Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Buildings & Electricity

Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources

  • What fossil fuels really cost us in a world at war

    Anne Jellema of 350.org discusses the devastating impact of the war on Iran and Lebanon on global economy and households, with potential costs exceeding $1 trillion in adverse scenarios. The fossil fuel crisis is draining households and economies worldwide, with $158-$166 billion already extracted due to soaring prices, highlighting the urgent need for a global shift towards affordable clean energy solutions to address energy poverty and reduce dependence on costly and unsustainable fossil fuels. Governments should implement windfall taxes on fossil fuel companies, shift subsidies towards renewable solutions, and accelerate the rollout of clean energy technologies like solar and wind to create a more stable, fair, and resilient energy system.

    https://www.climatechangenews.com/2026/04/30/what-fossil-fuels-really-cost-us-in-a-world-at-war/

  • New Records Set in the Renewable Energy Marathon

    Renewable energy is leading the way in global energy supply growth, with solar being the largest contributor in 2025. The world installed a record amount of wind and solar in 2025, with projections showing that solar, wind, and energy storage will make up the majority of new energy capacity in the coming years. This shift towards clean energy is expected to continue, phasing out fossil fuels and accelerating the transition to a clean energy future. The increase in wind generation is breaking records in California and other regions, showing the potential for continued growth in wind power. The growth of renewables is crucial in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combating climate change.

    https://blog.ucs.org/john-rogers/new-records-set-in-the-renewable-energy-marathon/

  • Solar and battery households help grid by importing more during day and exporting more in evening peaks

    The installation of over 360,000 home batteries in Australia is reshaping the energy market by helping to manage excess solar energy, reduce reliance on gas, and moderate prices. This support, along with grid-scale batteries, is displacing higher bidding hydro and gas generators, providing a better market signal for large-scale wind and solar projects. Federal climate and energy minister Chris Bowen emphasizes the importance of renewables in stabilizing the grid and lowering energy bills, while criticizing the Coalition's plan to prioritize coal. The increase in household batteries is benefiting the grid by providing additional supply during evening peaks and addressing minimum demand issues. Support for independent media and accurate information is encouraged to further advance climate solutions.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-and-battery-households-help-grid-by-importing-more-during-day-and-exporting-more-in-evening-peaks/

  • How to electrify greenhouses with semi-transparent PV, heat pumps

    Researchers in Canada found that 69%-transparent crystalline silicon semitransparent PV modules can improve tomato greenhouse yields by up to 38% while maintaining healthy plant growth through beneficial partial shading. Combining rooftop agrivoltaics with heat pumps can fully eliminate fossil fuel heating. Various bifacial STPV technologies were tested in greenhouse conditions for tomato production, with differences in light intensity and spectrum affecting plant growth. The study, published in Energy and Buildings, evaluated agrivoltaic greenhouse systems through five main stages and used software tools to simulate and analyze different greenhouse scenarios. Experimental investigations showed that the selected 69% transparent PV system with a heat pump enabled full electrification of an agrivoltaic greenhouse, covering approximately 13% of the total annual electricity demand. This combination of agrivoltaic fields and partially-powered agrivoltaic greenhouses was seen as a synergistic strategy for sustainable and economically viable production, with the potential to reduce greenhouse carbon emissions and improve crop yields.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/28/how-to-electrify-greenhouses-with-semi-transparent-pv-heat-pumps/

  • Cooling PV modules with hydrogel-coated paper

    A Vietnamese research team has developed a low-cost passive cooling system for PV modules using hydrogel-coated paper that combines water flow and interfacial evaporation to reduce operating temperatures. Outdoor tests showed temperature reductions of up to 14 C and efficiency gains of up to 16.8%, with stable operation achieved using both freshwater and natural seawater. The system was tested under real outdoor conditions and showed strong performance, with the hydrogel-coated paper maintaining effective cooling even with natural seawater. The novel passive cooling technique enables convective heat transfer through flowing water and dissipation of latent heat via interfacial evaporation, leading to significant efficiency gains for PV panels. The study involved researchers from various universities in Vietnam and aims to scale up the system for real-world use, focusing on optimizing materials for different climates, enhancing corrosion protection, and integrating energy generation with water treatment.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/28/cooling-pv-modules-with-hydrogel-coated-paper/

  • California’s water crisis could turn farmland into massive solar field

    The Westlands Water District in California's San Joaquin Valley is planning to repurpose water-starved farmland into a massive solar-and-battery network through the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, aiming to add 21 gigawatts of solar and battery capacity across 136,000 acres. This project, the largest of its kind globally, will help address the water crisis, lower energy costs for farmers, and comply with new state groundwater limits. By selling solar power through the California grid, the district hopes to reduce energy costs for farmers and keep farming viable, while also providing clean electricity to the state. This innovative solution not only helps farmers adapt to changing climate conditions but also mitigates the impacts of climate change on agriculture in the region.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/california/2026/04/27/westlands-solar-plan-fallowed-farmland-san-joaquin-valley/89780561007/

  • Trina Solar claims world’s highest efficiency for silicon solar cells with 28.0%-efficient device

    Trina Solar has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 28.0% for its new TOPCon-compatible hybrid back-contact solar cell, certified by Germany's ISFH. The THBC technology combines TOPCon passivated-contact capability, HJT-style passivation advantages, and a back-contact electrode structure, setting a new benchmark for large-area crystalline silicon cells. This innovation is compatible with thin wafers and current TOPCon production lines, potentially reducing commercialization costs. Trina Solar plans to release new THBC-based products and has mass-production plans in place, signaling a significant advancement in solar technology for climate solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/27/trina-solar-claims-worlds-highest-efficiency-for-silicon-solar-cells-with-28-0-efficient-device/

  • State creates $1.4 billion fund to connect more wind and solar ahead of coal power exit

    Western Australia's Labor government is establishing a $1.4 billion Clean Energy Fund to facilitate the transition from coal to renewables by the end of the decade. The fund will support network extensions like the Clean Energy Link (CEL) – East, enabling the integration of more wind and solar projects into the grid. This initiative is expected to add 3 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity and generate 800 local jobs during construction. The state government is fast-tracking the replacement of coal with new battery projects, wind farms, and grid expansions, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner energy sources.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/state-creates-1-4-billion-fund-to-connect-more-wind-and-solar-ahead-of-coal-power-exit/

  • Swapping Out Diesel For Solar & Batteries In The Amazon Rainforest

    Affordability is driving the increase in new renewable energy installations at both grid and individual levels, with solar and wind, along with battery storage, becoming more popular due to decreasing costs. In areas like Africa, Pakistan, and the Amazon rainforest, the transition to solar energy is robust, supported by federal policy, falling technology costs, and philanthropic initiatives. Brazil has successfully increased its wind and solar power capacity to meet and exceed electricity demand growth, reducing the need for fossil fuel generation and lowering power sector emissions. The growth of renewables in Brazil has been significant, with the decline in hydro generation leading to a shift towards wind and solar power, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and presenting opportunities to avoid costly imports. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide a more sustainable and cost-effective solution, especially in rural areas where diesel generators are currently used.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/27/swapping-out-diesel-for-solar-batteries-in-the-amazon-rainforest/

  • Republicans Cry Uncle On The “Beautiful” Tax Incentive Fadeout

    Some Republicans in Congress are pushing for the "American Energy Dominance Act" to revive key incentives for commercial energy efficiency upgrades and new energy-efficient homes, aiming to address energy issues and appeal to voters. NABTU supports the bill, which includes provisions for energy efficiency tax credits and clean hydrogen incentives to support job creation and strengthen domestic energy supply. The Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program, focusing on green hydrogen production, aims to expand the domestic hydrogen supply chain. Water electrolysis technology advancements are expected in the next seven years, with Republican members proposing tax incentives for energy efficiency and clean energy to support these efforts.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/25/do-over-republicans-cry-uncle-on-federal-tax-incentives/