Clean, renewable energy solutions such as solar power and energy storage systems are proving to be cost competitive with fossil fuels and are providing reliable electricity to remote communities. Projects like the Northern Cheyenne Buffalo Reservation Project and the Give Power Project are examples of how solar power and battery storage are improving quality of life by bringing electricity and clean water to communities in need, reducing dependence on polluting diesel generators. The installation of solar systems at school campuses not only powers daily operations but also benefits the broader community by improving safety, supporting healthier learning environments with access to clean water, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. These initiatives showcase the positive impact of renewable energy solutions in addressing climate change and improving the well-being of communities.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Astronergy adopts quarter-cut cell design, boosting TOPCon module efficiency and reliability
Astronergy's new ASTRO N7 Pro PV modules feature quarter-cut cell technology and TOPCon 5.0+ technology, increasing module power and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with previous generations. The modules also have a high bifaciality rate and innovative module layout design to maximize solar area and improve efficiency. These advancements benefit utility and C&I solar projects by reducing system costs, increasing energy yield, and providing resilience in harsh environments. Major reliability challenges for solar products in utility-scale and C&I projects include prolonged outdoor exposure, thermal cycling, UV radiation, and physical damage from extreme weather. The ASTRO N7 Pro PV module incorporates innovative technologies to ensure stable power generation and support a 30-year linear power warranty with high end power retention. Optimized cell passivation and upgraded encapsulation materials enhance resistance to PID and UVID, improving long-term durability. Higher conversion efficiency leads to lower operating temperatures, slowing material aging. The quarter-cut circuit design reduces shading losses and peak hot-spot temperatures, improving safety and adaptability. The reinforced frame offers higher mechanical load capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions.
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Africa records fastest-ever solar growth in 2025
In 2025, installations of solar power in Africa increased by 54%, with around 4.5 GW of new solar PV capacity installed. Utility-scale projects accounted for 56% of installations, while distributed solar made up 44%. The report highlighted the under-reporting of rooftop, commercial, and distributed capacity due to limited data. The need for greater investment in battery storage, grids, and power system flexibility was emphasized to improve reliability of supply and support rising energy demand. The top 10 solar markets in Africa led the capacity additions, but solar deployment is spreading to a wider group of countries, with several mid-sized and emerging markets making significant gains. Despite the rapid growth of distributed solar in Africa, financing models have not kept pace, with most clean energy finance still coming from public and development sources geared towards large projects. Private investment in clean energy has increased, but funding for smaller solar systems used by homes and businesses remains limited. Leaders in the industry estimate that up to $46 billion will be needed by 2030 to meet electrification targets in African countries. The Global Solar Council warns that misalignment between funding and market needs could slow deployment of solar energy, but aligning finance, planning, and regulation with market realities could lead to significant growth in solar capacity and economic benefits.
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India installs more than 2.08 million rooftop solar systems under PM scheme
Since early 2024, India has installed over 2.08 million rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana program, with INR 147.7 billion in central subsidies disbursed. The initiative has benefited over 2.6 million households nationwide, with Gujarat leading in implementation. The program provides upfront subsidies for residential consumers to install rooftop solar systems, aiming to generate renewable electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Deployment of rooftop solar systems across 10 million households could generate up to 1,000 billion units of renewable electricity and reduce emissions by 720 million metric tons over 25 years.
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Fertiliser giant firms up first leg of Indigenous-backed, 1.2 GW green energy hub
Perdaman is developing a 50 MW solar project near Karratha as the first stage of a 5 GW energy vision, connecting to a urea plant and the local grid. The project is expected to be connected by the end of 2027 and is part of a larger 1.2 GW energy park being built by the Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation. The NAC energy park aims to lease land for green energy development, with support from the Western Australian government. The project will also connect to a transmission line prioritized by the government for decarbonizing heavy industry in the region.
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Onyx Solar BIPV solution turns skyscraper skin into power source
Onyx Solar is installing a custom building integrated PV system at Atlassian's new headquarters in Sydney, featuring 1,794 solar glass 'louvres' that act as a self-shading system to reduce heat gain and enhance energy efficiency. This PV glazed facade allows natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption. The BIPV system enables the building to generate its own energy while maintaining comfort and aesthetics, with Atlassian aiming for 100% renewable energy operation by 2027.
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The impact of microclimate effects on floating PV plants
French researchers have developed a high-resolution computational framework to model microclimate effects of large floating solar PV systems, ground-mounted installations, and agrivoltaic systems. The model can inform thermal performance, environmental impacts, and optimize designs for utility-scale floating PV. It allows for accurate predictions of heat transfer, ambient temperatures, and water evaporation based on panel configuration and wind conditions. Additionally, researchers are developing CFD models to predict energy output and environmental trade-offs of dual-use photovoltaic systems and FPV evaporation research, as well as an agrivoltaics CFD-plant model to predict crop response below PV canopies. The study involves Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussees, Electricité de France RD, and Université Claude Bernard.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/02/the-impact-of-microclimate-effects-on-floating-pv-plants/
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Australian renewables exceed 50% of power supply in Q4
Renewable generation in Australia reached over 50% in the fourth quarter of 2025, leading to lower wholesale power prices and improved grid reliability during extreme weather events. Batteries played a key role in stabilizing energy supply, with record levels of battery output. The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme has spurred rapid battery installations, supporting the growth of renewable energy infrastructure. The transition to a low-cost, clean, firmed renewables powered energy system is crucial for grid reliability, as coal power becomes more unreliable. The unstoppable energy system transformation is highlighted by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, with renewable energy capacity additions surpassing nuclear additions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/02/australian-renewables-exceed-50-of-power-supply-in-q4/
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How to design a UL-certified balcony solar kit in the United States
UL Solutions has released new technical guidance and a proposed certification pathway for plug-in balcony solar systems, addressing safety risks and design requirements as US states consider legalizing the technology. The white paper outlines safety considerations such as overcurrent protection, touch safety, and ground-fault protection for consumer-installed solar systems that connect directly to wall outlets. UL developed a new certification pathway, UL 3700, following the passage of Utah's balcony solar legislation, with similar bills under consideration in other states. Potential mitigation measures include dedicated circuits, solar-specific receptacles, and careful design for interactions with ground-fault circuit interrupters. UL emphasizes evaluating safety outcomes over commercial viability for plug-in PV systems.
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Korean scientists build mini perovskite solar module with 22.56% efficiency
Researchers at GIST have developed a perovskite mini-module with 22.56% efficiency by improving the SnO2 electron transport layer with PEI, reducing defects and electron loss. The module retained 94% of its performance after 500 hours, showing potential for scalable, stable perovskite solar cells and modules. The team focused on engineering the interface of the electron transport layer to address non-uniformity issues and improve efficiency and stability. By incorporating PEI into the SnO2 layer, they were able to reduce electron loss, improve electrical environment at the interface, and facilitate smooth electron transport, leading to high-quality perovskite films suitable for mass production.