Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany have developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with an efficiency of 19.35% using the mask-and-plate copper metallization technique, showcasing the potential for industrial metallization of next-generation solar cells. The method involves inkjet printing a resist "mask" with narrow openings and electroplating metals like copper to reduce shading and improve efficiency. The use of copper instead of silver lowers material costs and improves resource scalability. Additionally, academics have found that using copper in the metallization process does not harm perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, with various technologies developed to reduce the use of silver in solar cells. These advancements were presented in a study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Sunbolt Is Leading On Solar Power Workstations At Educational Campuses
Sunbolt is a company specializing in solar-powered workstations and charging stations, providing reliable off-grid power solutions for vulnerable communities. Their products, including solar tables, seating areas, and charging hubs, run entirely on clean solar energy and have been installed in multiple states and countries. Each workstation generates between 700 watts and 1.4 kilowatts of solar power, helping organizations meet sustainability goals and cut carbon footprints. The units are easy to set up, self-ballasted, and require a flat surface with good sunlight. Overall, Sunbolt's workstations contribute to sustainability certifications and offer a practical solution for clean energy needs.
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Environmental News Network – Giving Buildings an “MRI” to Make Them More Energy-efficient and Resilient
Lamarr.AI, founded by a team from MIT, utilizes drones, thermal imaging, and AI to help property owners identify energy inefficiencies in their buildings. The technology provides detailed 3D models, identifies problems, and recommends retrofits to improve energy efficiency, offering deeper analytics on the cost of each retrofit and the return on investment. This solution is being used by leading organizations in facilities management, architecture, engineering, and construction firms, with CEO Tarek Rakha describing the technology as giving a building an "MRI" using drones, infrared imaging, visible light imaging, and proprietary AI.
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Renewables giant China nears peak emissions, Beijingers see mountain peaks for first time in decades
The Global Carbon Project's annual Global Carbon Budget reveals a slight rise in carbon emissions in 2025, putting the world on track to hit the 1.5°C warming limit within four years. China, the world's biggest polluter, is showing signs of reaching peak emissions or plateauing, driven by a unique mix of motivating factors including economic and business advantages from clean energy. The importance of reducing emissions and supporting renewable energy technologies to combat global warming is emphasized, with China's success in decarbonization positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy production. The article warns against downplaying the importance of climate action based on a country's proportionate contribution to global emissions and highlights Australia's transition to renewable energy as an economic opportunity. The overall message is to learn from China's example and take advantage of cheap opportunities for zero emissions energy.
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“A clear decline:” IEA says faster transition to renewables equals lower household prices
The International Energy Agency (IEA) recommends accelerating the adoption of renewable energy to lower household power prices, as it has been proven to be more cost-effective in the long run despite higher upfront costs. The IEA also dispels the myth that wind and solar energy sources are less reliable than fossil fuels, emphasizing that reduced dependence on fossil fuels can shield against market price shocks. South Australia and Western Australia serve as examples of grids remaining stable with a high percentage of renewable energy. Climate Analytics CEO Bill Hare underscores the benefits of supporting renewables, noting their rapid growth and falling prices as a win-win for both people's wallets and the climate. The IEA's report stresses the need for significant investments in grid infrastructure to facilitate the transition to renewable energy sources, as efforts to stabilize energy prices are faltering and demand for LNG and oil is declining while renewables become more competitive.
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Australia funds SunDrive to scale copper solar cells
Australia's ARENA has invested AUD 25.3 million in SunDrive to advance copper-based solar cell technology as a low-cost, silver-free alternative. This investment will support SunDrive in scaling up production and collaborating with solar manufacturing firms, aiming to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and address the industry's reliance on silver. SunDrive's innovation has broken world records in cell efficiency and has the potential to significantly impact global decarbonization efforts. ARENA's continued support of SunDrive's technology could lead to advancements in efficiency and affordability in the solar industry, contributing to climate solutions worldwide.
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Home-grown quest to make “silver-free” and ultra-low cost solar wins another $25m in federal funding
SunDrive, an Australian solar manufacturing company, has received $25 million in federal funding to scale and commercialize its copper-based PV technology, aiming to lower the cost of solar installation by 20-30% compared to competitors. The funding will support the company's collaboration with manufacturers to take its technology to a commercial scale and upgrade its facility, accelerating the adoption of copper-based solar cells. SunDrive's silver-free alternative addresses the rising cost and demand for silver in the industry, delivering a scalable mass-production solution with the support of Arena and partners. This development is crucial for the next generation of solar cell technology, offering more sustainable and cost-effective solutions to meet the urgent climate challenges.
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BasiGo Opens 3 New Electric Bus Charging Hubs In Nairobi Capable of Charging 100 Buses A Day!
BasiGo is expanding its operations in Nairobi by providing locally assembled electric buses to bus operators through their Pay-As-You-Drive model, with plans to launch three new depots featuring DC fast chargers capable of charging up to 100 buses daily. Kenya Power is partnering with BasiGo to increase electric vehicle charging stations in Nairobi, aiming to accelerate the adoption of electric buses and reduce emissions from the transport sector. The article emphasizes the importance of African governments creating supportive environments for electric mobility companies to thrive, promoting sustainable transportation solutions and clean energy practices to reduce carbon emissions in the region. By utilizing renewable electricity to power electric vehicles, Kenya can significantly reduce its fuel imports and trade deficit, while advancements in solar and battery technology make it feasible to set up solar- and battery-powered charging hubs to complement the grid supply and lower costs.
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Anker SOLIX announces VPP-ready home energy solution
Anker SOLIX has unveiled the X1 Energy Storage System as part of Australia's "Cheaper Home Batteries" initiative, offering a hybrid energy solution that integrates solar generation, energy storage, and EV charging. This system can reduce household electricity expenses by up to 88% and installation time by 25%, with VPP-ready and whole-home backup capabilities. The X1 system is designed to withstand coastal conditions, supports smart energy trading through VPP platforms, and can be retrofitted to existing solar setups. Anker SOLIX will also release the Power Dock Pro in 2026 for whole-home backup integration, providing a comprehensive solution for sustainable energy management.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/11/10/anker-solix-announces-vpp-ready-home-energy-solution/
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Andrew Forrest says real zero is already the “winning business case” in three key fossil fuel guzzling industries
Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest is championing the concept of "real zero," which involves completely eliminating fossil fuels with zero-carbon alternatives. His company, Fortescue, is investing billions to achieve real zero by 2030, focusing on decarbonizing its operations through technologies like wind, solar, and electric vehicles. Battery-electric long-haul trucks (BETs) are projected to reach cost parity with diesel equivalents by 2026, with total cost expected to be 15-22% lower by 2030. Green hydrogen-based steel production in Japan and green ammonia for fertilizer production in India are also showing promising cost competitiveness with fossil routes. Eliminating fossil fuels makes solid commercial sense, as renewables are now the cheapest source of power, and the Real Zero approach is the winning business case for sustainability.