News

Researchers at imec and the University of Hasselt have developed a metal halide perovskite process to boost the lifetime of solar cells, achieving a conversion efficiency of 24.3% and a short-circuit density of 24.5 mA/cm2. After 1,000 and 1,850 hours, the cells retain 97% and 88% of performance, respectively. This process offers commercialization potential for perovskite solar cell technology.

Floating solar panels could provide unlimited renewable energy to densely populated countries in Southeast Asia and West Africa, potentially powering a billion people by 2050. Our research shows Indonesia and Nigeria have the highest potential for offshore solar arrays, due to their maritime areas and equatorial environment.

Matrix Renewables, a TPG-Rise backed company, acquires controlling interest in 200MWac/261MWdc solar project in Idaho. Output to power Meta's data center and will contribute to its goal of 100% renewable operations. Construction expected to begin Q3 2023.

SMA America's Home Energy Solution provides grid stability and cost savings for homeowners, as well as modular design and easy upgrades for installers. The intuitive SMA 360° and Sunny Portal apps keep homeowners and installers connected for control and peace of mind.

Discover how N.C. State and Brookhaven National Labs have developed RoboMapper: a robot technology that automates materials research, leading to improved solar cell efficiency, reduced costs, and energy savings. Validated results show promising performance for converting light into electricity.

Voltalia S.A., a leading French renewable energy company, has secured a contract to build and operate 230 MW of solar parks in Ireland. Construction works are already underway with four PV farms expected to become operational by 2024. Voltalia has also signed a 15-year O&M agreement and is installing a 108-MW solar PV farm. All projects expected to enter commercial operations by 2021.

Matrix Renewables acquires controlling stake in 200 MW/261 MWp Pleasant Valley Solar project in Idaho. Construction to begin in 2023 with a PPA in place with Idaho Power for electricity to Meta Platforms Inc. Adding to their 6,000 GW portfolio, Matrix Renewables contributes to a sustainable energy future.

BrightNight, Rivian Automotive, and The Nature Conservancy team up to build 800-MW solar park on former coal mine in Kentucky. USD-1-billion project will enable over 450 million miles of renewable energy-powered driving annually and create open-source guide to consider conservation, climate, and community.

Vena Energy and Kyudenko Corporation have successfully completed the Nanao Solar photovoltaic plant in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan; a 51-MW solar park with 118,848 solar panels capable of powering 10,443 homes. This is Vena Energy's first renewable energy project in the region, part of their 43 GW solar park assets across the Asia-Pacific.

Uruguay is capitalizing on its renewable energy infrastructure to become a regional leader in green hydrogen. Investors are developing 7 green hydrogen projects, including a $4 billion synthetic gasoline plant. Uruguay's $8B investment in renewable power infrastructure is powering its growth in the renewable energy sector.

Floating Solar Panels are revolutionizing renewable energy in Europe, with Baywa r.e. leading the way. Governments, businesses, and utilities now offer subsidies to promote floatovoltaics, providing benefits such as sidestepping land disputes and improving water quality. Projects in Austria and Germany are generating enough energy to power thousands of homes. With red tape and environmental assessments now in place, installation is becoming faster and easier.

New research strategy to modify Tin dioxide (SnO2)/perovskite interface by passivating buried defects and modulating carrier dynamics achieves record-breaking power conversion efficiency of 25.05%. Improved energy level alignment and superior interface contacts offer enhanced stability.

Solar energy is expected to reach record levels this summer in Europe, but the EU must take steps to ensure photovoltaic investment and prevent solar power curtailment. Suggested measures include accelerating permitting on electric grids, promoting hybrid projects and cost-sharing by fossil generators.

Renova Inc and partners break ground on 15-MW/48-MWh lithium-ion battery system in Japan. With a 22% stake, Renova is the first to enter the grid storage battery market and will receive a subsidy from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Operations to begin October 2025.

Actis' BTE Renewables has secured MIGA guarantee for its equity investments in 75-MW South African solar power plant awarded in Round 3 of REIPPP. BTE Renewables, owned by UK growth markets investor Actis, specializes in utility-scale wind and solar projects across Africa and has been sold to French utility Engie SA and Meridiam.