New research from the University of New South Wales highlights the significant impact of UV radiation on PV module degradation, with tropical and desert regions facing the highest stress. The study emphasizes the need for climate-specific testing and system design to accurately assess reliability. The researchers developed a global UV irradiance model that shows varying degradation rates based on deployment location and system design. Single-axis tracking systems in high-irradiance regions can experience up to 1.5 times more UV radiation and higher degradation rates compared to fixed-tilt installations. The study underscores the importance of considering UV exposure, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions in assessing PV module performance. The article discusses the impact of UV-induced degradation on photovoltaic systems in arid and tropical climates, with rates reaching about 0.25-0.35% per year. A high-precision model to estimate UV radiation in PV systems was presented in the paper "Closing the UV-Induced Photodegradation Gap Through Global Scale Modeling of Fixed Tilt and Tracking Photovoltaic Systems." The study aims to connect fundamental degradation mechanisms with system-level impacts, combining accelerated testing with modeling to quantify energy yield losses in diverse climates and system designs. This research is part of a broader effort to understand how degradation affects real-world energy production in photovoltaic systems.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Giant copper project signs deal for Australia’s biggest off-grid hybrid renewables facility
Harmony Gold and Aggreko have partnered to develop a renewable power facility at the Eva copper mine project in Queensland, Australia. The facility will consist of a 118 MWp solar farm, a 250 MWh battery, and a 104 MVA thermal power plant, with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2035. Future plans may involve incorporating wind energy and connecting to the grid through the Copperstring transmission project. This long-term commitment to renewable energy showcases a significant step towards sustainable practices in the mining industry.
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Nigerians bet on solar power as global oil crisis hits wallets
Africa, particularly Nigeria, is experiencing a surge in solar power installations as a response to soaring fuel prices and unreliable power supplies. The conflict in the Middle East has further accelerated the adoption of solar energy, with installations in Africa increasing by 54% in 2025. Businesses and consumers are recognizing the cost-saving benefits of transitioning to solar power, with calls for governments to adopt binding targets to phase out fossil fuels and invest in clean energy for a stable future. Lower-cost solar products are now available, making solar power a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources in Nigeria and across the continent.
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Premier Energies begins trial production at 5.6GW solar facility
Premier Energies has expanded their solar module manufacturing capacity to 11.1GW with a new facility in Telangana, India, featuring advanced technology and employing 2,000 people. The company's use of TOPCon technology and zero busbar architecture aligns with India's renewable energy goals and supports the growth of the country's solar manufacturing sector. In addition to domestic projects, Premier Energies has secured contracts to supply solar power systems in Benin, West Africa, contributing to the government's initiative to increase access to clean energy. This development highlights the company's commitment to sustainable solutions and the global transition towards renewable energy sources.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/premier-energies-trial-production-solar/
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Here’s How Environmental Leadership Protects Californians from Prices Spikes and Greedy Polluters
California's strong climate policies, such as Cap and Invest, have made the state more resilient to global price shocks impacting gas prices. By regulating vehicles more stringently than the federal government, California has seen a reduction in toxic air pollution, heat-trapping emissions, and gasoline demand. The state's progress in increasing clean electricity usage has contributed to a 15% drop in gasoline demand since 2005, resulting in significant savings. Continuing ambitious climate and clean energy policies, along with updates to programs like Cap and Invest, are crucial for protecting Californians' wallets and health while advancing climate solutions and making the state more resilient to global events.
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Pushing perovskite solar cells to the ultimate thickness limit
Researchers in Singapore have developed ultrathin perovskite solar cells with absorber layers as thin as 10 nm, achieving high transparency and stable efficiencies up to 12%. These cells offer scalable, design-flexible photovoltaics suitable for seamless integration into buildings, balancing optical transparency with electrical performance without sacrificing scalability or manufacturability. The study showed that the cells achieved power conversion efficiencies of 7%, 11%, and 12% with absorbers of 10 nm, 30 nm, and 60 nm respectively, maintaining their performance even in low-illumination conditions. Perovskite materials in buildings can generate electricity without changing their appearance, aiding in the growth of distributed renewables, with tunable optical properties and the ability to be manufactured on a large scale, potentially leading to further improvements in light-utilization efficiency in the built environment.
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Adani Green commissions 951 MW solar, hybrid capacity in India
Adani Green Energy Ltd. has recently commissioned 951 MW of solar and hybrid capacity in western India, specifically in Baiya, Rajasthan and Khavda, Gujarat. With 926 MW of solar and 25 MW of hybrid projects now operational, AGEL's total renewable generation capacity has reached 18,933.3 MW. These new projects have begun commercial operations and power generation as of March 30, 2026, contributing significantly to India's renewable energy goals and the fight against climate change.
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Battery costs have declined by 99% in the last three decades, making electrified transport a reality
Battery costs have declined by 99% in the last three decades, with over 20 million electric cars sold globally in 2025 at prices as low as $10,000. The global cumulative production of batteries has increased significantly since 1991, with prices dropping by roughly 19% every time production doubled. Cheaper storage solutions, particularly lithium-ion batteries, have enabled the widespread adoption of renewable energy and electrified transport, transforming the industry from niche technology to mainstream use. The decline in battery costs has made electrified transport a reality, with batteries now powering cars, homes, and power grids worldwide, emphasizing the importance of continued innovation in this area for a low-carbon energy system.
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DIY plug-in solar shows $0.65/W potential in US market
The emergence of plug-in solar power offers a way for renters and apartment dwellers to cut their utility bills with solar energy. The technology allows for easy installation by amateurs and can be plugged into existing outlets. While regulations around plug-in solar are not clearly defined in many places, the market is growing, with Europe serving as a model for the US. Kits are available for purchase, with prices reflecting a mature and active market. The section also discusses the challenges and solutions encountered during the installation of DIY solar panels, highlighting the potential for cost-effective solutions in the solar energy market.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/30/diy-plug-in-solar-shows-0-65-w-potential-in-us-market/
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No Kings III Protesters Argue That We Must Protect The Planet
Climate solutions experts are facing a range of challenges and opportunities in the fight against climate change. The No Kings III protests are gaining momentum globally, rejecting fossil fuel lobby influence and advocating for decarbonization. Despite Arctic sea ice reaching record lows and Trump's climate science denial, there is a push for progress through initiatives like Tesla's solar panel manufacturing plans and advocacy for Green Amendments. Women leaders are playing significant roles in addressing climate change impacts, while public support for solar energy is strong, even in red-voting states. It is crucial for experts to continue advocating for clean energy, fighting against anti-environment policies, and working towards a sustainable future for all.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/29/no-kings-iii-protesters-argue-that-we-must-protect-the-planet/