Climate Change Solutions Update

Author: Pv Magazine

  • PV power generation to surpass coal in Texas

    Texas is on track to surpass coal-fired generation with utility-scale solar power by 2026, as solar generation is projected to reach 78,000 GWh compared to coal's 60,000 GWh in the ERCOT grid. The state is experiencing a surge in solar capacity additions, with plans to install 14 GW of new utility-scale solar. Texas is a key player in the energy transition, with significant battery storage planned to stabilize the grid as renewable penetration increases. By early 2027, solar and wind combined are expected to exceed 20% of the total U.S. electricity generation mix.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/16/pv-power-generation-to-surpass-coal-in-texas/

  • Upcycling silicon from end-of-life solar modules via palladium nanoparticles

    Italian researchers have developed a Pd/Si catalyst for upcycling silicon from end-of-life PV panels, achieving performance comparable to commercial catalysts over six cycles. The system involves palladium nanoparticles supported on recovered silicon, allowing for stable recycling. The method aims to manage the increasing global waste of EoL solar panels and expand the use of silicon in various catalytic processes. The process involves removing the front glass of discarded PV modules, purifying the silicon cells, and preparing the Pd/Si catalyst. The catalyst showed promising results in a benchmark reaction, indicating its potential as a sustainable and efficient catalyst for various applications. Researchers have developed a new recycling process using a Pd/Si catalyst to upcycle silicon from End-of-Life photovoltaic panels for the Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reaction. The catalyst was used in five recycling cycles with a 97% isolated yield and an E-factor of 9. The process was successful in synthesizing 22 substrates from various iodoarenes and olefins, including intermediates for important compounds. The study was published in Green Chemistry and involved researchers from Italy's Mediterranea University of Reggio Calabria, University of Perugia, and the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA).

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/16/upcycling-silicon-from-end-of-life-solar-modules-with-palladiuma-research-team-from-italy-has-proposed-a-method-for-upcycling-silicon-si-from-end-of-life-eol-pv-panels-by-developing-a-pd-si-cataly/

  • German scientists explore whether solar power plants can induce rain in deserts

    A research project led by the University of Hohenheim in Germany, funded by the UAE Research Program for Rain Enhancement Science, aims to assess the climatic impacts of large-scale photovoltaic installations in desert regions. The project will study how photovoltaic parks in coastal desert environments could potentially enhance rainfall by interacting with moisture-bearing sea breezes. The research will involve deploying high-resolution LiDAR systems and conducting measurements near large solar installations in the United Arab Emirates to determine optimal size, placement, and design parameters for maximizing their impact on precipitation formation. The project also explores integrating solar power generation with drought-resistant crops and water management strategies in arid regions. Disturbed atmospheric teleconnections could impact solar power generation in various regions including North Africa, Southern Europe, the Southern Arabian Peninsula, India, North Asia, and Eastern Australia.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/15/german-scientists-explore-whether-solar-power-plants-can-induce-rain-in-deserts/

  • Women’s leadership is everywhere in Ukraine

    The Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation has been established to enhance energy resilience in Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of decentralized renewable energy systems like solar panels and battery storage. Programs such as "100 Solar Schools" and "50 Solar Hospitals" aim to provide long-term energy independence and support critical infrastructure. The focus on localized energy systems highlights the shift towards energy security and independence. European support for Ukraine's transition to sustainable energy, including decentralized solar power plants and smart grids, can contribute to a more resilient energy future. Empowering women in the energy sector and engaging communities in sustainable energy solutions are key to achieving a sustainable and secure energy future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/15/womens-leadership-is-everywhere-in-ukraine/

  • AI model uses cloud type and cover to predict solar power swings

    A machine learning model, originally trained in Oklahoma, was tested at 15 global sites and showed strong generalizability in predicting rapid changes in surface solar irradiance caused by moving clouds. The model can forecast solar "ramp" events crucial for grid stability, with modifications made for different locations to enhance accuracy. Overall, the model performed well across sites, with half matching or exceeding the original model's predictive performance. A study published in Solar Energy found that most sites have similar or better predictability of solar variability, although extreme environments like mountains, deserts, tropics, and high latitudes showed lower predictability. Collaboration between the University of Colorado Boulder, NOAA Global Monitoring Laboratory, and NOAA Global Systems Laboratory contributed to this research.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/ai-model-uses-cloud-type-and-cover-to-predict-solar-power-swings/

  • Plug-and-play control framework for adjusting panel tilt in agrivoltaics

    Cornell University researchers have developed an integrated control framework for agrivoltaic systems that optimizes solar panel tilt angles based on past and future conditions. This framework combines proactive decision-making with reactive strategies to maximize energy production while meeting crop light requirements, outperforming existing methods by reducing light deficits in crops and increasing energy production. The framework is designed to be adaptable across different crops, climates, and system configurations, making it a valuable tool for software developers and solar operators. This solution, outlined in the journal Solar Energy, aims to improve the efficiency of combining agriculture and solar energy production, even in regions with challenging, cloudy climates, making agrivoltaics more viable and scalable.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/plug-and-play-control-framework-for-adjusting-panel-tilt-in-agrivoltaics/

  • Datang plans 14.6 GW renewables cluster in China

    A massive renewable energy complex is planned in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to deliver clean electricity to Jiangsu province. The project, led by Datang (Ordos) Energy Development Co., Ltd., includes 8 GW of solar, 4 GW of wind, 2.04 GW/8.16 GWh of energy storage, and 2.64 GW of coal-fired power, with a total installed capacity of 14.64 GW and a planned investment of about CNY 58.1 billion. Scheduled for phased development from 2026 to 2030, the project aims to reduce renewable curtailment to below 1%, with the first batch of wind and solar capacity expected to be connected to the grid in 2027. By 2030, the project is expected to deliver over 40 TWh of electricity annually to Jiangsu, with renewable power accounting for more than 60% of the total.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/14/datang-plans-14-6-gw-renewables-cluster-in-china/

  • Continuous-wave infrared laser technology enables damage-free backsheet removal in end-of-life solar modules

    Researchers from the University of Virginia have developed a laser-based method to remove backsheets from end-of-life solar modules without damaging the glass or silicon wafers. The process involves controlled heating of the silicon-EVA interface through the front glass, enabling clean mechanical delamination with preserved device performance. This method offers a lower-energy, lower-cost alternative to conventional thermal or chemical recycling methods. The IR-CW laser technology allows for precise thermal activation of the silicon-EVA interface while minimizing stress on surrounding materials. The research team confirmed that the silicon and metallization layers remain intact, with no significant degradation in device performance after laser treatment. This sustainable photovoltaic recycling method supports circular economy strategies for end-of-life solar modules and has low energy consumption and efficient operation, with equipment amortization and electricity costs totaling $0.22 per module.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/13/continuous-wave-infrared-laser-technology-enables-damage-free-backsheet-removal-in-end-of-life-solar-modules/

  • Rooftop heat pump tech with metal-organic framework dehumidification tested by Amazon

    Amazon has conducted a successful six-month field trial of a new rooftop heat pump system developed by U.S. startup Transaera at one of its logistics facilities. The system utilizes metal–organic framework (MOF)–based dehumidification to remove moisture from outdoor air before cooling, operating as a dedicated outdoor air system (DOAS) that is all-electric and eliminates the need for gas-fired reheat. With claims of delivering approximately 40% energy savings compared to conventional units, the technology is designed for large commercial buildings with high humidity control needs. This innovative system aims to reduce operational costs, enhance indoor air quality, and support Amazon's Climate Pledge goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/13/rooftop-heat-pump-tech-with-metal-organic-framework-dehumidification-tested-by-amazon/

  • Hybrid tidal-photovoltaic system for modular renewables deployment in estuarine channels

    Researchers in Brazil have developed a hybrid tidal-PV floating farm concept for estuarine channels, analyzing wake effects, turbine spacing, and energy trade-offs. Integrating PV with hydrokinetic turbines improves energy yield by offsetting wake-related losses and optimizing farm configurations. The study focused on the Boqueirão Channel, with tidal ranges above 6m and current velocities exceeding 2.5m/s. Results show that greater turbine spacing allows for better wake recovery and higher energy yield, but creates a trade-off between energy yield and installed capacity. To address this, solar panels were installed on top of each turbine on a floating platform to maximize energy production. Simulation studies showed that increasing the number of columns in the farm layout resulted in higher energy generation and varying levelized costs of energy. The integration of photovoltaic generation helped compensate for energy losses from downstream turbines, improving overall productivity. The study concludes that hybrid systems are a technically feasible and economically promising solution for renewable energy deployment in estuarine channels.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/11/hybrid-tidal-photovoltaic-system-for-modular-renewables-deployment-in-estuarine-channels/