The European energy transition is accelerating with the growth of hybrid solar-plus-storage projects, which are becoming more complex and require rigorous technical due diligence to ensure reliability, investor confidence, and a resilient clean-energy transition. SolarPower Europe has developed new guidelines for these projects, integrating environmental and social governance, supply chain sustainability, cybersecurity, and financial risk analysis. Technical due diligence is crucial for earning trust in asset performance and ensuring a resilient, bankable, and sustainable clean-energy future in Europe.
Author: Pv Magazine
-
Scientists demonstrate quantum battery prototype with rapid charging
Scientists from CSIRO, RMIT University, and the University of Melbourne have developed a quantum battery prototype that charges, stores, and discharges energy based on quantum mechanics principles, offering rapid and scalable energy storage. Unlike conventional batteries, quantum batteries charge faster as they get larger, showcasing the potential to revolutionize energy storage and usage. The prototype, wirelessly charged with a laser, retains stored energy for a significantly longer time than it takes to charge, with the goal of extending energy storage time to make them commercially viable in the future. This innovation could play a crucial role in advancing sustainable energy solutions and combating climate change.
-
Thermochromic bifacial PV glazing system for reducing building cooling loads
Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a novel thermochromic bifacial photovoltaic glazing system that passively regulates solar heat gain while harvesting energy from both sides. The system integrates hydrogel-based thermochromic layers with bifacial PV modules to reduce cooling loads, indoor temperatures, and energy consumption. The hydrogel transitions from transparent to translucent as temperature rises, reflecting light towards the rear side of the PV glass for enhanced electricity generation. The prototype system optimizes building energy use, reduces costs, and emissions by dynamically modulating solar transmission and capturing reflected energy. The design addresses limitations of previous hybrid solutions by combining PV glazing and hydrogel-based TC technology in a single system for advanced glazing applications. The research on TC‐BiPV glazing shows significant benefits in reducing direct solar heat gain and increasing electricity generation compared to other glazing options. Annual simulations indicate that TC‐BiPV can provide a gain of 9-18% for skylights and 6-14% for vertical windows. The system also reduces indoor heat gain and cooling loads, making it a practical solution for energy-efficient building envelopes in warm climates. The study highlights the scalability and passive nature of the TC‐BiPV approach, emphasizing its potential for climate solutions.
-
Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future
Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/
-
China’s new five-year plan deepens shift toward focus on renewables system
China's 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes clean electricity as a key driver of economic growth, aiming to meet incremental electricity demand with incremental clean power generation while peaking fossil fuel consumption. The plan includes a "new energy system" concept that expands beyond wind and solar to include hydropower, offshore wind, nuclear, and more, with non-fossil energy expected to account for 25% of total energy consumption by 2030. Aligning renewable energy policy with wider industrial and regional development strategies, the plan sets targets for wind and solar capacity doubling by 2035, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration to combat climate change.
-
Marstek launches 2 kWh plug-in battery storage system
Chinese battery manufacturer Marstek has introduced the Venus B, a 2 kWh plug-in energy storage system specifically designed for small photovoltaic systems. This device allows for the storage of solar power or the utilization of cheap electricity from dynamic pricing tariffs. With a maximum charging power of 1.5 kW, the Venus B can output either 800 W or up to 1.5 kW of power. This storage system is easily installable without the need for modifications to existing plug-in solar systems and is compatible with a variety of photovoltaic systems, offering a promising solution for enhancing renewable energy integration.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/17/marstek-launches-2-kwh-plug-in-battery-storage-system/
-
Iceland’s utility commissions solar-plus-storage for EV charging
ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy, has deployed a hybrid solar-plus-storage facility in Reykjavík to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The project, known as Peaker Plant, combines solar PV, a lithium-ion battery system, and fast chargers to reduce peak demand, improve grid stability, and lower operational costs. The system is testing dynamic control strategies and has shown promising results in aligning solar generation with charging demand, even during winter conditions. ON Power views the project as more than a pilot and believes hybrid energy hubs can play a meaningful role in optimizing grid interaction and operational economics, especially in countries like Iceland with limited solar capacity.
-
Australia-backed rooftop solar to power remote Samoan communities
An Australia-supported project in Samoa, a joint initiative of the Samoan Electric Power Corp. and various ministries, will bring clean energy to 108 households and five community centers through rooftop solar, batteries, and minigrid upgrades. Supported by the Australian government's REnew Pacific initiative, EPC will install solar panels and batteries on homes not connected to the grid, while also providing training on energy use. The project aims to empower villages, strengthen resilience, and provide universal access to clean energy in Samoa, showcasing a sustainable solution for climate action in the region.
-
Pii Energy unveils plug-in 1.2 kW solar, 2 kWh home system
Pii Energy has introduced the Edge 2000, a plug-in solar-plus-storage kit priced at around USD 2,400, catering to renters and apartment residents. The kit features 1.2 kW of solar panels, a 2 kWh battery backup, smart outlets, a Raspberry Pi-driven smart system controller, and all necessary wiring for installation. With the ability to detect breaker masking conditions for safety, this innovation provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for residential solar energy needs.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/16/pii-energy-unveils-plug-in-1-2-kw-solar-2-kwh-home-system/
-
Increased spacing between solar module rows boosts agrivoltaics viability
U.S. researchers from Colorado University, National Laboratory of the Rockies, Colorado State University, and the Colorado Department of Agriculture have developed a framework showing that wider spacing between solar PV rows can make agrivoltaic systems economically viable for large-scale mechanized farming. Their simulations in Colorado demonstrated that optimized row spacing maintains crop production while improving combined agricultural and energy revenues. The study found that wider-row agrivoltaic solutions can provide economic benefits over traditional utility-scale PV systems, with $200/acre in agricultural profit justifying spacing panels at least 9.662 m apart. The framework defines different PV row-spacing scenarios, determines installed PV capacity, incorporates agricultural equipment constraints, calculates crop revenues, estimates electricity generation and revenue, and calculates metrics such as net present value and levelized cost of energy. The team simulated a 160-acre project in Colorado with different crop scenarios and PPA prices, highlighting the sensitivity of results to equipment size.