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.
Author: Pv Magazine
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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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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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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/
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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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India signs deal with Singapore’s GSC Group for 1.5 GW hydro storage project
India has signed a deal with Singapore's GSC Group for a 1.5 GW hydro storage project in Maharashtra to support grid stability and renewable energy expansion, creating 2,500 jobs. This project is part of GSC's third set of pumped storage projects in India, aiming to fast-track clearances for hydroelectric projects and leverage the favorable geography of the Sahyadri mountain ranges. With a focus on long-duration storage assets, GSC is committed to advancing India's renewable energy infrastructure.
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A new blueprint for the power system from GoodWe
GoodWe Technologies, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is focusing on smart energy integration in the solar industry. Founder Daniel Huang emphasizes the company's vision of a new power system based on solar, storage, electrified loads, and intelligent management. GoodWe has evolved from being an inverter manufacturer to a full energy solutions provider, offering various products and services for energy management. With over 100 GW of cumulative installations globally by early 2025, GoodWe aims to lead the industry by offering innovative solutions for a sustainable future, including scaling zero-carbon projects, expanding globally, and empowering consumers to become prosumers in the energy market.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/07/a-new-blueprint-for-the-power-system-from-goodwe/
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AI powered solar forecasting helps UK grid operator reduce balancing costs
Open Climate Fix's Quartz Solar tool, integrated into the National Energy System Operator's operations, saves Great Britain's grid operator GBP 30 million per year by accurately forecasting solar generation and reducing the need for reserve capacity. The AI-powered tool, combining machine learning, satellite imagery, and weather data, updates every 15 minutes and has halved forecasting errors. By using multiple data sources and providing probabilistic output, the tool has improved forecasting methods and could potentially save up to GBP 150 million per year by 2035. Open Climate Fix, a non-profit organization founded in 2019, is exploring commercialization opportunities to fund further research and expand into other markets like the Netherlands, focusing on AI-powered energy system projects with open source code.
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Toyota developing two-seater electric vehicle with solar roof
Toyota Manufacturing UK is leading a consortium to develop a lightweight micro-mobility electric vehicle with a PV roof, digital connectivity, and sustainable components, aiming to extend driving range by 20%. The project, supported by the University of Derby researchers and funded by the UK Department for Business and Trade with £15 million, focuses on creating a last-mile L6e-type vehicle with integrated solar PV. Partners in the consortium will collaborate on shared components to reduce costs and create economies of scale. This initiative aligns with other similar projects like the European Giants consortium and the French Croisière Verte team's use of portable solar with lightweight electric vehicles.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/10/28/uk-team-developing-tinyvipv/