Luminous Robotics and other companies are utilizing remote-controlled robots to install solar panels at various projects in Australia, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity in the renewable energy sector. ARENA is working towards reducing the cost of large scale solar to below $20/MWh and improving cell efficiency by 30% by 2030, advancing clean energy solutions. The use of robotics in solar farm construction is seen as a solution to address the scarcity of human labor and reduce costs, with companies like Trinasolar and Leapting also exploring this technology.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Tesla Energy boss on energy abundance, EVs, V2G and big and small batteries
Tesla Energy's Asia Pacific boss Josef Tadich emphasizes the abundance of solar energy, the significance of batteries in different sizes, the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, and the introduction of vehicle-to-grid technology (V2G). The interview underscores the crucial role of renewable energy solutions in the energy sector and the potential for advancements in sustainable transportation.
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Avangrid completes construction of Tower Solar project in Oregon
Avangrid's Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon, with a generation capacity of 166MW, has been completed and connected to the local power grid. The project, using over 250,000 solar panels from SEG Solar in Texas, will supply renewable energy to Portland General Electric and support QTS data center operations. Construction of Tower Solar created around 200 jobs for regional union workers and is expected to contribute $20m in tax payments. This project aligns with efforts to strengthen the domestic energy supply chain and support the growth of renewable energy installations in the region, showcasing the potential for job creation and economic benefits in the transition to clean energy.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/avangrid-completes-tower-solar/
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EDF and Masdar sign 15-year PPAs for BigBeau output
The BigBeau Solar+Storage Project in Kern County, California, US, began operating in December 2022, with EDF power solutions North America and Masdar signing 15-year power purchase agreements for the 128MW solar installation and 40MW/160MWh battery energy storage system. This project, supplying power to Southern California Edison, can power up to 64,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 315,000t annually. Part of a larger collaboration between EDF and Masdar, this initiative aims to develop renewable energy sites in the US with a total capacity of 1.1GW, contributing significantly to climate solutions and the transition to clean energy.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/edf-masdar-sign-15-year-ppas-bigbeau-output/
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View article, Scientists achieve 27% efficiency in a co-deposited inverted perovskite, Scientists in China have developed a new technique to prevent self-assembled molecules from clumping together and degrading co-deposited inverted perovskite cells. The approach enabled the highest certified power conversion efficiency reported for the architecture.
Researchers from China have developed a novel approach to improve the performance of co-deposited inverted perovskite solar cells by addressing the issue of self-aggregation of self-assembled molecules (SAMs). They designed an asymmetric SAM, PhBr-4PACz, to suppress aggregation and promote SAM accumulation at the bottom interface, enhancing adhesion and coverage. Additionally, they introduced a grain-boundary crosslinking additive, AVIMCl, to improve device stability by suppressing SAM diffusion. The research resulted in a certified power conversion efficiency of 27.03% in co-deposited inverted devices, the highest reported for this architecture to date. The approach also demonstrated versatility by achieving high efficiencies on different substrates and device architectures. Chen and his team are working on a co-deposition strategy to improve the efficiency of solar modules by suppressing SAM diffusion and optimizing crosslinking, with plans to scale this strategy to large-area modules and adapt it to industrial coating techniques. Collaboration with scientists from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and Shandong Normal University contributed to the study, aiming to increase open-circuit voltage and reduce recombination losses through further optimization of the SAM and crosslinker.
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A Giant Solar Power Plant In Texas Is Getting A New Neighbor
Texas, particularly Swisher County, is leading the way in renewable energy with the expansion of solar power plants to offset the negative impact of federal energy policy shifts on the wind industry. The upcoming 201-megawatt Nazareth array in Swisher County will further contribute to its success in renewable energy. Organizations like Texas Solar Shepherds are promoting solar grazing with sheep to reduce maintenance costs and support local economies, while also optimizing racking systems for cattle grazing in solar fields. The article highlights the opportunity to combine clean power with food systems through solar power plants, such as the Hornet solar power plant, as a solution to farmland loss due to rural development.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/02/texas-solar-power-vesper-energy-sustainable/
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What is the value of energy efficiency and flexible demand? A new tool will help us find out
The article emphasizes the importance of balancing supply-side infrastructure with demand-side resources to create a more cost-effective and sustainable energy system in Australia. It suggests investing in energy-efficient appliances and consumer energy resources to reduce the need for large-scale power stations and transmission networks. A new framework called FlexCost has been developed to quantify the costs of implementing assets like home batteries and EV chargers, providing decision-makers with a stronger evidence base for demand-side options. By considering both how electricity is generated and how it is used, the goal is to create a more affordable and efficient energy system that responds to local needs and is gradually deployed.
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Tandem PV announces 30.4% efficient perovskite/silicon demonstration module
Tandem PV has achieved a record-breaking conversion efficiency of 30.4% with their perovskite glass tandem configuration module, surpassing the 30% efficiency barrier and showing promising durability with a 1% degradation rate per year. The company, with former U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on board, aims to quickly scale production modules that could achieve 28% efficiency. Their design allows for integration with various cell technologies, ensuring continued improvement in the future and providing more affordable and reliable clean energy solutions for America.
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Trina Solar announces 907 W tandem solar module with 29.2% efficiency
Trina Solar has successfully developed a high-efficiency tandem solar module with a record-breaking conversion efficiency of 29.2%, utilizing n-type TOPCon crystalline silicon and perovskite cells. This module, designed for mass production, aims to absorb a wider solar spectrum and has passed reliability testing. The company plans to ramp up production by 2026, showcasing their world-leading performance in efficiency and power output with their tandem solar cell technology.
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Philadelphia clean energy campaign turned millions invested into billions saved. Here’s how.
The Philadelphia Energy Campaign has successfully created over 11,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in economic investment since 2016, while also generating $1.4 billion in energy savings for the city and its residents. Programs like Built to Last and Solarize Greater Philadelphia have provided low-income homeowners with access to housing-repair and solar installation programs. Funding mechanisms such as Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and the Philadelphia Green Capital Corp have supported energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, blending public and private financing. Despite the loss of federal funding, the campaign remains resilient and focused on advancing climate solutions through collaboration and political support.
https://www.utilitydive.com/news/philadelphia-energy-campaign-economic-impact-report/821584/