Researchers are continuing to develop cylindrical solar cells for building applications, citing their enhanced cooling capability and advantages in reducing temperature-related efficiency losses. A study published in IEEE Access highlighted the ability of cylindrical panels to improve PV performance and reduce power losses compared to flat modules. The researchers developed a regression-based model to predict daily power output and evaluated optimal configurations for wall-mounted and rooftop applications. Future work will focus on durability assessments, deployment studies, and system-level optimization to reduce the cost of electricity in urban solar applications. Additional studies are needed to incorporate real installation conditions, long-term monitoring, weather variability, and advanced thermal modeling.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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The geopolitics of solar manufacturing and how India can build a China-alternative supply chain
AXITEC Energy India is a solar panel manufacturer committed to contributing to India's renewable energy goals by offering high-quality solar panels with efficient energy production capabilities. Emphasizing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions through the use of solar energy, the company aims to provide reliable and cost-effective solutions for clean energy production in India. By focusing on expanding wafer and ingot manufacturing, investing in polysilicon production, and adopting high-efficiency technologies, India has the potential to emerge as a significant alternative manufacturing hub for clean energy products, reshaping global clean-energy supply chains and influencing the geopolitics of the low-carbon economy. Strategic partnerships with other countries and technology providers will be essential for accelerating technology transfer and research collaboration in building a fully integrated solar manufacturing ecosystem.
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JinkoSolar targets retail power bills with Sunny 365 solar-storage platform
JinkoSolar has introduced "Sunny 365," a solar-plus-storage solution aimed at commercial and industrial customers to lower electricity expenses and control peak demand. This innovative platform integrates photovoltaic modules with liquid-cooled storage systems connected by an AI-driven dispatch system, addressing key challenges in the C&I market. Offering comprehensive project design, installation, and post-sales assistance, the system has already proven its effectiveness at a retail chain in Thailand for self-consumption and load management.
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Solar and storage account for 91% of new U.S. grid capacity in Q1
In the first half of 2026, the U.S. solar and energy storage sectors reached significant milestones, with solar and energy storage accounting for 91% of new electricity generation capacity added to the grid in the first quarter. Solar generation surpassed coal generation in May 2026, meeting 13% of total American electricity needs. California and Texas experienced record-breaking performance in battery storage and solar generation, with Texas emerging as the fastest-growing utility-scale solar market in the country. Regional transmission organizations nationwide set new solar generation records, underscoring the crucial role of renewable assets in ensuring grid reliability.
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Even Under Extreme Warming, ASEAN’s Wind & Solar Generation Variation From Normal Will Be Less Than 1% In 2030
A report by Ember emphasizes the importance of expanding renewable energy and strengthening grids in Southeast Asia to enhance power system resilience. Examples from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam showcase the benefits of distributed renewables in offsetting fossil fuel capacity, improving disaster recovery, and reducing costs related to solar curtailment. The report underscores the need for renewable energy and grid upgrades to be central to policymaking in the region, while also highlighting the significance of investments in renewables, storage, and grid interconnection for building power systems that can withstand climate risks and disruptions. Practical guidance is provided for ASEAN governments to protect energy security and promote a more resilient clean energy future.
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The clean energy technologies helping us beat the heat
Electric vehicles equipped with bidirectional charging technology can provide back-up power during outages, powering essential appliances or serving as generators for schools and emergency shelters. When connected to a grid with abundant clean electricity, EVs, along with solar, wind, batteries, and heat pumps, can help establish a more flexible and efficient energy system. This system allows for charging vehicles when electricity is plentiful, storing it for later use, and reducing energy consumption for heating and cooling. Overall, these technologies are not competing but working together to create progress towards a cleaner and more resilient energy system.
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CIS shows how energy policy can deliver for First Nations. ESEM can build on this progress
The Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) in Australia has shown that government market design can influence investment behavior in renewable energy projects, incentivizing developers to engage with First Nations communities. The Electricity Services Entry Mechanism (ESEM) aims to provide investment certainty for services needed in the transition to renewable energy, with a focus on separating non-financial outcomes, such as First Nations participation, from the competitive auction process. It is crucial for the ESEM to align with Australia's First Nations Clean Energy Strategy to ensure early engagement, genuine partnership, and respect for the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent, recognizing First Nations as partners, participants, and rights holders in the clean energy transition. Policy choices made now will impact how benefits of the clean energy transition are shared in the future.
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Octopus Energy launches 100 controllable homes in bid to achieve zero average electricity costs over a decade
Octopus Energy has launched the "Zero Bills Homes" project in France, aiming to construct around 100 homes in Guichen-Pont-Réan that achieve zero net electricity costs within 10 years. The initiative utilizes rooftop solar generation, smart energy management, and residential storage to maximize self-consumption and reduce reliance on the grid. By combining photovoltaic panels, heat pumps, and home batteries, Octopus Energy plans to expand this model in France and reach 15,000 "Zero Bills" homes by 2030 through partnerships with real estate developers and local authorities.
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Harrisonburg, VA: The Friendly City is also becoming the Sustainable City
Harrisonburg, Virginia is making significant progress towards a cleaner and greener city through a variety of environmental initiatives and programs. The city's Public Works department is focused on stormwater management, urban forestry, and transportation planning to meet environmental goals by 2040, while the Public School system is involved in sustainability efforts like Bike, Walk and Roll to School Day, electric school buses, and solar panels. The Environmental Action Plan includes adding solar power to buildings, participating in Virginia C-PACE, and promoting initiatives like the Friendly City Solar Program and electric vehicles. City staff, residents, and organizations are working together to implement these efforts, emphasizing the importance of community support and persistence in achieving a more sustainable and affordable city for all.
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Last of 1,038 Wärtsilä Quantum units installed at big battery next to gas plant in coal country
EnergyAustralia is leading the construction of a 350 MW, 1,400 MWh big battery in Victoria's Latrobe Valley to replace the Yallourn coal power plant. With all 1,000+ Wärtsilä battery units now in place, this project represents a major investment and a significant step in transitioning from coal to clean energy in the region. Set to be completed in 2027, the battery will play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid as the energy landscape evolves, showcasing a promising climate solution for the future.