As of March 2026, 27 U.S. states are introducing legislation for plug-and-play balcony solar systems, aiming to expand solar energy access despite concerns from utilities regarding safety risks associated with these installations. California is anticipated to be a significant market for this technology, driven by favorable policies and market conditions. Advocates argue that these small systems could lead to consumer cost savings and promote a transition to greener energy.
Meanwhile, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay have developed a transparent perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell that achieves an efficiency of up to 30.2% when integrated with commercial silicon cells, representing a promising advancement in photovoltaic technology.
In Australia, the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH) is proposed as a 70-gigawatt renewable energy project, with the first stage expected to deliver 6 gigawatts by 2033. This initial phase aims to produce approximately 330,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, with a long-term goal of generating up to 3.5 million tonnes of green hydrogen and 28 million tonnes of green ammonia each year. A final investment decision for the project is anticipated by 2029.
Additionally, Premier Energies has unveiled a zero-busbar TOPCon solar cell, enhancing power output and sustainability while the company seeks to expand its solar manufacturing capabilities.
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Places mentioned in this update: Africa, California, India, Intersolar India, Mexico, Nullarbor, Southern Africa, Western Australia, Zimbabwe