Climate Change Solutions Update

Category: Buildings & Electricity

Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources

  • $7,000 for Rooftop Solar Permitting!? Time to Automate It

    Lawmakers in New York are pushing for automated permitting of rooftop solar power systems through SolarAPP+, a platform developed by the US government and the solar industry. This app-based system aims to streamline the permitting process, saving money and supporting the solar industry. The New York legislation would require municipalities with over 5,000 residents to implement automated solar permitting by June 30, 2027. The barriers to residential solar adoption in the US, such as slow and complex permitting processes, can add significant costs to installations. Kingston, New York, is highlighted as a leader in embracing automated permitting for residential solar, with the hope that other states will follow suit to continue growing SolarAPP+ adoption.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/7000-for-rooftop-solar-permitting-time-to-automate-it/

  • World Record Set For Silicon Solar Module With Perovskite

    Persistent innovation in the global solar industry has led to new efficiency records being set for solar modules made with triple III-V germanium cells and tandem perovskite-silicon cells. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany reported a record 34.2% conversion efficiency for a module made of triple III-V germanium cells, achieved through a new technique connecting cells directly to each other. Chinese firm Trinasolar also set a world record with a 29.2% conversion efficiency for its tandem perovskite-silicon solar module. California-based Tandem PV is making strides in the field as well, with their perovskite-silicon solar panels reaching 29.7% efficiency. The market is demanding higher performance and domestic capability in solar energy solutions, with companies like Tandem launching demonstration factories to produce high-power density, durable, and cost-effective solar panels.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/world-record-solar-efficiency-perovsite-silicon-trinasolar/

  • SNEC 2026 wrap-up: Storage, AI and back-contact are reshaping solar

    SNEC 2026 showcased a shift in the solar industry towards a broader system conversation, focusing on storage, dispatchability, and grid stability, with solar-plus-storage systems taking center stage. The emergence of bifacial solar cell technology and artificial intelligence integration are driving the industry towards application-specific designs and higher-value frontiers. Despite challenges, the industry is evolving towards becoming a systems industry integrated with storage and software, with future competition focusing on efficiency, cost, dispatchability, system integration, service capability, and lifecycle performance. Solar is transitioning from a manufacturing industry to a systems industry, making it more complex and interesting to follow.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/12/snec-2026-wrap-storage-ai-and-back-contact-are-reshaping-solar/

  • Fraunhofer ISE achieves 34.4 efficiency for III-V germanium solar module

    Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has set a new record for power conversion efficiency of its III-V germanium solar module, increasing it from 34.2% to 34.4% using "shingle-matrix" technology and space-grade solar cells. This achievement was made possible by adapting triple-junction solar cell technology to the terrestrial solar spectrum and utilizing anti-reflective front glass structures supplied by Temicon. The key factor in this breakthrough was the use of shingle-matrix technology for interconnecting the solar cells, eliminating solder-coated copper ribbons, reducing shading, and increasing active area utilization. In addition, in July 2025, Fraunhofer ISE achieved 40% efficiency for an indoor III-V solar cell based on an indium gallium phosphide absorber, showcasing their commitment to advancing solar energy technology for a more sustainable future.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/12/fraunhofer-ise-erreicht-344-prozent-wirkungsgrad-fur-modul-mit-schindel-matrix-technologie-und-weltraum-solarzellen/

  • 1M+ customers have connected solar to PG&E’s grid

    PG&E, the largest utility in the U.S. in terms of solar interconnections, has focused on modernizing the grid for safe and reliable two-way power flows, with a recent emphasis on virtual power plant deployment. Their investments in grid automation, advanced forecasting, streamlined interconnection, and the integration of solar paired with battery storage have positioned California as the top state for residential solar and overall solar capacity. Customers in California have access to rebates and credit rates for solar generation, with solar plus storage systems offering backup power during public safety power shutoffs. This has led to increased interest in solar and resiliency options in the state.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/a-million-customers-have-connected-solar-to-pges-grid/822676/

  • Turkey, Australia to push for global electrification goal at UN climate summit

    Turkey, as the host of COP31, is pushing for a collective target to electrify 35% of global energy use by 2035 in order to shield families and businesses from volatile energy markets, exacerbated by rising fossil fuel costs due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The electrification of daily life, including transport, buildings, and industry, is a central theme of the conference, with Turkey seeking to rally a global coalition to back this objective during their COP31 presidency.

    https://www.eenews.net/articles/turkey-australia-to-push-for-global-electrification-goal-at-un-climate-summit/

  • Foam-based floating PV system for cold climates

    Researchers from Western University in Canada conducted an experiment on a foam-backed floating PV system in a cold climate using an air-bubbler system to prevent ice formation. They found that the system generated more energy annually compared to other PV models and was economically viable in freezing winters, with a positive net present value and a discounted payback period of 4.2 years. The system also showed potential for water conservation and supporting agricultural water needs. The experiment involved measuring various parameters and comparing them to leading PV temperature models, leading the researchers to conclude that the foam-based FPV system was successful in generating energy and addressing climate challenges in cold climates, supporting the use of floating photovoltaic systems for sustainable energy expansion.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/10/foam-based-floating-pv-system-for-cold-climates/

  • Sonoma Clean Power aims for 1,000 no-cost smart thermostats amid VPP push

    Sonoma Clean Power is launching a project to install smart thermostats for up to 1,000 income-qualified customers at no upfront cost, funded by a $4.99 million grant from the California Energy Commission. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand a multi-resource virtual power plant and increase participation in automated demand response programs among lower-income customers. SCP is also partnering with community organizations for multilingual outreach to help low-income customers reduce energy bills. The utility company's Virtual Power Plant aims to strengthen customer relationships, improve grid efficiency, and potentially reduce wholesale power costs by getting people more interactive with the grid.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/sonoma-clean-power-aims-for-1000-no-cost-smart-thermostats-amid-vpp-push/822515/

  • Largest Solar Cell Factory In USA Starts Production in Georgia

    Qcells has opened a new solar cell manufacturing facility in Cartersville, Georgia, adding 3.3 GW of ingot, wafer, cell, and 3.5 GW of module capacity, making it the first U.S. factory to produce all major parts of a solar PV module under one roof. The company will benefit from tax credits and subsidies from the Biden administration, creating thousands of skilled manufacturing jobs and meeting the growing demand for domestically produced solar equipment. The thriving solar power industry in the United States, with Qcells expected to create nearly 4,000 direct jobs, can now power around 80 million homes. CleanTechnica provides in-depth analyses and summaries on clean energy topics, offering tips, advertising, and guest suggestions for those interested in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/09/largest-solar-cell-factory-in-usa-starts-production-in-georgia/

  • Australia endorses ambitious new global electrification target to hasten exit from fossil fuels

    Australia's energy and climate minister, Chris Bowen, has endorsed a new global electrification target of 35% by 2035 to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and meet climate goals. The initiative, announced at the UN's interim climate talks in Bonn, aims to increase the share of final energy demand met by electricity from 20% to 35% by 2035, based on analysis from the IEA and IRENA to support the Paris Agreement and limit warming to 1.5°C. The COP31 Presidency, led by Türkiye's minister Murat Kurum, will work with countries to facilitate access to technical assistance and financial support to achieve the electrification goal, which was welcomed for its potential to lower energy costs, increase energy security, and reduce emissions. Other initiatives from COP28 and COP29 include tripling renewable energy capacity, expanding energy storage, modernizing electricity grids, mobilizing $300 billion annually by 2035 for action in the developing world, halving global waste growth, and increasing energy efficiency in buildings by at least 25% by 2035.

    https://reneweconomy.com.au/australia-endorses-ambitious-new-global-electrification-target-to-hasten-exit-from-fossil-fuels/