Articles tagged with "photovoltaic"
New gravity battery design could store renewable power in skyscrapers
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a novel gravity-based energy storage system designed for high-rise buildings to store renewable energy efficiently. This system integrates photovoltaic (PV) facades on multiple building sides, small rooftop wind turbines, lithium-ion batteries, and a rope-hoist gravity storage mechanism. Excess electricity generated by the PV panels and wind turbines is used to lift a heavy mass—typically steel or concrete blocks—within a vertical shaft, storing energy as gravitational potential. When energy demand rises or renewable production falls, the mass is lowered to drive a generator, converting the stored potential energy back into electricity. The lithium-ion batteries serve primarily for rapid response during sudden surpluses or shortages. The researchers employed a multi-objective optimization framework to minimize both the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and grid dependency (GD) across 625 parametric building designs varying in energy use intensity (EUI) and geometric configurations. The system demonstrated LCOE values between $0.051 and $
energyrenewable-energyenergy-storagegravity-batteryphotovoltaicwind-turbineslithium-ion-batteriesHoneycomb floating solar system offers 30 years of durability
French company Ciel & Terre has developed a new honeycomb-inspired floating solar platform called Fusio, designed to improve performance and efficiency in large-scale floating photovoltaic (FPV) projects. Drawing on structural engineering principles from bridges and skyscrapers, Fusio uses a triangular honeycomb geometry to enhance stability and load distribution. The elevated solar panels increase airflow beneath the modules, providing a natural cooling effect that can boost energy output by up to 2% in warm climates. The system supports PV modules up to 800 watts-peak with adjustable tilt angles, allowing adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and scalable deployment from small reservoirs to utility-scale water bodies. Fusio’s compact triangular float design reduces transportation and installation costs, while an optimized production process and streamlined on-site assembly enable faster deployment and lower project downtime. Maintenance is simplified through a catamaran-based navigation system that allows safe operator access without walking on the array, complemented by integrated cleaning systems to sustain performance. The floats are made from UV-stabilized
energysolar-energyfloating-solarphotovoltaicrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencysolar-technologyWorld’s 10 biggest solar power projects transforming energy future
The article highlights the world’s top 10 largest operational solar power plants as of 2025, emphasizing their significant role in advancing the global clean energy transition. Leading the list is China’s Gonghe Talatan Solar Park with a massive capacity of 15,600 MW, reflecting China’s aggressive expansion in solar infrastructure to meet emissions targets. Other major Chinese projects include the Midong solar project (3,500 MW) and Huanghe Solar Park (2,200 MW), both situated in desert regions and contributing substantially to the country’s renewable energy output. India also features prominently with the Bhadla Solar Park (2,245 MW) in Rajasthan and the Pavagada Shakti Solar Park (2,050 MW) in Karnataka, both strategically located in high-irradiation areas and developed through phased commissioning. The UAE’s Al Dhafra Solar PV plant (2,000 MW) stands out as the largest single-site solar PV installation globally, operational since mid-2023 and capable
energysolar-powerrenewable-energysolar-farmsclean-energyphotovoltaicsolar-projects10 global solar giants reshaping our energy future in 2025
The article highlights the top 10 largest operational solar power plants worldwide as of 2025, emphasizing their significant roles in advancing the global transition to clean energy. These solar farms are fully commissioned and verifiably producing power, marking tangible progress beyond speculative projects. Leading the list is China’s Midong Solar Project near Ürümqi, Xinjiang, with a capacity of 3,500 MW, making it the world’s largest single operational photovoltaic plant. Other major installations include India’s Bhadla Solar Park (2,245 MW) in Rajasthan’s Thar Desert, China’s Huanghe Solar Park (2,200 MW) in Qinghai province, and India’s Pavagada Solar Park (2,050 MW) in Karnataka. Each of these projects leverages vast desert or wasteland areas to generate substantial clean energy, supporting regional power needs and national renewable goals. Additional notable projects include the UAE’s Al Dhafra Solar PV plant, a 2,000 MW single-site
energysolar-powersolar-farmsclean-energyrenewable-energyphotovoltaicsolar-energy-projectsIvanpah & Heliogen: Lessons from Concentrated Solar’s Decline - CleanTechnica
The article examines the decline of concentrated solar power (CSP) through the lens of two major projects: Ivanpah and Heliogen. Ivanpah, once the world’s largest CSP plant with nearly 400 MW capacity, opened in 2014 in California’s Mojave Desert with significant backing from Google, NRG Energy, and the US Department of Energy. Despite its innovative design featuring 170,000 mirrors focusing sunlight on towers, Ivanpah failed to meet expectations. It never reached full output, relied on natural gas for startup, caused significant bird mortality, and produced power that was too costly compared to newer photovoltaic (PV) solar and battery storage projects. Consequently, two of its three units are slated for closure years before the end of their contracts, marking Ivanpah as a cautionary example of CSP’s broader struggles. Globally, CSP’s growth has stalled despite early optimism and investments in countries like Spain, Morocco, South Africa, and the UAE. While CSP once
energysolar-powerconcentrated-solar-powerrenewable-energyenergy-storagephotovoltaicclean-energyRecord-breaking: World's largest vertical solar rooftop built in Norway
Norway’s city of Tromsø, located north of the Arctic Circle, has become home to the world’s largest vertical rooftop solar installation, featuring 6,400 vertically mounted panels on the flat roof of Tromsøterminalen, a cold storage facility. Installed by Norwegian solar equipment supplier Over Easy Solar, the system comprises 1,600 Vertical Photovoltaic (VPV) units with a total capacity of 320 kWp, surpassing the company’s previous record at the Norwegian National Football Stadium. The vertical design is specifically suited for northern latitudes, as it optimizes energy generation during low-angle sunlight hours, reduces snow accumulation, and enhances year-round performance. This configuration also simplifies maintenance by allowing walkable space between panel rows. The project, completed in partnership with engineering firm Enøk Total and supported by regional stakeholders, aims to reduce Tromsøterminalen’s reliance on conventional energy sources while demonstrating the viability of vertical solar technology in cold, snowy climates. Over Easy Solar emphasizes that vertical solar
energysolar-energyvertical-solar-panelsrenewable-energyphotovoltaicsustainable-powerclean-energyYet Another Massive New Solar Factory Rises In North Carolina
A new solar factory is under construction in North Carolina, set to begin operations in 2026, signaling a potential revival of the U.S. domestic solar industry despite current challenges. The factory is operated by Boviet Solar, a leading global company headquartered in Vietnam, reflecting the growing economic and strategic partnership between the U.S. and Vietnam. This collaboration is part of the broader 2023 U.S.-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, which aims to deepen bilateral ties across political, economic, and security domains. The new facility is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the U.S., including job creation and stimulating local communities. It complements Boviet’s first North Carolina solar factory, a 2-gigawatt solar module plant that opened earlier in Greenville, contributing to the state’s clean energy sector, which already employs nearly 110,000 people. Together, Boviet’s two factories will form an integrated U.S. manufacturing hub supplying domestically made solar cells and modules, strengthening America’s solar supply
energysolar-energysolar-factoryrenewable-energyphotovoltaicclean-energyUS-Vietnam-partnershipThis invisible upgrade could change how solar panels work forever
The article discusses a groundbreaking invisible upgrade for solar panels involving nano coatings that significantly improve panel efficiency and maintenance. Traditional cleaning methods for solar panels are labor-intensive, costly, and often ineffective at removing dirt, dust, bird droppings, and pollution, which can reduce photovoltaic output by up to 30%. Nano coatings, ultra-thin invisible layers that repel water, oil, and dirt at a molecular level, create a self-cleaning effect that keeps panels cleaner for longer periods. This reduces maintenance frequency and costs while maintaining optimal light transmission, ultimately increasing energy yield and return on investment. Turkish company Nasiol Nano Coatings has introduced a comprehensive three-step Solar Panel Care System to enhance solar panel upkeep. The process begins with Nasiol SolarRinse, a specialized detergent that thoroughly cleans panels without streaks or residue. Next, Nasiol SolarClean, an alcohol-based pre-cleaner, removes any remaining oils or detergents to ensure proper bonding of the coating. Finally, the panels
energysolar-panelsnano-coatingsrenewable-energysolar-maintenancephotovoltaicclean-energyUK engineers create solar shield that survive harsh space radiation
UK engineers at the University of Surrey have developed a novel protective coating, termed a “cosmic veil,” designed to shield perovskite solar cells (PSCs) from the harsh radiation environment of space. This coating, made from propane-1,3-diammonium iodide (PDAI₂), stabilizes the fragile organic molecules within PSCs that are typically vulnerable to damage from proton irradiation and other space radiation sources such as galactic cosmic rays and solar energetic particles. By preventing these organic components from breaking down into gases that weaken the cells, the coating helps maintain the cells’ efficiency and structural integrity over long durations. Testing demonstrated that PSCs treated with this coating sustained significantly less efficiency loss and internal damage when exposed to radiation levels simulating over 20 years in low-Earth orbit. This breakthrough addresses a major limitation of PSCs in space applications, where durability and radiation tolerance are critical. While multi-junction III-V solar cells currently dominate space power systems due to their performance
energysolar-cellsperovskitespace-technologyradiation-shieldingphotovoltaicmaterials-scienceLargest PV Installation in the Philippines on Top of a Mall - CleanTechnica
SM Supermalls in the Philippines has launched the country’s largest rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installation at SM City Fairview, near Manila. The 3.785-megawatt peak (MWp) system, covering 4.3 hectares with 6,882 solar panels, was activated on July 24, 2025, despite ongoing monsoon rains and typhoon-related floods. It is expected to generate about 5,960 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually, supplying roughly 11% of the mall’s energy needs and offsetting approximately 4,133 tons of CO2 emissions each year. This project reflects SM’s strong commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2040. The development took about a year, with panel installation completed in three months, and was done in partnership with renewable energy provider Buskowitz Energy. SM Supermalls has been investing in rooftop solar since 2014, with earlier installations at SM
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyphotovoltaicclean-energysustainabilitysolar-panelsBill McKibben Says Solar Power Is The Path To The Future - CleanTechnica
Bill McKibben, founder of the climate advocacy group 350.org and author of the forthcoming book *Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization*, highlights the rapid and transformative growth of solar power as a key solution to the climate crisis. Despite not being a scientist, McKibben has been a persistent voice linking fossil fuel combustion to global warming. He emphasizes that renewable energy, particularly solar power, has recently become the mainstream, cost-efficient choice worldwide. The pace of solar installation has accelerated dramatically: it took nearly 70 years to install the first terawatt of solar power globally, but the second terawatt was added in just two years, and the third is expected imminently. Solar power is now growing faster than any other energy source in history, with fossil fuels generating less than half of U.S. electricity for the first time in March 2025. This surge is especially pronounced in China, Asia, Europe, and South
energysolar-powerrenewable-energyphotovoltaicclimate-advocacyclean-energysustainabilitySolar Anywhere: Maximizing Energy In Singapore's Land Scarce Island - CleanTechnica
Singapore’s “solar anywhere” strategy exemplifies an innovative approach to maximizing solar energy in a densely populated, land-scarce urban environment. Since 2014, the country has implemented multiple solar initiatives contributing around 600 GWh annually, with a national goal to reach 2 GWp of solar capacity by 2030—meeting about 4% of its projected electricity demand. Key programs include SolarNova, which installs solar PV on public housing and government buildings, contributing over 111 GWh annually with a target of 420 GWh; SolarRoof, optimizing industrial building rooftops through flexible leasing models and adding approximately 800 MWp; and SolarLand, which uses modular, temporary ground-mounted solar arrays on idle or reclaimed land, generating 62 MWp across seven sites. These initiatives demonstrate Singapore’s pragmatic use of existing urban infrastructure and innovative land use strategies to overcome spatial constraints. The Tuas solar farm, operated by EDP Renewables and JTC, exemplifies large-scale ground
energysolar-energyphotovoltaicenergy-storagerenewable-energysolar-deploymenturban-energy-solutionsNREL & CubicPV Push Perovskite Minimodule Performance to New Heights - CleanTechnica
A collaboration between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Boston-based CubicPV has achieved a new record in perovskite minimodule efficiency, reaching a certified 24.0%. This marks the first time a U.S. team has set a record in this category. The minimodule, composed of multiple interconnected cells, was fabricated through combined efforts at both organizations, leveraging their complementary expertise. NREL focuses on advancing manufacturing, durability, and efficiency of perovskite-enabled tandem solar cells, while CubicPV specializes in tandem devices that layer perovskites on silicon to capture more photons and reduce energy costs. Perovskite solar technology is notable for its low-temperature, ink-based or vacuum coating production processes using earth-abundant materials, offering a promising alternative to traditional silicon solar cells. While small-scale perovskite cells have demonstrated high efficiency, scaling up to larger-area devices with improved durability remains a key challenge for commercial viability
energysolar-energyperovskitephotovoltaicNRELCubicPVrenewable-energyChina’s dual-faced solar cells hit 23.4% efficiency record, cut power loss dramatically
Researchers in China have developed an innovative approach to significantly improve bifacial perovskite solar cells (Bi-PSCs), achieving a record power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.4% while dramatically reducing photon loss—a key factor limiting these cells’ performance. By identifying photon loss as the primary cause of performance degradation, the team introduced a high-quality thick-film deposition method that regulates perovskite crystallization dynamics. This method employs a multifunctional additive, 1-ethyl-3-guanidinium thiourea hydrochloride (EGTHCl), to control nucleation and crystallization in highly concentrated precursor solutions, resulting in dense, uniform, and defect-free perovskite films. The enhanced Bi-PSCs not only reached a record efficiency but also demonstrated remarkable stability, retaining over 80% of their initial performance after more than 2,000 hours of continuous light exposure. This advancement addresses the inherent design challenge of bifacial cells, which use semi-transparent rear
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaicphoton-lossbifacial-solar-cellspower-efficiencyBreakthrough solar cells reach 38% efficiency in low indoor light
Scientists at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University in Taiwan have developed a new type of perovskite solar cell (PeSC) that achieves a remarkable 38.7% power conversion efficiency (PCE) under low indoor lighting conditions of around 2,000 lux, typical of office environments. While traditional silicon solar cells perform better under direct sunlight (up to 26% PCE), these perovskite cells excel in dimmer settings, producing energy even on cloudy days or indoors. The PeSCs are thin, lightweight, flexible, and semi-transparent, offering advantages over rigid and heavy silicon panels, which are limited to flat, durable surfaces. The researchers enhanced the solar cells by adjusting the bandgap through molecular composition changes in the perovskite layers, enabling efficient absorption of indoor light—a capability not achievable with silicon cells. This breakthrough suggests potential applications for powering small devices in indoor or low-light environments, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and expanding solar technology use beyond outdoor
energysolar-cellsperovskiteindoor-lightingphotovoltaicrenewable-energyenergy-efficiencyWant to Claim the Solar Tax Credit? Get Installing Now
energysolartax-creditphotovoltaicinstallationrenewable-energyenergy-policyThe Best Solar Power Countries in the World Will Shock You
solar-powerrenewable-energyphotovoltaicelectricity-generationenergy-independencesolar-capacityclean-technologyChinese Solar PV Market More Than 3 Times Bigger Than US & EU Markets Combined
solar-energyphotovoltaicrenewable-energyChinaenergy-marketsolar-marketclean-technology