Researchers at MIT World Peace University have developed a solar thermal energy storage system using a phase change material-based thermal battery to provide hot water even after sunset. The system combines a Scheffler solar concentrator with a thermal storage capsule containing paraffin wax, capable of storing and releasing large amounts of heat. This technology aims to reduce dependence on electricity and fossil fuels for water heating applications, reaching Technology Readiness Level 7. Seeking collaborations for pilot deployment and commercialization, the next phase involves field trials, performance optimization, and scale-up for various sectors including residential water heating, industrial process heating, and off-grid rural communities.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Virtual home-energy trading study lowers costs, boosts access to clean power
Deakin University conducted a trial on a virtual energy network (VEN) that allows households and small businesses to buy and sell solar and battery power, involving 300 sellers and buyers from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. The project aims to create a more inclusive and flexible energy system in Australia, supporting the transition to net zero emissions by enabling people with solar power to sell their surplus energy and helping more Australians access clean energy. The initiative is supported by Energy Locals, Enosi's Powertracer software, and funded through Energy Consumers Australia's Grants Program, resulting in cheaper electricity rates and providing a pathway for consumers without solar panels.
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Agrivoltaics in Italy: Sowing the seeds of change
Italy is gaining recognition for its leadership in agrivoltaics, with innovative projects attracting international attention. Despite new laws not leading to a significant increase in deployment, the country continues to develop projects that combine solar energy with agriculture. This trend showcases Italy's commitment to sustainable solutions for both energy production and food cultivation. Climate solutions experts should take note of Italy's progress in this area and the potential for further advancements in agrivoltaics.
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Penumbra-aware irradiance modeling for agrivoltaic orchards
Researchers at Delft University of Technology have developed a Python framework to improve light-simulation workflows for agrivoltaics, focusing on realistic representations of atmospheric conditions and crop geometry. This advancement enhances predictions for crop yield and solar energy production in shared land-use systems, reducing design uncertainty and supporting sustainable food-energy integration. The framework includes site-specific sun and sky spectra across the entire solar spectrum, rendering soft shadows efficiently for crops under semi-transparent PV modules. A new model for agrivoltaic orchards was also developed to optimize sunlight penetration for both crops and solar panels, resulting in a 16% increase in energy production compared to traditional setups. This research, published in the journal Applied Energy, highlights the importance of accurate canopy representation for optimizing light levels and mitigating suboptimal conditions in agrivoltaic systems.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/23/penumbra-aware-irradiance-modeling-for-agrivoltaic-orchards/
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Australia’s hybrid projects serving as blueprint for global energy transition
Fluence, a US-based energy storage specialist, highlights Australia as a test bed for hybrid projects combining solar and battery storage behind a shared grid connection. The country's first large-scale solar-battery hybrid facility in New South Wales is setting the standard for future clean power models in the National Electricity Market (NEM). Data shows that all utility-scale solar projects committed in the NEM for 2027 and 2028 are paired with battery energy storage systems (BESS). Co-locating BESS with renewable generation is essential in Australia to ensure grid stability and reliability as renewable penetration increases. The risks associated with integrating solar and battery energy storage systems in Australia are primarily related to meeting Generator Performance Standards (GPS) set by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO). Fluence offers advanced system modelling and AI bidding software to mitigate these risks and ensure maximum value for customers. Long-term financial viability of these hybrid systems depends on technological innovation, market design, and operational excellence. Australia is seen as a global pioneer in testing and implementing solar and BESS models due to high levels of rooftop solar, a dynamic energy market, and supportive government policies. The country serves as a blueprint for the energy transition and provides a fertile ground for testing and proving the value of these systems at scale. Investors in Australia's renewable energy sector are seeking long-term policy certainty, stable revenue streams, and confidence in technology and partners. A clear national energy policy supporting renewables and energy storage is crucial. BESS technology is expected to rapidly evolve in the next five years, with advancements in system intelligence and software controls. Integrated BESS and solar assets are seen as key in meeting the energy demand from AI and data centers, supporting the growth of new industries and unlocking the full potential of a renewable-powered grid.
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Boron nitride nanotubes move lithium ions 31 times faster than expected
Researchers from Rutgers University and the University of Illinois Chicago have developed boron nitride membranes that can transport lithium ions 31 times faster than standard diffusion, as published in Nature Nanotechnology. These membranes can power small electronics using salt-solution gradients, with high power densities and energy-conversion efficiency. Potential applications include lithium recovery from waste batteries and blue energy generation from salt and fresh water convergence.
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How massive subsidies helped drive a 90% collapse in solar costs
China has heavily subsidized its solar power-related manufacturing industries, investing $17.4 billion from 2010 through 2024, while OECD countries have only invested $3.9 billion over the same period. The price of electricity generated by solar panels has dropped by more than 90% during this time. In 2024, China supported over 500 gigawatts of output, with the U.S. and Europe deploying nearly $150 billion worth of solar power. Solar was the most subsidized industry, with $21 billion representing almost a fifth of the total value over the 2010 to 2024 period. The article also emphasizes the urgent need to address the pressing challenge of managing a warming climate that poses significant harm to humanity, with Americans dying from coal and gas air pollution as a result of solar panel bans, contributing to a global death toll climbing to millions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/22/the-worlds-magical-21-billion-investment/
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Chinese scientists unveil cable-supported mounting system for large-scale PV on complex terrain
Researchers have developed a cable-supported photovoltaic structure (CSPS) for solar projects on challenging terrain, overcoming limitations of traditional ground-mounted PV structures. Inspired by bridge aerodynamics, the system splits a single cable truss into two parallel trusses to enhance torsional load-resisting mechanism. Key design parameters include cable sags, truss height, and cable pretensions, influencing structural behavior and stiffness. The system configuration improves torsional mode frequency and critical flutter wind speed, with added components like purlins and braces enhancing stiffness and vibration control. The study validated the proposed two-parallel cable truss system as a structurally efficient and aerodynamically robust solution for large-span CSPS designs in high-wind environments, providing a practical design framework for future large-scale solar infrastructure in challenging terrain environments.
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JinkoSolar achieves 34.82% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
Chinese PV module manufacturer JinkoSolar recently achieved a power conversion efficiency of 34.82% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, certified by China's Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology. This breakthrough, credited to innovations in core technologies, marks progress in the industrialization of next-generation perovskite tandem technology. Longi currently holds the world record for perovskite-tandem solar cell efficiency at 34.85%, achieved in partnership with Soochow University. These advancements in efficiency are crucial for the development of more effective and sustainable solar energy solutions.
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Huawei’s FusionSolar9.0 solution aims to redefine optimal LCOE for utility-scale solar projects
Huawei's FusionSolar 9.0 solution addresses key challenges facing utility-scale solar PV projects by improving LCOE through minimizing BOS costs, increasing power density, boosting energy yield, and enhancing reliability with features like self-cleaning and anti-icing technologies. The solution also includes grid forming capabilities that enable the generation of reactive power within 10 ms to cope with transient voltage instability. Smart Virtual Inertia technology can further enhance frequency stability and increase the short-circuit-ratio of PV plants, improving renewable energy transmission capability. Grid-forming inverters not only automatically recover reactive power at night but also provide off-grid power supply during the commissioning phase of a solar farm, using self-generated PV power for equipment testing. These advancements are cost-saving, environmentally friendly, and enable faster grid-connection compared to diesel generators.