Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Pv Magazine

  • Togo opens solar minigrid tender

    The government of Togo has launched a tender for the construction of solar minigrids in 27 rural localities as part of the Rural Electrification Project funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The project aims to electrify a total of 317 localities through solar minigrids, with interested bidders able to purchase tender documents and submit bids by May 26. The tender is split into two lots with specific solar and storage capacities, highlighting Togo's commitment to expanding access to clean energy solutions in rural areas.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/togo-opens-solar-minigrid-tender/

  • Mova unveils all-in-one plug-in solar and storage solutions

    In 2026, Mova will release the LumeGret series featuring smart tariff optimization, compatibility with smart meters, and the innovative FluxCharge direct EV charging concept. With a focus on clean solar energy, the product offers a 2.5 kW charging capacity for maximum efficiency. Available in Europe in Q2 2026, the entry price is around €1,000, making it an accessible option for those seeking sustainable solutions for electric vehicle charging.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/mova-unveils-all-in-one-plug-in-solar-and-storage-solutions/

  • How to generate hydrogen at home with recycled solar panels

    A Chilean research team has developed a residential-scale system to produce green hydrogen using discarded photovoltaic modules, combining them with a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to reduce system complexity. The system achieves an annual energy yield equal to 88% of power electronics-based optimization, with daily hydrogen production exceeding basic household demand. With a levelized cost of hydrogen of approximately $5.8/kg, representing an 18% reduction compared to more complex systems, this low-cost solution could help address the growing volume of photovoltaic waste and the high cost of green hydrogen.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/14/how-to-generate-hydrogen-at-home-with-recycled-solar-panels/

  • Reduced graphene oxide boosts stability in perovskite solar modules

    Indian scientists have developed perovskite mini-modules with reduced graphene oxide interface engineering, achieving 16.6% efficiency and over 1,300 hours of stable operation. A study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells demonstrated that a new cell and module concept using r-GO interfacial passivation and optimized transport layers achieved over 95% efficiency after 1,300 hours of operation and storage. The graphene oxide layer improves film quality, reduces defects, enhances charge transport, and enables scalable fabrication, offering a promising route toward efficient and durable perovskite solar modules. The academics involved in the study believe this approach is effective for creating more efficient and durable perovskite modules, providing a promising pathway for bridging the gap between laboratory-scale devices and commercially viable perovskite solar modules.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/14/reduced-graphene-oxide-boosts-stability-in-perovskite-solar-modules/

  • Cooling solar modules with nanofluids based on graphene oxide, Mxene

    An international research group has developed a novel solar module passive cooling system that integrates a three-dimensional oscillating heat pipe (3D-OHP) with different combinations of nanofluids based on hybrid graphene oxide (GO) and a two-dimensional titanium carbide known as MXene (Ti3C2Tx). The system was tested in real outdoor conditions and showed temperature reductions of over 24°C, a 14.9% increase in power output, and an improvement in efficiency. Despite a 31% increase in viscosity, the hybrid nanofluid maintained stability and delivered strong exergy performance while remaining economically competitive. The system has potential for use in urban PV cooling and further research includes optimization of geometry and concentration, integration with PV-battery systems, and comparisons with other advanced nanofluids and surface treatments.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/13/cooling-solar-modules-with-nanofluids-based-on-graphene-oxide-mxene/

  • Ontario backs 12 solar projects totaling 915 MW

    Ontario has approved 12 solar projects and 2 wind projects, totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and adding 3 TWh of new annual capacity to the grid. These projects, with at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, will power over 350,000 homes and are awarded 20-year agreements. The procurement exercise highlights the readiness of renewable energy to meet rapid growth challenges, with solar capacity in Canada expected to reach 21 GW by the mid-2020s. Commercial operations for these projects are set to begin by May 2030.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/ontario-backs-12-solar-projects-totaling-915-mw/

  • Internet-of-Things could bring solar module water cooling closer to commercial viability

    A Czech research team has developed an IoT system for actively cooling PV panels, resulting in a 7.38% increase in daily energy yield and a positive net energy balance. The system utilizes a distributed architecture with edge, fog, and cloud layers, enabling autonomous operation and real-time decision-making. The study, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, confirmed the system's effectiveness in improving energy efficiency and establishing a scalable foundation for future integration of AI-based control strategies. Scientists from the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice and the Czech Academy of Sciences were involved in the research.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/internet-of-things-could-bring-solar-module-water-cooling-closer-to-commercial-viability/

  • Sodium-ion battery study claims zero thermal runaway breakthrough

    Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a polymerizable non-flammable electrolyte for sodium-ion batteries, achieving "zero thermal runaway" and eliminating fire and explosion risks. This breakthrough in battery safety could accelerate the commercial use of sodium-ion technology, potentially revolutionizing the field of battery technology. The new electrolyte provides active thermal blocking, making it a game-changer in the quest for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/sodium-ion-battery-study-claims-zero-thermal-runaway-breakthrough/

  • Rooftop solar now accounts for one-fifth of Puerto Rico’s generation capacity

    Rooftop solar installations in Puerto Rico have surpassed natural gas to become the second-largest power generation source in the territory, accounting for 20% of all capacity. Distributed solar has outpaced all other energy sources in Puerto Rico over the past decade, with 81% of new generating capacity added between 2016 and 2025 coming from rooftop systems. The growth in solar capacity has not displaced other generation sources like petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Additionally, the adoption of distributed energy storage, including battery systems, has grown rapidly in response to grid resilience challenges, with more than 171,000 households and businesses installing battery systems by the end of 2025. The new CEO of LUMA, Janisse Quiñones, is focused on improving grid reliability in Puerto Rico, with industry group SESA optimistic about increased collaboration under Quiñones' leadership and working towards advancing policies that support rooftop solar and battery storage as key components of Puerto Rico's energy future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/03/rooftop-solar-now-accounts-for-one-fifth-of-puerto-ricos-generation-capacity/

  • ‘Motherhood further shaped my leadership perspective’

    Margarita Licht, Product Manager at Goldbeck Solar, emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and cognitive styles in the solar and energy storage sector for smarter solutions and effective problem-solving. Energy storage within the solar sector requires multi-disciplinary thinking to address complex challenges like grid balancing and battery optimization. Inclusion and diversity in teams lead to better outcomes, as different backgrounds bring unique approaches to problem-solving. Licht's leadership perspective, shaped by motherhood, highlights the need for diversity in cognitive styles to enhance decision-making processes and drive meaningful impact in the industry. She focuses on creating inclusive environments that value individual strengths and enable different perspectives to contribute to valuable solutions. The article also discusses the importance of aligning technical and commercial decisions at all levels to deliver sustainable infrastructure and reliable energy solutions, with a focus on the participation of women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe, including Margarita Licht.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/03/motherhood-further-shaped-my-leadership-perspective/