China Energy Investment Corp (CHN Energy) has completed construction of the Guohua Rudong solar-hydrogen-storage integrated project in Jiangsu province, which includes a 400 MW coastal PV plant, a 60 MW/120 MWh battery energy storage system, and a green hydrogen production facility. This project, China's largest integrated solar-hydrogen-storage project, is expected to generate 468 GWh of electricity annually and aims to establish an integrated system linking renewable power generation, energy storage, hydrogen production, and downstream hydrogen use. Additionally, the project incorporates coastal ecological restoration measures and is part of China's third batch of large-scale wind and solar power bases.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
-
$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/
-
New Method Turns Ocean Water into Drinking Water, without Waste
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new solar-powered desalination system that efficiently produces fresh water while collecting salts and minerals to prevent environmental damage. By using specially engineered black metal panels to distill water and direct remaining salts to a passive region for later collection, this technology offers a sustainable solution to global water shortages and mineral demand. The system, supported by the Melinda Gates Foundation and Worldwide Universities Network, aims to improve access to drinking water and create more sustainable supply chains for precious minerals like lithium. Led by Luke Auburn, the research team is focused on advancing solar energy technology for climate solutions.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/12/new-method-turns-ocean-water-into-drinking-water-without-waste/
-
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/
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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/
-
Power Summit 2026: AI, security and the road to European electrification
European power industry leaders and policymakers gathered in Helsinki for Eurelectric's Power Summit 2026 to discuss challenges such as AI's impact on the power sector, industrial electrification, and supply and infrastructure security. The power sector is facing unprecedented threats due to a spike in power demand, geopolitical uncertainties, and the need to decarbonize and digitalize. The conversation highlighted the need for better orchestration of electrification technologies in industry and the importance of supply security and geopolitical resilience, with AI being discussed as both a burden and an opportunity for the power industry. Investment in AI is growing and seen as beneficial to revenue by executives, while Nordic energy systems have been successful in decarbonizing electricity production over the past 50 years, leading to optimism for the future of the energy sector.