The IEA's World Energy Investment 2026 report reveals that clean energy is outpacing fossil fuels in investment, with solar energy leading the way due to decreased costs. Countries like the Philippines, African nations, and India are rapidly adopting renewable solutions in response to energy crises. However, the money is not reaching the countries that need it most, as coal and gas investments are on the rise. The urgency for an energy transition is evident, as investing in new fossil fuel infrastructure locks in decades of emissions. Governments and individuals have the choice to combat the climate crisis by investing in renewables and stopping the enablement of polluters.
Category: Electricity & Industry
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Shift Production
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$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/
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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/
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Most Efficient Solar Module in the World
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) has achieved a new solar module efficiency record of 34.4 percent in collaboration with AZUR SPACE and temicon, using III-V germanium solar PV modules. This was made possible by utilizing shingled matrix technology to interconnect the solar cells, eliminating the need for traditional solder-coated copper ribbons. The innovative approach of direct cell-to-cell contact and high area utilization contributed to the record efficiency, surpassing their previous record of 34.2 percent. This breakthrough in solar technology offers promising advancements in climate solutions for renewable energy production.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/12/most-efficient-solar-module-in-the-world-new-record/
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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.
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Made from Air: A New Era for Industry
AirPlant One is a new industrial facility that manufactures fuels and materials from air, water, and electricity, marking a shift towards a new manufacturing paradigm called eManufacturing. This approach converts carbon dioxide and water into hydrocarbons using renewable power, extending the promise of Power-to-X technology beyond energy production. The facility produces sustainable aviation fuel and E-Naphtha, showcasing the potential for a fundamentally different industrial architecture where hydrocarbons can be manufactured rather than extracted. This development represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and climate-friendly industrial system. eManufacturing offers a pathway to cleaner fuels, chemicals, and materials, showing that a world made from air is possible and marking the beginning of a transformation in industrial systems for the next century.
https://www.twelve.co/post/made-from-air-a-new-era-for-industry
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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.
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Solar-powered floating shellfish farming tested in French lagoon
A French consortium has launched the SolarinThau project in Thau Lagoon, southern France, which integrates floating solar panels with oyster farming to support the local shellfish industry and tackle energy and environmental issues. The prototype platform will undergo an 18-month trial period from July 2026 to December 2027 to assess its technical, environmental, and economic viability. The project is led by a consortium with funding from the French government and the Occitanie Region, showcasing a promising initiative in sustainable energy solutions.
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Golden moment: Australia’s biggest wind farm becomes first to reach 1 GW of output
Australia's Golden Plains wind farm has made history by exceeding one gigawatt of electricity generation output, becoming the nation's largest wind farm with up to 1.3 gigawatts of capacity. This clean, renewable energy source is not only lowering electricity bills for Australians but also bolstering Victoria's power system. Plans for further expansion and the addition of a large battery storage facility indicate a commitment to sustainable energy solutions and a significant step towards a greener future in Australia.
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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/