Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland and a collaborative team from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National University of Singapore, University of Ioannina, and Politecnico di Milano have made significant advancements in perovskite solar cell technology. By incorporating rubidium (Rb) into the perovskite lattice structure, they were able to enhance stability and efficiency, achieving champion efficiency levels of 25.77% and 20.65% respectively. The introduction of Rb+ cations at grain domain boundaries and the lattice strain approach led to improved carrier diffusion length, lifetime, and suppression of halide phase segregation. These developments mark a promising step forward in the quest for more efficient and stable solar energy solutions.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
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Tata Power Commissions 1.4-Gigawatt Solar Farm Just Before Year End
Tata Power has commissioned a 1.4 GW solar power plant in Rajasthan, India, the largest they have ever built, expected to produce 2.454 TWh of electricity annually. The power will be distributed to Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, and Uttarakhand, utilizing bifacial modules and high-performance inverters for efficiency. Developed under the CPSU Scheme of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, this project showcases a significant step towards sustainable energy solutions in the region.
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Google acquires Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion
Google has acquired Intersect Power for nearly $5 billion to develop solar and storage projects for its AI data centers, aiming to bypass grid bottlenecks and scale rapidly with energy parks co-locating data centers with generation and storage assets. With $15 billion in assets, Intersect Power plans to have 10.8 GW of capacity by 2028. Google's energy park development strategy, including the Quantum Clean Energy Project in Texas, focuses on clean energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/google-acquires-intersect-power-for-nearly-5-billion/
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Japanese airport terminal hosting chalcopyrite solar modules
Kyuden Mirai Energy and Nissan Motor are showcasing the use of flexible, glass-free chalcopyrite PV panels from PXP Corporation in projects at Fukuoka International Airport and a Nissan dealership in Yokohama City, Japan. The goal is to evaluate the potential applications of thin film solar PV technology, raise awareness about flexible solar cell technology, and emphasize Nissan's commitment to sustainability. PXP Corporation has received financial support to advance their technology in Japan, highlighting the growing interest in renewable energy solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/01/05/japanese-airport-terminal-hosting-chalcopyrite-solar-modules/
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On Heat Pumps, Colorado Hits The Ground Running
Colorado is launching a rebate program offering up to $14,000 for energy efficiency upgrades, including heat pumps, to accelerate the transition to clean, all-electric systems and reduce carbon emissions. Zero Home is expanding statewide in Colorado, focusing on cold-climate heat pumps covered by the new rebate program, with up to $8,000 in rebates available. Heat pump sales have increased significantly in recent years, surpassing gas furnaces, with a new wave of cold-climate technology entering the market. Biden-era initiatives are supporting the development of commercial-scale heat pumps, heat pump clothes dryers, and water heaters, contributing to energy efficiency and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/01/03/on-heat-pumps-colorado-hits-the-ground-running/
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UK study finds azimuthal trackers boost floating PV performance
A University of Exeter study found that azimuthal tracking systems deliver the largest energy gains and lowest levelized cost of energy for floating solar PV plants in the UK, with a 26.9% increase in production compared to fixed systems. This makes floating solar a competitive option for marine-based renewable energy. Meanwhile, in the United States, Texas has become one of the top states for solar energy production due to its abundant sunlight, large land area, and decreasing costs of solar technology. The expansion of solar power in Texas is helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
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Vestas gets 390MW wind turbine order in South Korea
Danish wind turbine maker Vestas has secured a 390MW contract for the Shinan-Ui offshore wind project in South Korea, where they will supply 26 of their V236-15.0MW offshore wind turbines. The project, expected to enter commercial operation in 2028, aligns with South Korea's clean energy transition plans and marks Vestas' first offshore wind contract in the country. Additionally, networked microgrids are being implemented to create a more flexible and resilient energy future, rebuilding the grid for better management of energy resources. These microgrids have the potential to improve overall efficiency and reliability of the energy system, contributing to climate solutions by driving large-scale deployment of offshore wind in South Korea.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/vestas-wind-turbine-south-korea/
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Growing agri-PV tomatoes while producing hydrogen for smart windows
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a concept for a residential building in the UK that combines rooftop agrivoltaics with onsite hydrogen production. The electricity generated by the solar system is used to produce hydrogen for hydrogen vehicles and smart windows, with the system able to meet the annual demand of the smart windows and support up to 64.23 km of driving per day. The study also discusses the thermal performance of vacuum gasochromic windows and the potential of small rooftop areas to support building-scale hydrogen applications. The impact of agrivoltaics on home insulation and the use of produced hydrogen for home heating are areas of future research, as detailed in the publication in Energy and Buildings titled "Rooftop agrivoltaic powered onsite hydrogen production for insulated gasochromic smart glazing and hydrogen vehicles: A holistic approach to sustainable residential building."
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Credo Releases 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report
Credo Technology Group Holding Ltd has released its 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, highlighting its progress in providing secure, high-speed connectivity solutions that are energy efficient. The company's focus on responsible growth and long-term value creation includes advancing connectivity solutions that support reduced waste and energy-efficient growth of AI data centers. Credo's commitment to building products with lower power consumption reflects its vision for sustainable connectivity in the face of increasing energy demands. The company's efforts in product innovation and partnerships contribute to education, health, and local community needs, showcasing its integrity and commitment to improvement.
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Agrivoltaic Company Okovate Acquires Stanford University & Carnegie Mellon Tech Startup
Agrivoltaics, the combination of solar power plants with farmland, is gaining popularity in the solar power industry. Washington, DC-based company Okovate Sustainable Energy has acquired the assets of startup Fundusol to improve the planning and development of agrivoltaic projects. The acquisition allows Okovate to integrate a modeling platform developed at Stanford University and Carnegie Mellon, providing data-driven precision in co-locating solar energy and agriculture. The company's technology utilizes genetic algorithms and advanced data visualization to optimize solar array configurations for different crop types, aiming to strengthen the economic fabric of farming communities. Efforts are being made to increase the cost effectiveness and appeal of solar PV power in 2025, with plans to roll out more solar power on farmland across the United States and make additional announcements in 2026.