Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland and a collaborative team from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National University of Singapore, University of Ioannina, and Politecnico di Milano have made significant advancements in perovskite solar cell technology. By incorporating rubidium (Rb) into the perovskite lattice structure, they were able to enhance stability and efficiency, achieving champion efficiency levels of 25.77% and 20.65% respectively. The introduction of Rb+ cations at grain domain boundaries and the lattice strain approach led to improved carrier diffusion length, lifetime, and suppression of halide phase segregation. These developments mark a promising step forward in the quest for more efficient and stable solar energy solutions.
Author: Pv Magazine
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California water district plans up to 21 GW of solar on fallowed farmland
The Westlands Water District in California has adopted the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan to develop up to 21 GW of solar generation on fallowed agricultural land in response to water shortages in the San Joaquin Valley. California law AB 2661 allows the district to repurpose the land for solar, storage, and transmission facilities, aiming to preserve agriculture viability and create economic opportunities for farmworkers. Stakeholder collaboration will be key in advancing project planning and implementation steps for this initiative, which seeks to address water scarcity while promoting sustainable solutions for the region's agricultural sector.
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Japanese airport terminal hosting chalcopyrite solar modules
Kyuden Mirai Energy and Nissan Motor are showcasing the use of flexible, glass-free chalcopyrite PV panels from PXP Corporation in projects at Fukuoka International Airport and a Nissan dealership in Yokohama City, Japan. The goal is to evaluate the potential applications of thin film solar PV technology, raise awareness about flexible solar cell technology, and emphasize Nissan's commitment to sustainability. PXP Corporation has received financial support to advance their technology in Japan, highlighting the growing interest in renewable energy solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/japanese-airport-terminal-hosting-chalcopyrite-solar-modules/
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Google acquires Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion
Google has acquired Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion to develop solar and storage projects for its AI data centers, aiming to bypass grid bottlenecks and scale rapidly with energy parks co-locating data centers with generation and storage assets. With $15 billion in assets, Intersect Power plans to have 10.8 GW of capacity by 2028. Google's energy park development strategy, including the Quantum Clean Energy Project in Texas, focuses on clean energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/google-acquires-intersect-power-for-nearly-5-billion/
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UK study finds azimuthal trackers boost floating PV performance
A University of Exeter study found that azimuthal tracking systems deliver the largest energy gains and lowest levelized cost of energy for floating solar PV plants in the UK, with a 26.9% increase in production compared to fixed systems. This makes floating solar a competitive option for marine-based renewable energy. Meanwhile, in the United States, Texas has become one of the top states for solar energy production due to its abundant sunlight, large land area, and decreasing costs of solar technology. The expansion of solar power in Texas is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
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Battery technology outlook for 2026 sharpens beyond lithium-ion
In 2026, the energy storage industry is focused on advancements in technology to meet the demands of AI-driven load growth, data center demand, and wildfire risks. Longer-duration storage, safer chemistries, and resilient supply chains are key priorities for industry leaders, with a shift towards non-lithium chemistries for safety, affordability, and long-term confidence. Recycling and domestic processing will become essential for maintaining domestic battery supply chains, with a push towards localized materials recovery and finished batteries. Companies investing in secure, scalable supply chains and embracing new chemistries will be well-positioned to succeed in meeting the country's energy needs, particularly in adding flexible power near high-demand areas like AI data centers.
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China powers up world’s largest liquid air storage project
China has activated the world's largest liquid-air energy storage facility, the Super Air Power Bank, with a capacity of 60 MW/600 MWh, co-located with a 250 MW photovoltaic plant in the Gobi Desert near Golmud city. The facility compresses and cools air to -194°C, liquefies it, and stores it in specialized tanks for energy storage. When electricity is needed, the liquid air expands, driving turbines to generate power, transforming air into an energy storage carrier under extreme cold conditions. This innovative project showcases a sustainable solution for high levels of green energy self-sufficiency.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/30/china-powers-up-worlds-largest-liquid-air-storage-project/
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Growing agri-PV tomatoes while producing hydrogen for smart windows
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a concept for a residential building in the UK that combines rooftop agrivoltaics with onsite hydrogen production. The electricity generated by the solar system is used to produce hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles and smart windows, with the system able to meet the annual demand of the smart windows and support up to 64.23 km of driving per day. The study also discusses the thermal performance of vacuum gasochromic windows and the potential of small rooftop areas to support building-scale hydrogen applications. The impact of agrivoltaics on home insulation and the use of produced hydrogen for home heating are areas of future research, as detailed in the publication in Energy and Buildings titled "Rooftop agrivoltaic powered onsite hydrogen production for insulated gasochromic smart glazing and hydrogen vehicles: A holistic approach to sustainable residential building."
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Argentina’s YPF Luz begins 100 MW output at El Quemado solar park
YPF Luz has activated the first 100 MW of its El Quemado solar park in Mendoza province, the first renewable energy facility to operate under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). With an estimated investment of $210 million, the project is progressing towards a total capacity of 305 MW, generating enough electricity for over 233,000 Argentine households. This milestone marks a significant step towards the country's renewable energy goals, showcasing the potential for large-scale projects in energy infrastructure to accelerate the transition to clean energy sources.