Researchers in the United States have developed a photonic curing technique using laser sintering to improve the copper metallization of solar cells by reducing oxidation. This process produces dense, low-porosity copper layers with strong adhesion to indium tin oxide, achieving low bulk and contact resistivity. The technique allows for rapid, localized heating of copper pastes on temperature-sensitive substrates without causing thermal stress. The researchers aim to reduce copper consumption and improve the efficiency of solar cells through this innovative method, which is scalable and compatible with high-volume photovoltaic manufacturing. This new technique for solar cell manufacturing using photonic curing of copper inks could provide a pathway to scalable copper metallization for solar cells, as presented in a paper published in physica status solidi (PSS) by a research team including academics from the University of Delaware.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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Plenitude tests perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules in utility-scale installation pilot
Italian renewable energy company Plenitude is partnering with Swift Solar to test their 28% efficiency perovskite-silicon tandem technology in a utility-scale pilot project, aiming to validate its performance and durability. This technology is expected to offer up to 40% more power from the same footprint compared to conventional solar panels, making it valuable for meeting increasing electricity demand. Backed by exclusive IP from MIT, Stanford, and NREL, with over 40 patents and significant funding, the perovskite tandem technology shows promise for advancing renewable energy solutions.
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Australia doesn’t have to choose between energy affordability and emission reductions
IEEFA has found that improving energy affordability in Australia does not have to be incompatible with emissions reduction targets. The country's aging coal fleet and network assets need to be replaced, with renewables backed by storage and transmission being the most cost-effective option. Gas-based generation has become increasingly uncompetitive, with high prices and declining consumption. Contrary to misconceptions, renewables have not been driving electricity prices up, with high gas and coal prices, coal outages, and network costs being the main factors. Faster approval processes and better market regulations are needed to ensure a smooth transition to cleaner energy sources. Reforms to improve competition, allow distributed energy resources to compete, and promote energy efficiency, electrification, and flexible demand are key to lowering household energy bills. Transitioning to modern electric alternatives, such as heaters and hot water systems, along with solar and battery systems, can significantly reduce costs. Industrial energy efficiency and electrification also offer major savings. The key pathways to improve energy affordability are aligned with net zero emissions goals, emphasizing the need for accelerated deployment of renewables, energy efficiency, and electrification. The narrative that lowering bills and cutting emissions are mutually exclusive is false.
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Community-based energy trading system for home solar-plus-storage
A cloud-based system developed by Washington State University allows for local energy trading and sharing within neighborhoods, resulting in potential cost savings of up to 12% over a five-day test period. The system, tested in collaboration with a local utility network, highlights the importance of coordinated operation at the distribution level in the changing electricity industry landscape. Published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, the research paper presents a community-based transactive coordination mechanism for enabling grid-edge systems, with the ability to reduce energy costs by up to 12% in communities with solar and battery energy storage systems.
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Longi achieves 33.35% efficiency for flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
Chinese PV module manufacturer Longi has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 33.35% for a 1 cm2 flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, certified by the US Department of Energy's NREL. The tandem device utilized a dual-buffer layer strategy to enhance interfacial adhesion and charge extraction, with the top cell incorporating layers such as a perovskite absorber and a self-assembled monolayer hole transport layer. Testing showed the cell design's durability, retaining over 97% of its initial efficiency after bending and thermal cycling tests. These findings were detailed in a study published in Nature, showcasing advancements in flexible solar cell technology.
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Big batteries hit world-leading 40 pct share of evening demand in stunning new record for South Australia
South Australia's big battery fleet achieved a world-leading 40% share of instantaneous demand during the evening peak, delivering a record 611 MW, surpassing California's recent peak. The state leads in wind and solar energy, aiming for 100% net renewables by 2027. The batteries provide grid stability, allow for time shifting of excess renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The addition of a new transmission link to NSW will further support the state's transition to cleaner energy sources, with synchronous condensers and large batteries ensuring grid stability and steady power feeds for industrial operations. The increasing share of battery discharge and integration of large scale solar-battery hybrids are key steps towards a more renewable energy future.
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Electric School Buses & V2G — Match Made in Heaven
The article highlights the advantages of utilizing electric school buses as a V2G fleet, showcasing real-world outcomes from V2G programs and addressing the financial viability challenges post federal tax credits. It also delves into the importance of EV fleet energy management. Readers are encouraged to further explore the topic through a podcast or video, and to participate in the ongoing discussion in the comments section.
https://cleantechnica.com/2025/11/25/electric-school-buses-v2g-match-made-in-heaven/
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New transmission towers are crucial for renewables – but contentious. Here’s where they should go
Solar and wind provide 99% of new generating capacity in Australia, with renewables supplying over 40% of power to the main grid. Australia will need six times as much solar and wind to reach net zero through electrification. Building new transmission corridors is necessary, but existing lines are not sufficient. The grid operator plans to build 10,000 km of new transmission lines, with a focus on high-voltage direct current lines to unlock renewable resources. Optimizing new transmission corridors is crucial for Australia's future grid. A study has identified potential high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission line corridors in Australia to connect renewable resources in northern regions to population centers in the southeast. These corridors could significantly reduce wholesale electricity costs by 8-18%. Energy storage schemes like Snowy 2.0 could also help cover seasonal gaps locally. Community buy-in is crucial for such projects, and the benefits of unlocking renewables can be quantified for each local government area. Policymakers should prioritize building these transmission corridors to meet new demand and consider pairing them with pumped-hydro schemes. The article discusses the importance of energy storage in balancing variable renewable generation and maximizing the use of transmission lines. Cheng Cheng, a Senior Research Officer at the Australian National University, highlights the role of energy storage in the transition to a more sustainable energy system. This technology helps to ensure a reliable and stable energy supply while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Energy storage is a key component in achieving climate solutions and increasing the efficiency of renewable energy integration.
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Wind-PV-powered heat pump for low-energy residential buildings
Researchers from China have developed an optimized energy management strategy for a hybrid wind-PV heat pump system with thermal and electric energy storage. The study found that adopting seasonal interaction management strategies improved power-to-load interaction and enabled zero-energy performance. The optimal system configuration includes PV modules, wind turbines, batteries, and heat pumps. The research showed significant improvements in system performance and cost savings with the implementation of the optimized energy management strategy, resulting in a reduction in system integration factor, levelized cost of electricity, and carbon emissions, while increasing self-consumption ratio.
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COP30 and the Just Clean Energy Transition
The COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil highlighted efforts to implement the Paris Agreement by transitioning from coal to clean energy in developing countries. The Kinetic Coalition, led by C2ES, is driving investment in clean energy systems in emerging economies through energy transition credits, with a focus on affordable, reliable, and secure electricity to meet Paris Agreement goals. The Final Report of the Transition Credits Coalition (TRACTION), led by MAS, aims to establish integrity and demand for energy transition credits, emphasizing a just transition for coal plant workers and communities. The partnership with The Rockefeller Foundation and the signing of a Statement of Support for Energy Transition Credits by various sectors demonstrate a commitment to advancing energy prosperity and accelerating the clean energy transition.
https://www.c2es.org/2025/11/cop30-and-the-just-clean-energy-transition/