Span has partnered with Nvidia to develop XFRA, a network of devices that convert unused electric capacity in homes and businesses into a distributed compute cloud. The nodes are placed at customer locations and connected to a smart service panel to manage energy usage, aiming to utilize untapped power capacity in residential homes and increase grid utilization. Homeowners and small businesses hosting the nodes will receive benefits such as discounted rates for electricity and internet, with the potential for optional solar installations to improve economics in high-cost markets. The XFRA program aims to create a synergistic, virtuous cycle that improves grid utilization and drives down per kilowatt hour electricity prices, offering significant opportunities for Span and broader benefits to all utility ratepayers in the long term.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Togo opens solar minigrid tender
The government of Togo has launched a tender for the construction of solar minigrids in 27 rural localities as part of the Rural Electrification Project funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The project aims to electrify a total of 317 localities through solar minigrids, with interested bidders able to purchase tender documents and submit bids by May 26. The tender is split into two lots with specific solar and storage capacities, highlighting Togo's commitment to expanding access to clean energy solutions in rural areas.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/togo-opens-solar-minigrid-tender/
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How to generate hydrogen at home with recycled solar panels
A Chilean research team has developed a residential-scale system to produce green hydrogen using discarded photovoltaic modules, combining them with a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to reduce system complexity. The system achieves an annual energy yield equal to 88% of power electronics-based optimization, with daily hydrogen production exceeding basic household demand. With a levelized cost of hydrogen of approximately $5.8/kg, representing an 18% reduction compared to more complex systems, this low-cost solution could help address the growing volume of photovoltaic waste and the high cost of green hydrogen.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/14/how-to-generate-hydrogen-at-home-with-recycled-solar-panels/
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Distributed batteries get legislative, utility lift in California
Ava Community Energy launched a $11.25 million incentive program in California for residential customers to install solar and battery storage systems, allowing customers to share up to 80% of their home batteries. The program offers rebates for both income-qualified and non-income qualified customers, aiming to make electrification more affordable and maintain grid stability. California legislators are advancing a bill to update state resource adequacy rules to include distributed energy devices like residential batteries and electric vehicles, with monthly participation payments provided to customers who participate. Despite funding cuts for the Demand Side Grid Support program, a successful large battery-based virtual power plant, changes will not impact the SmartHome Battery program.
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Reduced graphene oxide boosts stability in perovskite solar modules
Indian scientists have developed perovskite mini-modules with reduced graphene oxide interface engineering, achieving 16.6% efficiency and over 1,300 hours of stable operation. A study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells demonstrated that a new cell and module concept using r-GO interfacial passivation and optimized transport layers achieved over 95% efficiency after 1,300 hours of operation and storage. The graphene oxide layer improves film quality, reduces defects, enhances charge transport, and enables scalable fabrication, offering a promising route toward efficient and durable perovskite solar modules. The academics involved in the study believe this approach is effective for creating more efficient and durable perovskite modules, providing a promising pathway for bridging the gap between laboratory-scale devices and commercially viable perovskite solar modules.
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France Moved First, But Markets Everywhere Are Signaling Electrification
France has announced a significant increase in state support for electrification, aiming to replace imported molecules with domestic electrons. The package includes a ban on gas heating systems in new buildings, a phaseout of gas heating in social housing units, and subsidies for electric vehicles and trucks. Other European countries are also showing movement towards electrification, with a notable increase in battery electric vehicle registrations in Germany and the UK. The European market is showing increased interest in electric vehicles (EVs) and other clean energy solutions, with rising inquiries and orders for EVs, heat pumps, and solar panels. The section discusses how different regions like Australia, South Asia, Africa, and Latin America are responding to fuel insecurity and the transition towards electrification. Countries with low-carbon power mixes may struggle to convert this into electrification advantages due to grid and market framework issues. The importance of building infrastructure fast enough to meet rising electric demand and avoiding overreading weak signals in the energy transition is emphasized, with electrification seen as a practical language of resilience in the face of repeated fossil fuel shocks.
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‘Can’t make a squeak’: Trump’s fossil fuel push puts IMF, World Bank on defensive
The war in Iran has prompted international financial institutions to urge lower-income countries to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, with a focus on energy diversification including geothermal, nuclear, gas, solar, and wind sources. Countries are looking to secure stable oil and gas supplies in light of Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with some fast-tracking renewable energy projects and investing in solar, nuclear, hydropower, and coal. The World Bank and IMF are monitoring energy shortages and providing assistance, emphasizing the economic value of clean energy and the importance of diversified energy sources. Former officials stress the importance of energy diversification for resilience, security, and economic stability, as well as the need for reforms to address climate-related challenges.
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Cooling solar modules with nanofluids based on graphene oxide, Mxene
An international research group has developed a novel solar module passive cooling system that integrates a three-dimensional oscillating heat pipe (3D-OHP) with different combinations of nanofluids based on hybrid graphene oxide (GO) and a two-dimensional titanium carbide known as MXene (Ti3C2Tx). The system was tested in real outdoor conditions and showed temperature reductions of over 24°C, a 14.9% increase in power output, and an improvement in efficiency. Despite a 31% increase in viscosity, the hybrid nanofluid maintained stability and delivered strong exergy performance while remaining economically competitive. The system has potential for use in urban PV cooling and further research includes optimization of geometry and concentration, integration with PV-battery systems, and comparisons with other advanced nanofluids and surface treatments.
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IESO signs 20-year contracts for 14 renewable energy projects
Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has signed 20-year agreements for 14 renewable energy projects, including 12 solar projects and two wind projects, to introduce over three terawatt-hours of electricity annually by the early 2030s. The contracts were awarded through competitive bidding, resulting in a 21% cost reduction compared to previous large-scale renewable contracts. Indigenous communities have at least 50% equity ownership in each project, and projects located within municipalities have received Municipal Support Confirmations. The projects, including solar and wind installations, aim to meet growing energy demands in Ontario and mark the first extensive undertaking for large-scale renewable developments in the country in over ten years.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/ieso-20-year-contracts-14-renewable-projects/
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Renewables hit 80 pct share in Australia’s most coal dependent grid for first time
Queensland's grid has reached 80% renewables, driven by solar power, wind, and hydro, despite heavy coal dependence. New projects are fueling the growth of renewables, with households and businesses embracing rooftop solar and batteries. The state government plans to continue burning coal for another two decades, but grid scale batteries are being built throughout the state. Meanwhile, NSW has a slightly higher coal capacity but posted new battery storage records, indicating a shift towards cleaner energy solutions.