Researchers from UNSW and DAS Solar have developed a zero-busbar metal grid optimization approach for tunnel oxide passivated back-contact (TBC) silicon solar cells, reducing silver consumption by 3-4 mg/W. The first TBC cells produced using this technique have achieved efficiencies exceeding 27%. The ZBB design cuts silver paste consumption significantly, supporting large-scale industrialization of TBC solar cells. DAS Solar has begun mass production of ZBB TBC cells with silver consumption of approximately 6 mg/W and peak conversion efficiency exceeding 27%. The cell design includes textured front surface with passivation layers and relies on p-type and n-type polycrystalline silicon at the rear side. The article also discusses the benefits of larger busbar segmentation and efficient current routing in improving solar cell efficiency, comparing ZBB cells with pad-based cells. The study found that ZBB cells offer at least a 0.1% efficiency gain over pad-based cells, with potential for further improvement with reduced silver paste consumption. DAS Solar introduced a circuit-model-based method to detect hot-spot risks in TOPCon back-contact modules, addressing limitations of existing approaches.
Category: Industry, Materials & Waste
Cut Emissions:
– Improve Materials
– Improve Processes
– Cut Fugitive Emissions
– Use Waste as a Resource
– Shift Energy Sources
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Top-Quality Solar Panel Recycling — Scaling Up The Industry
Suvi Sharma, CEO of SOLARCYCLE, is spearheading efforts to revolutionize the recycling of solar panels, with the development of advanced recycling systems and factories to meet the anticipated surge in demand. This initiative is essential for the long-term sustainability of the solar industry, ensuring that the environmental impact of solar panel disposal is minimized. By leading the charge in green and effective recycling practices, SOLARCYCLE is paving the way for a more sustainable future in the renewable energy sector.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/25/top-quality-solar-panel-recycling-scaling-up-the-industry/
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REPORT: U.S. Adds 10 GWh of New Energy Storage Capacity in 1st Quarter, Best Q1 on Record
The U.S. energy storage industry experienced a record first quarter in 2026, installing 9.7 GWh of new capacity and seeing a 32% increase year-over-year. By 2030, over 610 GWh of energy storage is expected to be installed, driven by the attractiveness of solar and storage due to their insulation from fuel price swings and increasing domestic production. Data centers, tech companies, and states like Texas, Arizona, and California are leading the surge in energy storage deployment, although federal permitting delays could pose a challenge. Additionally, in 2021, 515 MWh of residential storage was installed alongside C&I storage, with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) advocating for clean energy policies and job creation in the solar industry. SEIA, founded in 1974, collaborates with over 1,200 member companies to promote competition and growth in the solar and solar + storage industries.
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US Solar & Storage Manufacturers Flood DC To Highlight Global Leadership & Jobs
The US solar power and storage industry has experienced significant growth, with 280,000 and 80,000 people employed in each sector respectively. Recent investments in American-made solar and storage technologies, totaling $43.1 billion across more than 40 states, have strengthened the country's energy security and economy. These investments are crucial for delivering affordable and dependable energy, supporting American jobs, manufacturing, and long-term energy security. With a focus on strong domestic supply chains and the ability to build energy infrastructure at scale, solar and storage technologies are key to delivering reliable, low-cost power as electricity demand accelerates. Stable policy, predictable permitting, and continued support for domestic manufacturing are essential for maintaining America's energy leadership in the global market.
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Europe creates map to locate available capacity in power grids
Capacitypedia is a new pan-European digital platform launched by ENTSO-E and the DSO Entity to improve transparency and access to information on the hosting capacity of European electricity grids. It aggregates data from transmission and distribution system operators across Europe, aiming to help developers, utilities, investors, and industrial users locate and compare capacity availability. The platform focuses on improving visibility of grid capacity for renewable energy projects, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Capacitypedia includes an interactive map showing countries providing public information on grid capacity and promotes a standardized interpretation of hosting capacity across Europe.
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200 White Hot Toaster Ovens Are Storing Wind Power
Antora Energy, a California-based startup, has developed a high-efficiency thermal energy grid storage system using specialized carbon blocks to store excess wind energy. Collaborating with biofuel firm POET, they aim to address wind power curtailment issues by providing a reliable, on-demand source of zero-carbon heat and power. Antora's thermal batteries offer a decarbonization solution that displaces fossil fuel use, with the system at Big Stone expected to be fully operational by October. By converting intermittent renewable electricity into a reliable source of energy, Antora Energy is contributing to the economic value and growth potential of wind power, despite challenges in the current political climate.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/22/wind-power-energy-storage-carbon-blocks-ethanol/
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Press Release: Fashion brands urge governments to fix the economics of resale and repair
Nearly 70 fashion and textile organizations, including big names like H&M Group and Zalando, are urging governments in the EU, US, and Canada to implement policy changes to incentivize circular fashion business models. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation report shows that targeted changes could significantly increase profit margins for resale and repair, with the goal of making circular fashion more economically viable and accessible to consumers. The statement calls for reduced VAT, lower labor taxes, and Extended Producer Responsibility to fund infrastructure for collecting and sorting clothing at scale. The foundation aims to accelerate the transition to a circular economy by 2030 in the areas of fashion and textiles, critical minerals, and plastics and packaging, ultimately reducing the environmental impact of the fashion industry.
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UN General Assembly backs “climate obligations” set by world’s top court
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution urging countries to comply with their climate obligations based on an advisory opinion from the ICJ, which deemed harming the climate through increased fossil fuel production as an "international wrongful act". The resolution calls for measures to cut carbon emissions, triple renewable energy capacity, transition away from fossil fuels, and phase out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The General Assembly rejected attempts to weaken the resolution and requested the UN Secretary-General to draft a report on advancing compliance with the ICJ's findings by September 2027. This resolution is seen as a crucial step in addressing climate change through international law, raising pressure on states to uphold their obligations and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels to protect vulnerable communities and advance climate justice.
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Antora, POET commission 5GWh thermal battery system
Antora Energy and POET have collaborated on a 5GW-hour thermal energy storage system at POET's bioprocessing facility in South Dakota, one of the largest installations globally. The project, utilizing Antora's thermal battery system, provides continuous energy for industrial processes and supports American manufacturing. With over 300 jobs created and support from partners like Grok Ventures and the US Department of Energy, the system is designed to charge during periods of excess energy production, maximizing grid infrastructure efficiency.
https://www.power-technology.com/news/antora-poet-commission-thermal-battery/
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Morocco’s whole-of-government approach to climate policy in action
Morocco has prioritized climate change on its policy agenda, adopting a "whole-of-government" approach with support from the World Bank Group. The country is focusing on clean energy transition to address climate impacts on jobs, particularly in rural areas reliant on agriculture. Aligning its 2025 NDCs with the 2026-2028 budget, Morocco is implementing Climate Budget Tagging and other initiatives like greening public procurement and developing Green Sovereign Bonds. Despite challenges in policy implementation, collaboration with international partners is helping turn climate ambition into an executable roadmap.
https://www.preventionweb.net/news/moroccos-whole-government-approach-climate-policy-action