Researchers from Germany have developed a PV-activated design facade element with aluminum as the base material, funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The approach involves directly laminating a PV module onto the aluminum facade element, with challenges such as bending and electrical insulation addressed. The prototypes of the PV-activated facade element differ from a facade element without PV by only two connectors, making them more likely to be accepted and used by installers. Scientists have developed a prototype called BIPV-4 for a façade element that utilizes aluminum-based PV technology, demonstrating that it can match conventional module performance while maintaining safe electrical isolation. The design includes rear junction boxes, insulated cross-connectors, a zigzag 3D structure, golden anodized aluminum, and optimized use of M12 cells. The group also created multiple PV design façade variants with adaptable cell formats, different surface geometries, and customizable color options, allowing for integration into diverse façade geometries and scalable to different module sizes up to 2 meters.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Battery storage key to solar project bankability in Africa
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are essential for solar project bankability in Africa, focusing on delivering flexible, dispatchable power for long-term value creation in the energy transition. Key factors for successful projects include credible counterparties, clear dispatch frameworks, and robust engineering structures. Strategies for scaling commercial and industrial (C&I) energy storage projects in Africa involve long-term financing, standardized contracts, and risk mitigation techniques to attract private capital. Challenges include financing constraints, currency risks, and the need for innovative financing models like power support agreements. The African storage market is growing, with over 31.8 GWh of projects under development, emphasizing the importance of credible partners, bank guarantees, and effective project management to address collection risks.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/28/battery-storage-key-to-solar-project-bankability-in-africa/
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Assessing Elon Musk’s massive 100 GW solar ambitions
Elon Musk's ambitious plan for Tesla to build 100 GW of annual PV manufacturing capacity in the US, double the current capacity, highlights the potential for the company to lead in renewable energy solutions. Despite challenges such as significant investment, expertise, and space requirements, Tesla's track record of rapid factory construction and cash reserves position it as a strong candidate for success. By importing Chinese-built equipment and navigating interconnection processes with local utilities, Tesla aims to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy in the country. The plan could also impact the workforce and international trade policies in the solar manufacturing industry, providing a larger market for domestic companies like Tesla. Overall, Tesla's goal of expanding solar manufacturing capacity showcases its potential to drive new power generation and grid-scale battery storage in the US.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/27/assessing-elon-musks-massive-100-gw-solar-ambitions/
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Storing renewables with compressed air in urban heating pipeline
Researchers in China have developed a heating pipeline compressed-air energy storage (HP-CAES) concept that repurposes urban district heating networks for storing surplus renewable electricity. The system stores compressed air and recovered compression heat within existing pipelines, improving efficiency and reducing infrastructure requirements. The method allows for simultaneous heating and energy storage functions without complex modifications, enabling widespread application in urban heating networks. The HP-CAES system was designed using thermodynamic modeling and simulations, with a total compressed-air storage volume of 38,334.69 m3 in three pipeline sections. A study compared an adiabatic compressed air energy storage (HP-CAES) system using a heating pipeline as storage with a metal tank-compressed air energy storage (MT-CAES) system. The HP-CAES system showed higher energy storage density and efficiency, especially when using sliding pressure mode. Optimizing pressure ranges and stage numbers is crucial for balancing energy efficiency, storage density, and ecological performance. The HP-CAES system also had lower investment costs and shorter payback periods compared to the MT-CAES system, making it a favorable option for urban heating networks.
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EU awards €400 million to 65 industrial heat projects in auction
The European Commission has awarded €400 million to 65 industrial heat decarbonization projects in 10 European countries under the Innovation Fund's first heat auction. These projects aim to deploy electrified and renewable heat technologies in energy-intensive industries such as pulp and paper, glass, and steel, with the goal of avoiding over 6.6 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and producing 16.3 TWh of decarbonized heat in their first five years of operation. The funding, sourced from EU Emissions Trading System revenues, requires projects to reach financial close within two years of signing grant agreements. This initiative is considered a pilot for the future Industrial Decarbonization Bank under the Clean Industrial Deal.
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DAS Solar, UNSW build tunnel back-contact solar cell with 27% efficiency, lower silver content
Researchers from UNSW and DAS Solar have developed a zero-busbar metal grid optimization approach for tunnel oxide passivated back-contact (TBC) silicon solar cells, reducing silver consumption by 3-4 mg/W. The first TBC cells produced using this technique have achieved efficiencies exceeding 27%. The ZBB design cuts silver paste consumption significantly, supporting large-scale industrialization of TBC solar cells. DAS Solar has begun mass production of ZBB TBC cells with silver consumption of approximately 6 mg/W and peak conversion efficiency exceeding 27%. The cell design includes textured front surface with passivation layers and relies on p-type and n-type polycrystalline silicon at the rear side. The article also discusses the benefits of larger busbar segmentation and efficient current routing in improving solar cell efficiency, comparing ZBB cells with pad-based cells. The study found that ZBB cells offer at least a 0.1% efficiency gain over pad-based cells, with potential for further improvement with reduced silver paste consumption. DAS Solar introduced a circuit-model-based method to detect hot-spot risks in TOPCon back-contact modules, addressing limitations of existing approaches.
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Fujiyama Power to set up 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in India
Fujiyama Power Systems is planning to establish a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, India, to enhance its presence in the on-grid rooftop solar segment. The facility, set to commence commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal year 2028, will be financed through debt and internal accruals. This expansion is aimed at reducing cost volatility, securing DCR-compliant solar cell supply, improving margins, and solidifying the company's position in India's rooftop solar market. Being included in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's ALMM-II list positions Fujiyama Power Systems to benefit from the increasing demand for DCR solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
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Europe creates map to locate available capacity in power grids
Capacitypedia is a new pan-European digital platform launched by ENTSO-E and the DSO Entity to improve transparency and access to information on the hosting capacity of European electricity grids. It aggregates data from transmission and distribution system operators across Europe, aiming to help developers, utilities, investors, and industrial users locate and compare capacity availability. The platform focuses on improving visibility of grid capacity for renewable energy projects, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Capacitypedia includes an interactive map showing countries providing public information on grid capacity and promotes a standardized interpretation of hosting capacity across Europe.
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Solar and wind generated more electricity globally than gas power for the first time in April
In April 2026, a new global record was set as electricity generated from wind and solar reached 531 TWh, surpassing gas-fired power plants supplying 477 TWh for the first time. This milestone, with wind and solar accounting for 22% of global electricity generation compared to gas at 20%, is reshaping the global power mix and weakening the case for imported gas. The sustained growth in renewable energy is increasing pressure to accelerate deployment, even amidst recent energy crises. This shift highlights the importance of prioritizing renewable energy solutions to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
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New metric assesses innovation readiness in agrivoltaics
The Agrivoltaic Innovation Index (AII) developed by researchers at Firat University evaluates research-driven innovation in agrivoltaics across four dimensions and distinguishes innovation readiness from general research performance. European and East Asian nations rank higher in AII tiers, while countries in Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of South and Southeast Asia exhibit lower overall AII values due to weak diffusion mechanisms and collaboration structures. The AII can help governments identify gaps in technology and knowledge sharing to create policies addressing weaknesses in research, with countries like Burkina Faso, Benin, Kenya, Tanzania, Senegal, and Niger showing high AII scores despite fewer published papers, indicating focused projects addressing urgent local needs. These nations could benefit from international cooperation and support to further develop agrivoltaic innovation clusters.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/22/new-metric-assesses-innovation-readiness-in-agrivoltaics/