Korea University researchers have developed a machine-learning framework that predicts solar cell efficiency from wafer quality, enabling early wafer screening and optimized production paths. The approach combines predictive modeling, process optimization, and explainable AI to support photovoltaic manufacturing. The model uses over 100,000 industrial data points to make data-based decisions and enable intelligent automation in photovoltaic manufacturing. A new machine learning methodology for optimizing process conditions in solar cell manufacturing was introduced in a recent study published in Energy and AI, showing efficiency and rapidity compared to traditional methods. The research group also developed a machine learning model for predicting sheet resistance in solar cell manufacturing processes, offering reliability and interpretability for potential application in various industrial processes.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Idemitsu switches on 2 MW of solar above rice paddy
Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu Kosan has launched a 2 MW agrivoltaics project in Japan, utilizing a movable mounting system to optimize sunlight for rice growth and power generation. This community-based model returns profits to farmers and aims to utilize 5% of the country's farmland for solar facilities. Agrivoltaics have the potential to increase renewable energy capacity in Japan, with research showing benefits for productivity in rice plantations. Recommendations include using double-axis tracking technology and vertical bifacial PV installations with safety measures and land-sharing approaches.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/19/idemitsu-switches-on-2-mw-of-solar-above-rice-paddy/
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Solar Power Used To Charge An EV In The Sub-Arctic
A pilot project in the sub-Arctic successfully used off-grid solar power to charge an electric Subaru, challenging the notion that solar panels only work in hot climates. The portable solar panels and EV charger demonstrated the potential for clean energy solutions in extreme climates, with the technology being versatile enough to charge electric snowmobiles, e-bikes, ATVs, and motorcycles. The local indigenous communities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are interested in sustainable transportation and clean energy, driven by their environmental ethic and the challenges of climate change. This project's success highlights the potential for off-grid solar charging in extreme climates and signifies a shift towards green technology.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/02/19/solar-power-used-to-charge-an-ev-in-the-sub-arctic/
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Efficiency, demand flexibility can meet growing data center loads
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has found that energy efficiency improvements and demand flexibility in the U.S. grid could offset demand from AI data centers and other growing sources of load. By 2040, these measures could reduce U.S. energy demand by about 70 GW and peak demand by 60-200 GW. ACEEE recommends mandating performance incentive mechanisms for utilities and setting load flexibility goals to scale up energy efficiency and demand flexibility programs quickly with strong policy and financial support, offering a faster and cheaper alternative to building new power plants. These resources can help meet growing electric demand while ensuring reliability and affordability, targeting specific locations to defer or avoid the need for new infrastructure and saving families and businesses money.
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Marinus Link and wind farm revival helps green bank smash six-month investment record
The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) in Australia invested a record-breaking $6.1 billion in clean energy projects in the second half of 2025, focusing on initiatives like the Marinus Link transmission project, wind energy, natural capital, First Nations communities, transport, infrastructure, property, and climate tech innovation. The federal government provided additional funding for large-scale renewable energy projects, including wind projects like Aula Energy's Carmody's Hill project. Despite attempts to limit investments in wind and solar projects and include gas investments, the CEFC's contributions to renewable energy projects, transmission projects, green loans, EVs, and home electrification are crucial in Australia's race to achieve net zero emissions and combat climate change.
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Risk or Resilience? Congress Can’t Miss Its Opportunity in Major Housing Legislation
The proposed legislation in Congress aims to address the American housing crisis by incentivizing changes to land use laws and speeding up housing development processes. However, concerns remain about the legislation's ability to adequately address current and future physical risks like extreme heat exposure, flooding, and wildfire risk. There is a need for stronger affordability mandates, ongoing funding, and reimagining land use to create a housing ecosystem that meets current and future needs, including those driven by climate change. Congress should prioritize strategies to reduce residential heat exposure, invest in retrofitting housing, establish an Eviction Helpline for tenants, reform disaster recovery policies, and invest in improving existing housing stock to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters and housing challenges in the country. It is crucial for Congress to prioritize affordability, resilience, and climate solutions in shaping housing policy to avoid locking communities into risk.
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World’s largest solar-plus-storage project completes initial grid synchronization
The MTerra solar project in the Philippines, set to be the world's largest solar-plus-storage site, has achieved initial synchronization and energization to the Luzon grid. The project features a planned 3.5 GW solar and 4.5 GWh battery energy storage system, with the first phase expected to cover 2.5 GW of solar and 3.3 MWh of BESS. The project aims to have 250 MWac of solar capacity and 112.5 MWh of battery energy storage capacity ready for operation by the end of the month, with plans for further capacity ramp-up in the following months. The completion of the first phase is scheduled for later this year, and work on phase two has already begun.
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Octopus Energy plans $1bn investment in Californian clean technology
Octopus Energy Generation has announced a $1bn investment in Californian clean technology, focusing on carbon removal and renewable energy projects. The funding will support companies working to restore grasslands and forests to absorb carbon dioxide, as well as invest in heat battery technology to reduce emissions from industries. California's goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045 is being supported by Octopus Energy Generation through investments in clean energy projects across the US, aiding in the transition away from fossil fuels.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/octopus-energy-plans-1bn-investment/
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Power Isn’t Enough: Why Electricity Alone Won’t Deliver Africa’s Energy Promise
Efficient appliances, such as refrigerators and water pumps, are essential for women in Africa to save time, effort, and money, allowing them to reinvest in their families and businesses. Access to these tools through initiatives like the Productive Use Financing Facility has led to a 94 percent increase in average incomes for women. Investing in smart appliances can deliver 20 percent of the energy savings needed to double global efficiency by 2030, advancing energy, climate, and economic goals simultaneously. Efficient appliances serve as a bridge between energy access and economic opportunity, playing a crucial role in Africa's energy transition and local economies. Grants, subsidies, and energy performance standards are key to promoting energy-efficient appliances in African markets, creating a $50 billion market and lowering the burden of climate change.
https://triplepundit.com/2026/electricity-access-affordable-appliances-equity-africa/
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India’s blueprint for sustainable solar success
India's renewable energy transition in India has evolved to prioritize long-term reliability and efficiency through the use of high-performance solar panels and advanced technology. Policy incentives are now tied to performance and manufacturing capability, steering the industry towards high-value production. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar on 1 crore residential buildings, creating millions of energy-generating homes and normalizing the use of solar power. Developments in battery storage systems and hybridization of electrical systems are addressing the intermittency issue of solar power, making India's renewable energy ecosystem reliable, scalable, and equitable, offering a blueprint for emerging economies.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/16/indias-blueprint-for-sustainable-solar-success/