China Energy Investment Corp (CHN Energy) has completed construction of the Guohua Rudong solar-hydrogen-storage integrated project in Jiangsu province, which includes a 400 MW coastal PV plant, a 60 MW/120 MWh battery energy storage system, and a green hydrogen production facility. This project, China's largest integrated solar-hydrogen-storage project, is expected to generate 468 GWh of electricity annually and aims to establish an integrated system linking renewable power generation, energy storage, hydrogen production, and downstream hydrogen use. Additionally, the project incorporates coastal ecological restoration measures and is part of China's third batch of large-scale wind and solar power bases.
Author: Pv Magazine
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SNEC 2026 wrap-up: Storage, AI and back-contact are reshaping solar
SNEC 2026 showcased a shift in the solar industry towards a broader system conversation, focusing on storage, dispatchability, and grid stability, with solar-plus-storage systems taking center stage. The emergence of bifacial solar cell technology and artificial intelligence integration are driving the industry towards application-specific designs and higher-value frontiers. Despite challenges, the industry is evolving towards becoming a systems industry integrated with storage and software, with future competition focusing on efficiency, cost, dispatchability, system integration, service capability, and lifecycle performance. Solar is transitioning from a manufacturing industry to a systems industry, making it more complex and interesting to follow.
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Fraunhofer ISE achieves 34.4 efficiency for III-V germanium solar module
Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has set a new record for power conversion efficiency of its III-V germanium solar module, increasing it from 34.2% to 34.4% using "shingle-matrix" technology and space-grade solar cells. This achievement was made possible by adapting triple-junction solar cell technology to the terrestrial solar spectrum and utilizing anti-reflective front glass structures supplied by Temicon. The key factor in this breakthrough was the use of shingle-matrix technology for interconnecting the solar cells, eliminating solder-coated copper ribbons, reducing shading, and increasing active area utilization. In addition, in July 2025, Fraunhofer ISE achieved 40% efficiency for an indoor III-V solar cell based on an indium gallium phosphide absorber, showcasing their commitment to advancing solar energy technology for a more sustainable future.
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Solar-powered floating shellfish farming tested in French lagoon
A French consortium has launched the SolarinThau project in Thau Lagoon, southern France, which integrates floating solar panels with oyster farming to support the local shellfish industry and tackle energy and environmental issues. The prototype platform will undergo an 18-month trial period from July 2026 to December 2027 to assess its technical, environmental, and economic viability. The project is led by a consortium with funding from the French government and the Occitanie Region, showcasing a promising initiative in sustainable energy solutions.
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Foam-based floating PV system for cold climates
Researchers from Western University in Canada conducted an experiment on a foam-backed floating PV system in a cold climate using an air-bubbler system to prevent ice formation. They found that the system generated more energy annually compared to other PV models and was economically viable in freezing winters, with a positive net present value and a discounted payback period of 4.2 years. The system also showed potential for water conservation and supporting agricultural water needs. The experiment involved measuring various parameters and comparing them to leading PV temperature models, leading the researchers to conclude that the foam-based FPV system was successful in generating energy and addressing climate challenges in cold climates, supporting the use of floating photovoltaic systems for sustainable energy expansion.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/foam-based-floating-pv-system-for-cold-climates/
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Solar-plus-storage microgrids now delivering competitive baseload power
Yana Hryshko of Wood Mackenzie discussed the potential of solar and battery storage for delivering baseload power in various markets at a recent conference in Shanghai. The team at Wood Mackenzie modeled scenarios for Ukraine, Ghana, and the Netherlands, considering different solar-plus-storage deployments. Hybrid solar-plus-storage solutions have a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) compared to conventional fuel solutions in these countries, with significant drops in the LCOE over time. The modeling assumes a consistent system architecture and specifications, focusing on reducing capex through tapping into existing transmission infrastructure. Solar-plus-storage microgrids are already cost-competitive and successful in Ukraine, Ghana, and the Netherlands, highlighting their value for generating affordable and clean electricity quickly in the energy transition.
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Australia’s biggest transmission project powers up
Transgrid has completed the EnergyConnect project in New South Wales, linking three state grids and integrating renewable energy zones into the national network. The project includes 700 km of new transmission lines, with the first stage already operational, adding 800 MW of transfer capacity. Despite challenges and cost overruns, EnergyConnect is expected to deliver significant benefits for consumers and help Australia achieve its climate change targets. Additionally, Transgrid is making progress on the HumeLink transmission project to connect Snowy 2.0 to the grid and planning for the delivery of the NSW section of the VNI West project, enhancing the integration of renewable energy sources and improving grid efficiency for a more sustainable and climate-friendly energy system.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/australias-biggest-transmission-project-powers-up/
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Using a bird’s structural-color trick to color solar modules
Researchers in China have developed a method for coloring PV modules using quasi-ordered photonic pigments that scatter light instead of absorbing it, increasing efficiency. Inspired by blue-feathered birds, the team created silica-polyacrylate structural color pigments for the modules. By varying the size of silica microspheres, different colors were achieved, with PCE enhancements of over 50% compared to traditional absorbing pigments. A new study shows that colored PV modules integrated into facades can deliver a high energy yield in both high and low latitude locations, with potential for building-integrated photovoltaics with visually appealing and efficient results.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/using-a-birds-structural-color-trick-to-color-solar-modules/
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All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The latest edition of the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables, led by Professor Martin Green from UNSW, has been published as open access in the July 2026 issue of Joule. This version showcases record-breaking efficiencies for large area silicon cells and modules, advancements in lead halide perovskite cell development, and improvements in perovskite-silicon tandem cells and modules. Notable achievements include a 27.9%-efficient interdigitated-back-contact device developed by Longi. The research, which involves contributions from various institutions including the European Commission Joint Research Centre and the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory, highlights the continuous growth and advancements in photovoltaic technology.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/all-solar-cell-efficiencies-at-a-glance-updated-7/
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Halocell Energy secures grant for perovskite PV scale-up
Halocell Energy has received a grant to expand its perovskite PV manufacturing capabilities in Wagga Wagga, Australia, with the goal of increasing production of indoor perovskite PV modules from 7,000 to 100,000 units per year. The funding will be utilized to upgrade equipment, optimize production processes, and expand the workforce. Halocell's lightweight and flexible PV modules are specifically designed for high-value applications, boasting high power density, low-light performance, and radiation tolerance, making them a promising solution for advancing renewable energy technologies.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/08/halocell-energy-secures-grant-for-perovskite-pv-scale-up/