Researchers have made significant advancements in solar cell technology by developing a silicon heterojunction solar cell with a molybdenum oxide hole transport layer and a phosphomolybdic acid interlayer, resulting in a power conversion efficiency of 24.9%. The PMA/MoOx device showed improved open-circuit voltage, fill factor, carrier tunneling efficiency, and reduced contact resistivity. This novel cell concept utilizing a PMA-modified interface has increased efficiency in silicon solar cells, while MoOx has been successfully utilized in various photovoltaic technologies, including perovskite solar cells. Recent developments include a 25.5%-efficient four-terminal perovskite-CIGS tandem cell with a MoOx-based transparent back contact, as well as flexible perovskite solar cells with tunable color and transparency.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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The future of farming is electric, but outdated rules can force us to pay market rates for our own solar
The importance of embracing technological advancements in agriculture, such as the use of solar panels, batteries, and electric alternatives, to increase efficiency and reduce costs in the context of climate change is highlighted. Government policy support is needed to facilitate the transition to electrification in agriculture, despite challenges like limitations in heavy machinery batteries and regulatory barriers. The Electrify Australia campaign is advocating for a dedicated Electrified Farming program to accelerate the switch to electric machinery, including support for installation and regulatory reforms. The goal is to strengthen the resilience of Australian agriculture by giving primary producers the tools to store, share, and use their own power, with Ellen Litchfield leading the charge for climate and nature-friendly agriculture practices.
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Social housing tenants to get coordinated rooftop PV and home batteries in first urban renewable zone
An $11 million pilot program in the Illawarra, Australia, will showcase how social housing tenants can benefit from rooftop solar, home batteries, and virtual power plant technology to improve energy performance and reduce power bills. This initiative is part of the Social Housing Energy Performance Initiative, aiming to upgrade 100,000 social housing properties by mid-2031 with federal and state funding. Solar and battery installers, along with VPP operators, will provide feedback on the program's design and delivery, benefiting hundreds of households in the Illawarra REZ. The journalist reporting on this project has a background in energy, climate, and environmental issues, previously working for the federal Climate Change Authority.
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Space Squeeze Forces Solar Power Into Tight Corners
Demand for solar power is high, but limited space for development due to community opposition and government intervention. Cultivate Power's Bowes Solar array in Illinois showcases creative solutions for solar development on constrained parcels, benefiting local communities with lower electricity rates and increased tax revenues. Planted Solar's technology allows for more efficient use of land for community solar projects, extending savings to local subscribers and providing stable income for landowners. Cultivate's Goldenrod Solar project in Mercer County delivers 5 megawatts of solar power, benefiting 850 local subscribers with anticipated savings on electricity bills, with 55% of subscribers being low- and moderate-income households, highlighting the inclusive nature of community solar projects.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/09/27/community-solar-power-plants-tight-spaces-high-density/
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Second federal judge overturns $7B Solar for All cancellation
A U.S. District Court judge has ruled that the EPA illegally terminated the Solar for All program, which aimed to expand solar access and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, citing the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The judge deemed the EPA's decision arbitrary and beyond statutory authority, leading to lawsuits and legal battles. The termination of the program has set back clean energy initiatives in Harris County, impacting low-income households and energy resilience efforts. Harris County officials are now fighting to reinstate the funding to continue their climate solutions efforts.
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Second-life PV modules turned into solar balconies in Germany
In Kassel, Germany, ClimateHub Kassel and SoLocal Energy organized a photovoltaic reuse initiative that repurposed 300 used solar modules into 150 balcony PV systems. The project involved inspecting, refurbishing, and distributing the modules, saving around 6 metric tons of material from entering recycling streams. A tiered pricing model was introduced to make the systems accessible to households with different budgets, with complete packages including modules, inverters, mounting equipment, and more. Local organizations provided logistical and technical support for the initiative, showcasing a sustainable approach to promoting renewable energy solutions.
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Australia’s biggest wind project aims for 2027 construction start after federal green tick
The Bungaban wind project, Australia's largest wind farm, has received approval from the federal government and is set to begin construction in 2027 as part of Rio Tinto's green power transition. With solar and battery storage included, the project aims to save costs and improve energy output, expected to be operational by 2030. The project is anticipated to bring over $50 million in community and First Nations benefits, contributing to jobs, investment, and long-term economic growth in the region. Local government leaders have welcomed the project for its commitment to engaging with the community and addressing concerns, supporting long-term economic growth and energy security for major regional industry, including Rio Tinto's operations in Central Queensland.
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Solar sleeves turn telecommunications towers into renewable power generators
Decon Corporation has successfully completed a proof-of-concept trial of lightweight, flexible solar laminate panels on an nbn Fixed Wireless monopole, demonstrating the potential for onsite solar generation to improve network reliability and resilience while reducing energy demand. Early results show the system can generate up to 40% of the site's power demand during daylight hours, with patented mounting technology allowing for practical, scalable integration onto existing monopoles. This trial, part of a partnership between Decon and nbn, aims to strengthen Australia's connectivity and resilience through renewable technology.
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Guterres calls on countries to set clear timelines for transition away from fossil fuels
The G20 countries, responsible for 80% of global emissions, must lead the transition to address climate change by increasing climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035, with at least $300 billion for developing countries. New initiatives were announced for power grids, critical minerals, and early warning systems at the UN Climate Summit 2026, emphasizing the need for faster climate action and greater cooperation to exceed the 1.5°C warming limit. The International Court of Justice confirmed that protecting the climate is a global obligation, leading to initiatives like the Global Grids Accelerator, Task Force on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, and Early Warnings for All to support renewable energy, energy efficiency, and adaptation efforts worldwide.
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Why Australia’s energy transition needs quantum in the mix
In Australia, rooftop solar is playing a significant role in meeting energy demand, showcasing progress in the energy transition. However, the increasing complexity of the energy system presents challenges in maintaining stability. Coordinating various energy resources and managing complexity will be crucial for the security of the transition. Quantum computing and sensors are being explored to optimize energy systems and accelerate the search for better materials for decarbonisation. Companies like Q-CTRL, Nomad Atomics, and Phasor Innovation are developing quantum technologies to revolutionize the energy industry and speed up the transition to cleaner energy solutions.
https://reneweconomy.com.au/why-australias-energy-transition-needs-quantum-in-the-mix/