, the group expects purchases of around 8 GWh at the auction scheduled for April, which will procure projects for delivery from 2028. January 16, 2026 Livia Neves By ESS news And pv magazine Brazil BSAE believes that there will be consolidation in Brazil’s C&I battery sector and regulatory space in 2026. In an interview with pv magazine BrazilABSAE Executive Director Fabio Lima said C&I systems are in high demand and are being deployed quickly.…

Abu Dhabi-based developer Masdar and Montenegro’s state energy company EPCG have entered into a framework agreement under which a joint venture between the two parties could develop, build, own and operate large-scale solar projects in the country. January 16, 2026 Patrick Jowett Image: MontenegroMinistry of Energy and Mining Future Energy Company of Abu Dhabi (Masdar) and Montenegrin state-owned company EPCG have said they will explore setting up a joint venture to develop large-scale renewable energy projects in Montenegro. The two parties signed a framework agreement during the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. Under the terms of the agreement, the joint venture…

Central Bedfordshire’s planning committee has granted approval for a 500MW battery energy storage system (BESS) proposed by Statera Energy.The developer’s Sundon Storage project will have an 8-hour duration and as such is one of 77 projects currently being considered for the Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) cap-and-floor support program. A duration of 8 hours would provide an energy storage capacity of 4,000 MWh. Whether lithium-ion assets, the technology used in Sundon Storage, would be included in the LDES support scheme was a subject of some debate before it became clear that projects would not be excluded “based solely on their…

The launch of the new product suggests Tesla could renew its focus on residential solar and expand its US leasing options to include Powerwall. January 16, 2026 Emiliano Bellini Tesla has introduced a new all-black solar module for residential use, according to information on the company’s website. “The Tesla Solar Panel combines sleek aesthetics and hidden electrical connections with powerful engineering, exceeding industry performance and quality standards,” Tesla said. “Featuring our proprietary frame design, the all-black module integrates seamlessly with the Tesla Panel Mount for a minimalist look, with no visible rails or clamps.” The modules are available in two…