ClearVue Technologies has achieved a manufacturing breakthrough with their Gen 3 solar vision glass units, allowing them to accept high-performance Low-E coatings to control solar heat entering buildings. This development makes energy-generating glass more accessible for commercial projects, as it can now be coated using existing systems. ClearVue is the only BIPV supplier offering this capability while generating renewable energy, allowing architects and engineers to specify performance requirements while incorporating clean energy generation into building design. This advancement is part of ClearVue's efforts to make energy-generating glass a standard commercial practice, contributing to sustainable building solutions.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Fresh hope as huge hybrid wind and battery project reaches financial close in Sunshine State
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners has acquired the Gawara Baya wind and battery project in Queensland, combining 408 MW of wind with a 104 MW battery energy storage system. The project has received environmental approvals, secured energy off-take deals, and has an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Gugu Badhun Aboriginal Corporation. Windlab CEO John Martin emphasizes responsible development and working with local communities, with the project aiming to leave a positive legacy while generating renewable energy. The project's revised layout minimizes its impact on habitats and species, leaving 98% of the habitat undisturbed and focusing on sustainable development in the transition to clean energy.
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Rooftop solar record tumbles as battery rebate drives 1 GW of new installs over just three months
In the second quarter of 2026, rooftop solar installations in Australia reached a new record of 1 gigawatt, with many systems being paired with batteries through the Cheaper Home Batteries scheme. Home battery installations also saw a record high, with over 111,000 approved batteries installed. This surge in consumer energy resources is impacting the grid by lowering wholesale prices and decreasing grid demand. Furthermore, large-scale solar investment hit a record high in the quarter, indicating a significant acceleration in the transition towards renewable energy solutions.
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Brazil’s Intersolar SA 2026 highlights storage momentum amid solar slowdown
Brazil is solidifying its position as a key player in the solar energy market, with a growing demand for flexibility services, energy backup, and integration of renewable energy sources. The role of energy storage in the solar industry was highlighted at Intersolar South America 2026, with major module suppliers showcasing their BESS solutions. Despite an increase in supply, sales of batteries in Brazil have not kept pace, with only about 15% of inverters imported including storage. The December auctions are expected to drive demand for storage, with forecasts of between 4 GW and 5 GW. Partnerships between international suppliers and Brazilian manufacturers are being explored to meet the requirements of the auctions and restore growth in Brazil's solar sector.
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Making climate action stick
The global transition from fossil fuels to renewables is well underway, with solar and wind emerging as the cheapest forms of power. However, challenges such as job losses in coal-dependent communities highlight the need for a "just transition" that prioritizes community ownership and governance in new energy systems. Philanthropy plays a crucial role in advancing energy transitions that empower communities and ensure long-term sustainability. Initiatives like INSPIRE in South Africa demonstrate the importance of shared ownership and community involvement in renewable energy projects. Climate philanthropy must focus on building a global infrastructure for just transition work, funding civic engagement, and addressing funding disparities to ensure equitable and inclusive energy transitions for all stakeholders.
https://www.climateworks.org/blog/making-climate-action-stick/
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Air-source heat pumps with thermal storage cuts upfront costs by 29.7%
A research team from China's Hebei University of Technology has proposed an innovative air-source heat pump coupled energy storage (ASHPCES) system for buildings, which combines an air-source heat pump with thermal energy storage to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and lower operating costs. The system stores thermal energy during off-peak electricity tariff periods and uses it during peak demand hours, resulting in a significant reduction in energy consumption compared to a conventional ASHP system without thermal storage. Using a storage-assisted configuration led to a 21.9 MWh reduction in annual electricity consumption, an 8.8% decrease in carbon emissions, and a 51.4% cut in annual operating costs, with a dynamic payback period of approximately 3.57 years. This approach also reduced the number of heat pump units needed and upfront investment costs, highlighting the benefits of utilizing time-of-use tariffs and peak-valley electricity prices for improved economic and environmental performance.
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SolarWindow launches 0.85 mm-thick, self-adhesive solar film
SolarWindow Technologies has launched ElectroFlex, a thin and flexible solar product with a power conversion efficiency of 24.4% and a power-to-weight ratio of 73 W/kg, suitable for flat and curved surfaces without frames or support structures. Targeted for transportation, marine, aerospace, and architecture sectors, SolarWindow plans to expand sales to North America and Asia. Additionally, the company is developing LiquidElectricity, a transparent coating to generate electricity from glass and plastic surfaces.
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Clean energy will save this Virginia school district tens of millions
Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) is implementing a comprehensive distributed-energy strategy by integrating solar generation, demand response, and battery energy storage to reduce energy costs, generate revenue, and increase resiliency during emergencies. Through a power purchase agreement with Secure Solar Futures, RCPS is installing 9.4 megawatts of solar capacity across 29 school sites in Virginia, saving $46.5 million in electricity costs over 35 years. The district plans to develop resilient emergency shelters powered by solar microgrids and aims to increase renewable energy use by 2028. With a focus on fiscal and environmental stewardship to support student success, RCPS is leading the way in sustainable energy solutions in Virginia.
https://generation180.org/blog/clean-energy-will-save-this-virginia-district-tens-of-millions/
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A Colorado school built to weather the storm
Mountain Middle School in Durango, Colorado has successfully transitioned to a net-zero-energy, all-electric building through the implementation of solar installations and battery energy storage systems. Led by Executive Director Shane Voss, the school has funded the project through existing per pupil revenue and grants, showcasing the potential for schools to set a national example for sustainable and climate-resilient practices. The school's solar arrays and battery storage system not only allow it to operate independently during power outages, making it a resilience hub for the community, but also serve as a learning laboratory for students, inspiring interest in clean energy careers. By transforming its gymnasium into a community resilience hub with a solar microgrid, Mountain Middle School is not only saving $28,000 per year in electricity costs but also influencing other schools and families to install solar energy systems, demonstrating the practical benefits of renewable energy to the broader community.
https://generation180.org/blog/colorado-school-built-to-weather-the-storm/
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California virtual power plant bills clear key legislative hurdle
Climate solutions experts need to be aware of the latest developments in renewable energy technology, such as advancements in solar and wind power. These innovations are crucial for transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, experts should stay informed on policies and initiatives aimed at promoting clean energy and sustainability. Collaboration between governments, businesses, and communities will be essential in implementing effective climate solutions and combating climate change.