SunCable has reached a 70-year agreement with traditional owners to build a 12,000-hectare solar farm in the Northern Territory, aiming to deliver up to 6 GW of renewable electricity to industrial customers in Australia and Southeast Asia. The project includes economic benefits for the local community, strict environmental protection measures, and highlights the potential for large-scale energy projects developed in partnership with Aboriginal communities. Additionally, the company is proposing to build a large-scale solar and battery energy storage precinct on Muckaty Station, supporting the SunCable project and expanding clean energy infrastructure with a focus on renewable energy solutions.
Author: Pv Magazine
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World’s largest foldable rooftop PV system comes online in Switzerland
A 3.6 MW foldable rooftop solar installation has been inaugurated at a wastewater treatment plant in Switzerland, making it the largest of its kind globally. The system spans treatment basins, allowing the site to serve dual purposes of wastewater treatment and solar power generation. The project is expected to produce 3 GWh of electricity per year, with most of it consumed on-site. The folding-roof technology, derived from Swiss cable car engineering, automatically retracts during extreme weather events for protection. This innovative project demonstrates a pragmatic and effective way to advance the energy transition, utilizing existing space intelligently for economic efficiency and climate protection.
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Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures
Researchers from Purdue University have developed a sodium-ion battery pouch cell that can operate reliably at temperatures as low as -100 C, achieving specific energy levels of 96 Wh/kg at room temperature, 74 Wh/kg at -25 C, and 46 Wh/kg at -50 C. The battery was tested with renewable energy sources like wind and solar, showing stable performance in both laboratory and field conditions. This sodium-ion battery technology is considered a more sustainable alternative to lithium-ion batteries due to the abundance of sodium compounds. The research paves the way for sustainable battery energy storage systems in harsh climates and space applications, with potential for solar energy storage in extreme conditions like deep-space missions or cold climates. Scientists are now exploring other solar cell and battery combinations for extreme environments, such as high-efficiency perovskite solar cells with sustainable battery chemistries.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/18/sodium-ion-battery-storage-for-ultra-low-temperatures/
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Spain allocates €2 billion to expand clean energy and industry programs
Spain's Ministry for Ecological Transition has announced a €2 billion funding package to accelerate industrial capacity, expand renewable deployment, and enhance energy resilience. The program, funded through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Facility, focuses on industrial value chain development, renewable energy integration, electric mobility, and innovative thermal solutions. The package extends implementation deadlines and targets initiatives such as manufacturing renewable energy equipment, supporting renewable hydrogen projects, modernizing port infrastructure for offshore wind, and promoting electric mobility. The aim is to advance Spain's transition to a resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced energy landscape in line with European energy and industrial objectives.
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Fraunhofer ISE builds first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with copper metallization
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany have developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with an efficiency of 19.35% using the mask-and-plate copper metallization technique, showcasing the potential for industrial metallization of next-generation solar cells. The method involves inkjet printing a resist "mask" with narrow openings and electroplating metals like copper to reduce shading and improve efficiency. The use of copper instead of silver lowers material costs and improves resource scalability. Additionally, academics have found that using copper in the metallization process does not harm perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, with various technologies developed to reduce the use of silver in solar cells. These advancements were presented in a study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.
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MIT researchers develop polymer film that could prevent solar panel corrosion
MIT engineers have developed a polymer coating, 2DPA-1, that is highly impermeable to gases, making it ideal for protecting solar panels and extending the lifetime of perovskite crystals. This material, stronger than steel but much lighter, repels gases such as nitrogen and oxygen with permeability at least 1/10,000 that of other polymers. The unique structure of 2DPA-1 has shown remarkable results, making it a promising solution for protecting infrastructure exposed to the elements. Climate solutions experts should take note of this innovative development in materials science for enhancing the durability and efficiency of renewable energy technologies.
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US startup launches DC-powered solar water heater
Apparent Inc. has introduced a DC-powered solar water heater that can eliminate 100% of a home's water heating costs. This innovative system utilizes low-voltage DC electricity from solar panels and a cloud-based platform for efficient energy management. It is designed to operate off-grid with standard photovoltaic panels and features a patented alloy heating element for optimal heat transfer. With an AI-driven control platform for performance optimization and energy resource management, the water heater is grid-independent, blackout-resistant, and boasts a lifespan of 10 to 15 years.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/12/us-startup-launches-dc-powered-solar-water-heater/
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Australia funds SunDrive to scale copper solar cells
Australia's ARENA has invested AUD 25.3 million in SunDrive to advance copper-based solar cell technology as a low-cost, silver-free alternative. This investment will support SunDrive in scaling up production and collaborating with solar manufacturing firms, aiming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and address the industry's reliance on silver. SunDrive's innovation has broken world records in cell efficiency and has the potential to significantly impact global decarbonization efforts. ARENA's continued support of SunDrive's technology could lead to advancements in efficiency and affordability in the solar industry, contributing to climate solutions worldwide.
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World’s first solar park featuring hydrogen-producing PV modules takes shape in Belgium
A consortium of Belgian companies, led by Solhyd, is set to build a solar hydrogen park in Wallonia, Belgium, integrating 50 kW of hydrogen-producing solar modules into a 2 MW solar park with battery storage. Solhyd's technology, developed at KU Leuven University, allows for hydrogen production directly from sunlight and air, without the need for liquid water or rare materials. The company plans to increase the use of its modules in future installations to simplify green hydrogen production and create new revenue streams. CEO Jan Rongé views this project as a model for future expansion, showcasing a pragmatic and scalable approach to green hydrogen production.
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Anker SOLIX announces VPP-ready home energy solution
Anker SOLIX has unveiled the X1 Energy Storage System as part of Australia's "Cheaper Home Batteries" initiative, offering a hybrid energy solution that integrates solar generation, energy storage, and EV charging. This system can reduce household electricity expenses by up to 88% and installation time by 25%, with VPP-ready and whole-home backup capabilities. The X1 system is designed to withstand coastal conditions, supports smart energy trading through VPP platforms, and can be retrofitted to existing solar setups. Anker SOLIX will also release the Power Dock Pro in 2026 for whole-home backup integration, providing a comprehensive solution for sustainable energy management.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/10/anker-solix-announces-vpp-ready-home-energy-solution/