A Czech research team has developed an IoT system for actively cooling PV panels, resulting in a 7.38% increase in daily energy yield and a positive net energy balance. The system utilizes a distributed architecture with edge, fog, and cloud layers, enabling autonomous operation and real-time decision-making. The study, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, confirmed the system's effectiveness in improving energy efficiency and establishing a scalable foundation for future integration of AI-based control strategies. Scientists from the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice and the Czech Academy of Sciences were involved in the research.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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Wired for Security: The EU’s Post-2030 Climate Architecture
The EU's 2040 climate target focuses on electrification powered by domestically generated renewable energy to reduce energy insecurity and dependence on imported fossil fuels. The post-2030 framework should prioritize clean electrification, with legislation like the Renewable Energy Directive and Energy Efficiency Directive playing key roles. The emphasis is on resilience and reducing exposure to global fossil fuel markets and geopolitical crises. Additionally, the EU Climate Law should be amended to include a legal obligation covering non-CO2 aviation effects to ensure sector-specific accountability and clear linkage to the 2040 trajectory. Carbon markets should complement national climate action, with revenues funding clean mobility and building renovation.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/09/wired-for-security-the-eus-post-2030-climate-architecture/
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Sodium-ion battery study claims zero thermal runaway breakthrough
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences have developed a polymerizable non-flammable electrolyte for sodium-ion batteries, achieving "zero thermal runaway" and eliminating fire and explosion risks. This breakthrough in battery safety could accelerate the commercial use of sodium-ion technology, potentially revolutionizing the field of battery technology. The new electrolyte provides active thermal blocking, making it a game-changer in the quest for safer and more efficient energy storage solutions.
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Made in the shade: How electric vehicles could be the perfect partner to rooftop solar in tropical cities
New research suggests that electric vehicles (EVs) could help manage distributed solar generation in tropical cities prone to thunderstorms by using parked EVs to store solar energy and act as temporary grid capacity during cloudy periods. This approach could mitigate the need for costly infrastructure upgrades to handle fluctuations in electricity generation caused by tropical thunderstorms, allowing for more efficient use of the existing grid and integration of more solar photovoltaics without the need for additional transmission line capacity. The research focuses on a decentralized electric vehicle charging strategy in Singapore that aligns with urban mobility patterns, showing potential for large-scale photovoltaic integration in tropical cities through decentralized EV charging even in car-light environments.
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100% Of Copenhagen’s City Buses Are Now Electric
Copenhagen has successfully transitioned all city buses to electric, showcasing the benefits of cleaner public transportation. Electric fleet vehicles are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and contribute to a healthier environment by reducing air pollution. Denmark is working towards a fossil fuel-free electricity system by 2030. Despite challenges like the pandemic and opposition from conservative politicians and the fossil fuel industry, the electrification of transportation has continued to expand. CleanTechnica provides detailed analyses and summaries on clean tech topics, offering valuable insights for climate solutions experts.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/03/100-of-copenhagens-city-buses-are-now-electric/
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Balcony Solar Is Here, And It’s Not Just For Balconies
Lawmakers in states like Utah, Virginia, and Maine are introducing legislation to promote the use of balcony solar panels, which plug into household outlets and reduce electricity usage from the grid. The movement has faced hurdles in the US due to utility and landlord restrictions, safety concerns, and aging housing stock, but efforts are being made to address these issues. In Maine, where electricity rates have increased by 68% over the past five years, the potential benefits of balcony solar systems are being highlighted. Non-profit organization Bright Saver is advocating for balcony solar in the US, with kits already available in California, and supermarket chain Lidl is planning to carry plug-in solar panels at its UK stores. The Biden-era federal tax credits for household renewable energy improvements are seen as a helpful incentive for investing in solar energy. Companies are establishing a presence in solar-friendly states on the East Coast, using balcony solar kits to generate clean electricity and reduce monthly utility bills.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/04/03/balcony-solar-is-here-and-its-not-just-for-balconies/
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‘Motherhood further shaped my leadership perspective’
Margarita Licht, Product Manager at Goldbeck Solar, emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives and cognitive styles in the solar and energy storage sector for smarter solutions and effective problem-solving. Energy storage within the solar sector requires multi-disciplinary thinking to address complex challenges like grid balancing and battery optimization. Inclusion and diversity in teams lead to better outcomes, as different backgrounds bring unique approaches to problem-solving. Licht's leadership perspective, shaped by motherhood, highlights the need for diversity in cognitive styles to enhance decision-making processes and drive meaningful impact in the industry. She focuses on creating inclusive environments that value individual strengths and enable different perspectives to contribute to valuable solutions. The article also discusses the importance of aligning technical and commercial decisions at all levels to deliver sustainable infrastructure and reliable energy solutions, with a focus on the participation of women industry leaders and experts at Women in Solar+ Europe, including Margarita Licht.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/03/motherhood-further-shaped-my-leadership-perspective/
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Rooftop solar now accounts for one-fifth of Puerto Rico’s generation capacity
Rooftop solar installations in Puerto Rico have surpassed natural gas to become the second-largest power generation source in the territory, accounting for 20% of all capacity. Distributed solar has outpaced all other energy sources in Puerto Rico over the past decade, with 81% of new generating capacity added between 2016 and 2025 coming from rooftop systems. The growth in solar capacity has not displaced other generation sources like petroleum, natural gas, and coal. Additionally, the adoption of distributed energy storage, including battery systems, has grown rapidly in response to grid resilience challenges, with more than 171,000 households and businesses installing battery systems by the end of 2025. The new CEO of LUMA, Janisse Quiñones, is focused on improving grid reliability in Puerto Rico, with industry group SESA optimistic about increased collaboration under Quiñones' leadership and working towards advancing policies that support rooftop solar and battery storage as key components of Puerto Rico's energy future.
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California approved a gas pipeline solution. Now comes the hard part.
California utilities are facing challenges in transitioning away from fossil fuels, with Senate Bill 1221 proposing the creation of "decarbonization zones" to retire gas pipelines and promote electric appliances. Despite potential exclusions based on certain criteria, the bill aims to realign incentives to prioritize climate goals over profit. The success of SB 1221 hinges on regulators using their authority to focus on pollution burden, vulnerability, and transparency in project data, ensuring that climate action aligns with lower bills and prudent spending of ratepayer dollars. This bill represents a step towards meeting climate goals and controlling costs associated with gas pipeline replacements, with a specific focus on low-income communities.
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Analysis: How ‘plug-in solar’ can save UK homes £1,100 on energy bills
Plug-in solar panels have the potential to save households money on electricity bills, with a payback period of around 5 years and potential lifetime savings of £1,100. The UK government's clean-energy measures include the introduction of plug-in solar panels, which can be easily installed on balconies and in gardens. If 3 million households adopt plug-in solar, it could generate 1.2 terawatt hours of energy, saving households over £330 million and reducing imported LNG. This technology not only benefits homeowners but also allows renters to participate in the clean energy transition and benefit from clean energy in their homes.
https://www.carbonbrief.org/analysis-how-plug-in-solar-can-save-uk-homes-1100-on-energy-bills/