Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Buildings & Electricity

Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources

  • Business Provides Over 50 EV Chargers Onsite For Employees

    Packsize, a company in Salt Lake City, has implemented over 50 onsite EV chargers for its employees, resulting in a 30% EV adoption rate among staff. This initiative not only serves as an employee perk but also supports employee retention and company performance. Electric vehicles are beneficial for the environment and human health due to their lack of carbon emissions and toxic air pollution. Packsize's founder's initial focus on reducing harmful air pollution led to the installation of a 200 kW solar power system to generate electricity for the chargers. It is crucial to consider the source of electricity when charging EVs to minimize environmental impact, as some chargers may contribute to pollution by using electricity from coal and natural gas power plants.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/19/business-provides-over-50-ev-chargers-onsite-for-employees/

  • Thermochromic bifacial PV glazing system for reducing building cooling loads

    Researchers in Hong Kong have developed a novel thermochromic bifacial photovoltaic glazing system that passively regulates solar heat gain while harvesting energy from both sides. The system integrates hydrogel-based thermochromic layers with bifacial PV modules to reduce cooling loads, indoor temperatures, and energy consumption. The hydrogel transitions from transparent to translucent as temperature rises, reflecting light towards the rear side of the PV glass for enhanced electricity generation. The prototype system optimizes building energy use, reduces costs, and emissions by dynamically modulating solar transmission and capturing reflected energy. The design addresses limitations of previous hybrid solutions by combining PV glazing and hydrogel-based TC technology in a single system for advanced glazing applications. The research on TC‐BiPV glazing shows significant benefits in reducing direct solar heat gain and increasing electricity generation compared to other glazing options. Annual simulations indicate that TC‐BiPV can provide a gain of 9-18% for skylights and 6-14% for vertical windows. The system also reduces indoor heat gain and cooling loads, making it a practical solution for energy-efficient building envelopes in warm climates. The study highlights the scalability and passive nature of the TC‐BiPV approach, emphasizing its potential for climate solutions.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/19/thermochromic-bifacial-pv-glazing-system-for-reducing-building-cooling-loads/

  • Solar-to-X could redefine Iran’s energy future

    Iran has the potential to transition to a fully renewable energy system by 2050, with solar PV playing a key role. A recent study by LUT University shows that such a transition is technically possible and economically attractive. Solar PV could become the backbone of Iran's energy system, driving change across power, heat, transport, industry, and desalination sectors. In the most ambitious scenario, solar PV would dominate the power sector, accounting for 81% of installed capacity and 93% of electricity generation by 2050. Solar PV electricity is becoming the central energy platform in Iran, with direct electrification and heat pumps meeting 80% of heat demand by 2050. In transport, direct electrification is preferred, while Solar-to-X fuels are used for aviation and shipping. The industrial sector in Iran could benefit from transitioning to renewable electricity, hydrogen, and Power-to-X products. Solar PV can support cleaner production in energy-intensive industries and help address water scarcity issues by avoiding water consumption in thermal power plants. System integration of renewable energy can also support defossilisation and water security in the country. The section discusses the importance of storage in Iran's energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy sources like solar PV. By 2050, electricity storage output and capacity are expected to increase significantly. The transition to renewables is not just about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also about creating a cost-effective and efficient energy system. Iran has the opportunity to use its energy strengths to build a sustainable future, including the export of e-fuels and e-materials. The country can follow Norway's example of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to shape its long-term economic model. Research at LUT University focuses on power-to-X technologies, including solar energy, as a key aspect of their work in various sectors such as power, heat, transport, industry, desalination, and carbon dioxide removal. This article highlights the importance of connecting renewable electricity with industrial strategy, export potential, energy security, and water solutions in a single framework for Iran's future energy development.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/18/solar-to-x-could-redefine-irans-energy-future/

  • “Grow your own and buy local”: Networks seek change and flexibility to manage a 100 pct renewable grid

    Andrew Bills, chair of Energy Networks Australia, is advocating for regulatory change and more flexibility for homes and their power assets to support the transition towards 100% renewables in Australia. South Australia is on track to become the first gigawatt-scale grid in the world to reach 100% "net" renewables, with a significant amount of rooftop solar capacity. The networks are looking to become distribution system operators (DSOs) to better integrate renewable energy sources into the grid, incentivizing customers to be flexible with their energy usage. Households are upgrading their systems and trialling home energy management technologies to reduce load, starting with EVs. The focus is on creating a marketplace for participants to bid for response to network constraints, with regulatory and policy changes necessary to support this transition towards a more efficient energy market dominated by clean energy resources.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/grow-your-own-and-buy-local-networks-seek-change-and-flexibility-to-manage-a-100-pct-renewable-grid/

  • Regulators will have to be nimble to deal with home battery boom and bigger solar systems, says Kean

    Australia's energy regulators and market operators are urged to quickly adapt to the rise in battery storage, rooftop solar systems, and the shift towards electrification. The success of home battery installations and the growth of rooftop solar systems demonstrate the community's appetite for new energy solutions. Regulators must prepare for the increasing adoption of home energy storage, EVs, and advanced load shifting technologies to balance demand peaks and ease strain on the grid. Despite challenges like grid bottlenecks and increased prices for infrastructure, with the right regulatory framework and incentives, the transition to green energy is manageable and beneficial for all stakeholders. Integrated and complex planning is emphasized as crucial for a successful and reliable transition to clean energy.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/regulators-will-have-to-be-nimble-to-deal-with-home-battery-boom-and-bigger-solar-systems-says-kean/

  • Iceland’s utility commissions solar-plus-storage for EV charging

    ON Power, a subsidiary of Reykjavík Energy, has deployed a hybrid solar-plus-storage facility in Reykjavík to support electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The project, known as Peaker Plant, combines solar PV, a lithium-ion battery system, and fast chargers to reduce peak demand, improve grid stability, and lower operational costs. The system is testing dynamic control strategies and has shown promising results in aligning solar generation with charging demand, even during winter conditions. ON Power views the project as more than a pilot and believes hybrid energy hubs can play a meaningful role in optimizing grid interaction and operational economics, especially in countries like Iceland with limited solar capacity.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/17/icelands-utility-commissions-solar-plus-storage-for-ev-charging/

  • Marstek launches 2 kWh plug-in battery storage system

    Chinese battery manufacturer Marstek has introduced the Venus B, a 2 kWh plug-in energy storage system specifically designed for small photovoltaic systems. This device allows for the storage of solar power or the utilization of cheap electricity from dynamic pricing tariffs. With a maximum charging power of 1.5 kW, the Venus B can output either 800 W or up to 1.5 kW of power. This storage system is easily installable without the need for modifications to existing plug-in solar systems and is compatible with a variety of photovoltaic systems, offering a promising solution for enhancing renewable energy integration.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/17/marstek-launches-2-kwh-plug-in-battery-storage-system/

  • As Fossil Fuel Costs Rise, Renewable Energy And Storage Shine

    Renewable energy and energy storage are dominating new utility-scale power generation capacity in the US, providing opportunities for energy consumers to buffer against fossil fuel price spikes. New York and New Jersey are leading the way in developing robust renewable energy profiles, with a focus on incentives for homeowners and innovative projects like floating solar power plants. Virtual power plants are being utilized to coordinate demand and supply among small devices, helping utilities avoid costly new gas plant construction. States like Massachusetts are setting ambitious targets for offshore wind projects and new solar and storage capacity by 2035, aiming to achieve significant savings through renewable energy initiatives. Despite uncertainties surrounding factors like natural gas costs and federal energy policy changes, US states are continuing to promote renewable energy transitions with incentives for energy storage, virtual power plants, and new wind and solar projects.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/03/17/as-fossil-fuel-costs-rise-renewable-energy-storage-shine/

  • Australia-backed rooftop solar to power remote Samoan communities

    An Australia-supported project in Samoa, a joint initiative of the Samoan Electric Power Corp. and various ministries, will bring clean energy to 108 households and five community centers through rooftop solar, batteries, and minigrid upgrades. Supported by the Australian government's REnew Pacific initiative, EPC will install solar panels and batteries on homes not connected to the grid, while also providing training on energy use. The project aims to empower villages, strengthen resilience, and provide universal access to clean energy in Samoa, showcasing a sustainable solution for climate action in the region.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/03/16/australia-backed-rooftop-solar-to-power-remote-samoan-communities/

  • SwitchedOn podcast: What regional communities really want from renewables

    Renewable energy projects in regional Australia are prompting the introduction of community benefit guidelines by governments, with mixed results. Kim Mallee from the Community Power Agency stresses the need for community input in shaping these benefits. Drawing on international examples, she advocates for ownership, co-investment, and community-led models to create deeper, longer-term value. The CPA's report, "Power in Partnership," highlights how these approaches could foster genuine partnership in Australia's energy transition.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/switchedon-podcast-what-regional-communities-really-want-from-renewables/