Researchers from the University of Palermo developed a model to assess building performance with heat pumps and PV systems under different demand response strategies, finding that dynamic price-based strategies had mixed results on indoor environmental quality and energy savings. The study evaluated the impact of adjusting electricity consumption based on energy prices and grid constraints, with four DR strategies assessed and DR4 identified as the most effective in reducing electricity demand. Structural modifications to DR4 were found to improve building performance. Additionally, the integration of envelope insulation, night-time ventilation, thermal energy storage management, and a PV-B system in office buildings can significantly increase cooling capacity ratio, reduce annual electricity consumption by up to 28.22%, and lead to grid electricity savings of up to 59.89%.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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TotalEnergies to buy Shell renewables business
TotalEnergies' acquisition of Shell's European wind and solar assets signals a shift towards renewable energy for the French supermajor, reflecting the growing trend of oil companies diversifying into clean energy sources. This move towards onshore wind and solar aligns with the global push for climate solutions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, marking a significant step towards transitioning to a more sustainable energy future.
https://www.rechargenews.com/finance/totalenergies-to-buy-shell-renewables-business/2-1-2023846
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Zambia’s Government Delivers On Its Promise To Ramp Up Electricity Generation Capacity, With Solar Playing A Key Role
Zambia has made significant progress in addressing its renewable energy challenges by rapidly increasing its solar generation capacity. The country aims to boost its generation capacity from 4.5 GW to 10 GW, with a focus on solar energy, through collaborations with local and international partners. Key reforms in the energy sector, such as the commissioning of the 200 MW Chisamba Solar Plant and the implementation of the Net Metering Programme, have contributed to increased electricity access and reduced fees for rural and peri-urban households. With the goal of transitioning from an electricity deficit to a surplus, Zambia is on track to achieve a diversified energy mix and reach 10,000 MW by 2031, showcasing its commitment to sustainable energy sources.
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UK solar capacity hits 22.8 GW as market prepares for plug-in launch
In June 2026, the UK experienced a significant increase in solar installations, adding 132 MW of capacity and bringing the total solar capacity to 22.8 GW. New regulations on plug-in solar are expected to make entry into the distributed solar market easier, potentially creating opportunities in the rental sector. The UK saw a 2.2 GW increase in solar capacity in the year leading up to June 2026, with plans for new utility-scale plants, including the largest operational UK solar farm. The government secured 4.9 GW of capacity in the seventh CfD allocation round, indicating a positive trend towards more solar capacity coming online in the future.
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Indonesia signals start of 100 GW solar initiative
Indonesia's Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced a 100 GW solar power project, with 80 GW targeted for decentralized solar systems in villages and 20 GW for centralized solar. The Institute for Essential Services Reform is in support of this initiative and suggests integrating it with the Village Electrification Program to boost rural economic growth. Achieving the 100 GW target will necessitate substantial investment and backing from financial institutions and the private sector. Indonesia has already exceeded 1 GW of solar capacity in 2025, indicating progress towards their renewable energy goals.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/30/indonesia-signals-start-of-100-gw-solar-initiative/
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Chinese researchers build 29.71% perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cell based on sulfide
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a tandem solar cell combining a perovskite top cell and a CIGS bottom cell to improve stability and efficiency. Using a coordination-engineering approach with an organic sulfur-containing compound, the top cell achieved an efficiency of 22.21%, while the integrated tandem device reached 29.71% efficiency. The cells retained over 91% of their initial efficiency after 2000 hours of operation, making them among the most efficient perovskite/CIGS tandem solar cells reported. This new method for creating stable wide-bandgap perovskites shows promise for improving optoelectronic properties and stability under various stressors, ultimately contributing to more reliable and cost-effective solar energy solutions in the fight against climate change.
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A plug-in solar solution that utilities and lawmakers can agree on
The momentum for plug-in solar systems is rapidly growing in the U.S. and Europe, with several states passing legislation to allow residents to use these systems in their homes. This legislation aims to help residents save money on energy bills and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while also potentially reducing or deferring future infrastructure upgrade costs for utilities. The need for a two-pronged approach in plug-in solar state legislation is emphasized, with a focus on establishing tiered wattage definitions and capping energy export to the grid at 400 watts to ensure safety and grid reliability. States like Utah, Colorado, and Maine are leading the way in creating regulations that support the safe and successful implementation of plug-in solar systems, promoting the widespread and safe adoption of solar energy as America's cost-saving energy future.
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Bali’s Climate Lawsuit
Suriadi Darmoko, a plaintiff in a citizen lawsuit against the Indonesian government, highlights the increasing unpredictability and severity of climate-related disasters in Bali, including flooding, extreme heat, and drought. The intensifying climate crisis is leading to more frequent and severe events, impacting local communities, tourist areas, and coastal regions. The root cause of these issues is linked to global warming and rising greenhouse gas emissions, with the tourism industry being a significant contributor. The PULIHKAN Bali Coalition has filed a climate lawsuit to halt extractive permits and advocate for a transition to renewable energy, emphasizing the need for reform in climate and disaster financing. The urgent call for climate action stresses the importance of creating a just, prosperous, and equitable world through collective efforts to address climate change and secure a sustainable future.
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Low-cost open-access tool for rooftop PV assessment in informal settlements
Researchers have developed a low-cost methodology using UAV photogrammetry and GIS analysis to assess rooftop PV potential in informal settlements, demonstrated in two communities in Brazil with favorable solar capture conditions. The process involves flight planning, image processing, rooftop analysis, and module allocation using an open-access Python tool. Results showed that approximately 577 modules could be installed, providing 61% of the average monthly electricity demand for each household, validated against detailed simulations with consistent results. The article also discusses a decision-support tool for assessing rooftop PV potential in informal settlements, comparing simplified irradiance-based models with dynamic simulation approaches developed by researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain and the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil.
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Why consumers are choosing solar over fossil fuels
The 2026 Ipsos Energy Transition Barometer reveals a global shift towards renewable energy, particularly solar, driven by concerns over rising energy costs and a desire for energy independence. The Global Solar Council and Global Covenant of Mayors on Energy & Climate are partnering to promote residential rooftop solar and storage in thousands of cities worldwide, aiming to lower energy bills, increase resilience, and empower consumers. Public support for clean energy solutions like heat pumps, solar, and storage is strong, signaling a need for governments and decision makers in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to act on this shift in public opinion. This transition towards decentralized energy generation and storage is seen as a key economic policy for achieving energy security and affordability, with the public ready to embrace renewable energy for a more reliable, cost-effective, and secure energy future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/07/29/why-consumers-are-choosing-solar-over-fossil-fuels/