Solar Now

Clarifies Rs1,000 per kW one-time fee for on-grid users only
The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has clarified that off-grid users do not need Nepra approval to install a solar system but for on-grid solar connections, consumers pay a one-time fee of Rs1,000 per kilowatt (kW).
In a statement issued on Friday, Nepra sought to clear the air regarding solar licensing after reports caused confusion among consumers. It said that all solar net billing consumers are required to obtain approval from Nepra.
Prior to new regulations, it said, the regulator granted approvals for connections above 25kW, while distribution companies (DISCOs) held approval authority for connections below 25kW.
It emphasised that no new tax has been imposed on solar systems, adding that misinformation about solar licensing has spread, leading to user concerns.
On April 22, the Ministry of Power Division declared misleading the reports claiming the federal government made it mandatory for solar consumers to get a licence from Nepra.
The reports stated that amendments related to solar systems made it obligatory for all consumers installing solar setups to obtain a licence from the power regulator. The reports suggested the federal government imposed this requirement for all users opting for net metering.
On Wednesday, a Power Division spokesperson rejected these claims and clarified that regulations for obtaining licences related to solar net metering already exist and fall strictly under Nepra's jurisdiction as the regulator.
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Electricity prices are rising across the country. But a group of organic farmers near Pittsburgh is less affected by these rising costs thanks to rooftop solar panels.
Holmes: “When you’re creating that energy yourself, you have stability, and that’s kind of what farmers like, is stability.”
Nathan Holmes owns the grocery distribution company Three Rivers Grown. And he also helps manage Clarion River Organics, a cooperative of Amish farmers that supplies produce to stores in Pittsburgh and beyond.
He says the warehouse where the co-op stores its crops has three walk-in coolers, which use a lot of energy.
Holmes: “Especially when it’s 97 degrees outside and you’re trying to keep produce at 34.”
The warehouse was built with a south-facing roof so solar panels could be added one day.
But the group could not afford the up-front costs until a few years ago, when Three Rivers Grown received a $20,000 grant from the federal government’s Rural Energy for America Program.
That enabled them to finally invest in clean energy.
Today, the solar panels have made their operation more climate-friendly and are saving them money on electricity.
Holmes: “For farmers to have cheap, secure electricity long-term is a good thing.”
Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media / Thanks to Pasa Sustainable Agriculture for logistical support.

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By Arianna Skibell | 04/24/2026 01:21 PM EDT
Environmental advocates say the delay could drive up costs for ratepayers at a time when households are squeezed by high prices.
Rows of solar panels cover a field in Lancaster, Kentucky. Joshua A. Bickel/AP
North Carolina utility regulators have directed Duke Energy, the state’s biggest utility, to pause procurement of solar power generation and battery storage.
The Thursday night filing stops Duke Energy from soliciting and contracting for new solar projects until the utility and commission agree on an updated, long-range vision for how much competitively procured solar power the state needs. That vision, called an integrated resource plan, is expected by the end of this year.
Pausing procurement of new solar projects in the interim is the best move for both “the public interest and judicial economy,” according to the filing from the North Carolina Utilities Commission.
A spokesperson for the commission said members are unable to comment upon pending legal proceedings. Duke Energy did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
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Today’s 9to5Toys Green Deals is headlined by the last day of EcoFlow’s Earth Day Sale with up to 62% off power stations and more from $169. And if you don’t want to mow the lawn anymore, you can hand up to an acre over to Worx’s 2026 Landroid Vision Cloud robot at its $1,840 low. Oh, and folks that want to keep their trees looking their best, be sure to also check out Fanttik’s brushless pruning shears with onboard display, USB-C, more at $80. Head below for a closer look at the details.
Head below for other Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek‘s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
EcoFlow has launched its Members’ Festival x Earth Day Mega Sale with up to 62% discounts, member-only deals (sign-up is free), 3x EcoCredit rewards, and plenty of free gifts. One notable members-only bundles is the DELTA 3 Ultra Plus Portable Power Station with a FREE Power Hat at $1,449 shipped, which matches in price at Amazon without getting the Power Hat. This unit on its own normally goes for $2,899 at full price, which has consistently been keeping down between $1,499 and $1,449 since 2026 began. While we’ve only seen this rate beaten by one-time falls to $1,424 during Black Friday and the $1,399 low during January’s Winter Storm Sale, making this the next-best price with $1,450 slashed from its tag – plus, you’re getting the $99 Power Hat totally free for $1,549 in total savings. Head below to learn more about it, get the rundown on all the extra savings opportunities, and browse the full sale lineup.
Let’s start with a quick breakdown of all the extra savings opportunities during this Earth-focused sale event, like the extra 5% automatic savings you’ll gain in your cart when purchasing one of the many solar generator bundles (power station + solar panels). From there, you’ll also be able to score 3x EcoCredit rewards on many units, and orders of $3,000 or more will receive two FREE 160W solar panels, though I want to point out that this deal will not stack with the extra 5% solar generator bundle savings.
The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Ultra Plus is the pinnacle of the brand’s DELTA 3 series of power stations, with an impressive starting 3,072Wh LiFePO4 capacity that expands as high as 11kWh using several different batteries from alternate models in the series, adding to its above-average versatility. It provides 11 port options for connection needs (5x AC, 3x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x DC, and a car port), and delivers up to 3,600W of power that can boost to 4,600W when activated, as well as surge up to a max 7,200W.
There are six ways to recharge its battery. There’s the usual AC outlet charging that can push it to 80% in up to 89 minutes, as well as gas generator charging, car port charging, which is inferior to using an alternator charger, and up to 1,600W of solar panel charging. There’s also some dual charging options, letting you simultaneously charge via solar and a generator, or solar with an alternator charger.
***Note: The extra 5% savings have been factored into the prices below, and will be automatically applied in your cart.
Over at Amazon we’ve spotted the Worx Landroid Vision Cloud 1-Acre Robot Lawn Mower for $1,839.99 shipped. Released earlier this spring with a $2,300 price tag, today’s offer brings it back down to the lowest rate. You’re looking at $460 in savings at a time when your lawn is probably just starting to need cut. You can learn more about this advanced robot lawn mower down below.
Ready to tackle up to 1-acre lawns, this robot packs quite a punch. Unlike some of the older solutions out there, this offering boasts “commercial-grade RTK technology,” which means you won’t need to bury boundary wires to get this mower to behave correctly. The brand touts that built-in Vision AI tech allows it to “understand any lawn shape and boundary types.” While I’m not quite on the robotic lawn mower bandwagon quite yet, I have been fully immersed in the Worx ecosystem and have been very happy with the brand’s tool lineup.
The official Fanttik storefront at Amazon is offering its Y10 Pro Cordless Brushless Electric Pruning Shears for $79.98 shipped. This unit landed on Amazon shelves about two months ago and tends to fetch $100 more often than not. You’re looking at the second time it has fallen as low as $80 so far, making now a solid time to strike. Head below to learn more.
If you’re building out your tool collection, you may want to avoid getting stuck in a specific ecosystem for tools like this. Fanttik and others are starting to make USB-C rechargeable offerings, and this is yet another example of that. As usual, this model brings the high-tech vibes with an onboard display and integrated 4,000mAh battery. It can snip right through up to 1 inch branches, making it a solid option for keeping trees in your yard looking their best.
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wpd Solar France and the municipality of Sorigny launch a 4.7 MWc photovoltaic park on a former highway wasteland, with commissioning expected in November and environmental monitoring integrated from the design phase.
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Solar Panel-Covering Films  Trend Hunter
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The University of Arkansas Office for Sustainability launched a system-wide solar energy project on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22.
The project is the largest commercial solar project in Arkansas history and includes more than 20 solar power plants across the state. One of those solar facilities was unveiled at the event, located in west Fayetteville, and is currently serving the university’s Cato Springs Research Center.
The event featured remarks from Provost Indrajeet Chaubey; Chris Thomason, the UA System vice president for planning and development; Scott Turley, senior advisor and project manager for facilities management; and Bill Halter, CEO of Scenic Hill Solar.
As the fourth-largest university solar deployment in U.S. history, the solar services agreement, signed in 2022, is expected to create both significant energy savings for the UA System and substantial economic impact for the state over the next 25 years.
The Fayetteville campus alone accounts for over half of the project’s total energy production usage. Through this ambitious project, the campus will hedge against expected rising energy rates, reduce environmental impact, create opportunities for hands-on learning and research, and take a big step toward achieving its 2040 carbon neutrality goals.
Through a competitive bidding process, the UA System entered into a solar services agreement with Scenic Hill Solar to provide energy as a service to UA campuses. The private-company partner designed, installed and connected the solar systems and will continue to maintain and operate them, allowing the university to purchase the entire renewable energy output at a predetermined rate.
READ ALSO: Envoy Establishes Maintenance Center of Excellence at Clinton National
 
 

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Ecopetrol and Frontera Energy commissioned a large solar panel park called Quifa Solar Farm, located in Puerto Gaitán (Meta). This project has already begun generating clean electricity for three oil and gas extraction fields: Quifa, Rubiales, and Caño Sur.
This is the first time, on a large scale, that an oil operation in Colombia is powered by solar energy.
The farm features:
Colombia positions itself as a benchmark in Latin America for decarbonization of the oil industry, demonstrating that renewable energies can be integrated with hydrocarbon production, making the sector more sustainable without ceasing oil and gas production.
It is worth noting that this is the second largest solar project of the Ecopetrol Group, showing that the energy transition is already a reality, not just a promise.
Source: Ecopetrol
New CSIC membrane achieves up to 10 times greater efficiency in hydrogen purification, reducing energy and production times.
ITS Acquires NDE Incorporated and Strengthens its NDT Portfolio, Driving Integrated Services and Gulf Coast Expansion.
The real constraint is not capital: it is large-scale LNG turbines for main refrigeration compressors at LNG plants.
Traffic Film Remover in AST tanks enhances cleaning, reduces contaminants and supports integrity and service life.
BioLNG achieves carbon neutrality through the biogenic cycle, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the maritime sector.
The refurbishment of fossil fuel pipelines for conversion into hydrogen pipelines reduces costs, but requires rigorous assessment of embrittlement, fatigue life, and structural integrity.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz limits the flow of oil and gas and exposes the fragility of global energy security.
Rodrigo González, President of Grupo HB, shares how Mexican engineering leads high-complexity offshore projects, highlighting innovation, sustainability, and international expansion.
Accident at HPCL refinery in Rajasthan after CDU leak. Fire controlled with no injuries; investigation underway.
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Rajasthan And Gujarat Together Contribute Over 34% To India’s Total Renewable Energy Capacity (March 2026)  SolarQuarter
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Nature Communications volume 17, Article number: 3669 (2026) Cite this article
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Metal halide perovskite solar cells combine high power density with low-cost manufacturing, but durability under repeated extreme temperature cycling remains insufficiently understood. We investigate thermal fatigue under cycling between −80 °C and +80 °C as an accelerated stress protocol. Mismatched thermal expansion between the perovskite absorber and glass substrate induces biaxial tensile strain, leading to degradation at the substrate–perovskite interface and within grain boundaries. To mitigate these failure modes, we introduce a co-additive molecular strategy based on lipoic acid, dihydrolipoic acid, and a sulfonium-based derivative to enhance interfacial adhesion, while in situ polymerization during annealing reinforces grain-boundary cohesion. This dual reinforcement improves robustness and performance, achieving stabilized efficiencies of 26% under standard solar illumination. Devices retain 84% of initial efficiency after 16 extreme temperature cycles. Our experiments reveal that thermal exposure duration is more critical than cycle number, with most degradation occurring during initial cycles.
Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their high power conversion efficiencies, low fabrication costs, and compatibility with lightweight device architectures¹. These attributes make PSCs attractive for applications in which high specific power and mechanical compliance are required. They present a potential alternative to conventional III–V-based photovoltaic technologies, which are well known for their robustness under extreme operating conditions but are limited by high material and fabrication costs and relatively short operational lifetimes². However, the long-term mechanical and structural stability of layered perovskite device stacks under repeated thermomechanical stress remains a key challenge limiting their broader deployment.
Repeated temperature cycling induces volumetric expansion and contraction within the solar cell stack, leading to mechanical fatigue and, ultimately, delamination, crack formation, or failure at weakly bonded interfaces^2,3. Such effects are particularly pronounced in multilayer thin-film devices due to mismatches in the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) between adjacent layers. In PSCs, large CTE differences between the glass substrate (3.7 × 10^-6K^-1)⁴, the transparent conductive oxide (TCO) (e.g., ITO, 8.5 × 10^-6K^-1)⁴, and the perovskite absorber (e.g., FAPbI₃, ~203 × 10^-6K^-1)⁵ concentrate strain at grain boundaries and heterointerfaces, accelerating mechanical degradation during temperature cycling.
Extreme temperature cycling represents a particularly severe stress condition for thin-film photovoltaic devices and is encountered in several scenarios, including high-altitude platforms, aerospace systems, and accelerated laboratory stress testing. In comparison to standard terrestrial qualification protocols—such as IEC thermal cycling tests typically limited to −40 °C to +85 °C—these conditions involve wider temperature excursions and often faster thermal ramp rates, resulting in rapid stress evolution within the device stack. Environments, such as low-Earth orbit (LEO) are frequently cited as representative examples of extreme thermal cycling conditions, where repeated transitions between sunlight and shadow lead to pronounced temperature fluctuations, with cycling frequencies approaching ~6000 cycles per year and thermal ramp rates on the order of 4 °C–5 °C min^-1, resulting in rapid stress evolution within the solar cell stack^6,7,8,9. Recent systematic studies have also examined perovskite solar cell performance under extreme temperature cycling and in-orbit conditions, further highlighting the importance of understanding thermal fatigue for space deployment^10,11,12. Understanding thermally induced mechanical fatigue under these conditions is therefore essential for improving the durability of thin-film photovoltaic technologies for extreme temperature conditions.
Previous studies have demonstrated that incorporating functional additives into perovskite precursor solutions can improve film quality, defect tolerance, and mechanical resilience. In particular, polymerizable or cross-linkable additives are introduced into the perovskite precursor, polymerizing during annealing and localizing at grain boundaries to heal defects and improve film quality¹³. For example, polymers containing isocyanate groups include poly(oxime-urethanes)¹⁴ and polyurea with PDMS blocks¹⁵, polymers with disulfide groups include polyurethane elastomers (PUDS)¹⁶, polyurethanes with pendant fullerene units (C₆₀-PU)¹⁷, and polyurethanes without fullerene moieties¹⁸. Finally, polymers with carboxylic acid groups include poly(LA)¹⁹ and its salt form, poly(TA-NI)²⁰, which is based on a hydrazide-derived ammonium ion. Across all these systems, thermal-triggered healing has resulted in more than 80% recovery of solar cell performance after stress testing^{11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18}, while systems based on poly(LA) and poly(TA-NI) demonstrated recovery rates exceeding 90%^17,18. Notably, the behavior of such materials under thermal cycling tests, particularly their protective effects on PSCs, remains unexplored and represents a significant knowledge gap in this field.
To improve adhesion at the interface between the TCO and the perovskite layer, several surface-engineering strategies have been developed. Reported approaches include increasing surface hydroxylation by replacing crystalline TCOs with amorphous ones^21,22, removing terminal hydroxyls and hydrolysis byproducts via combined HF and UV–ozone treatments²³, introducing hetero-chiral linker molecules²⁴, and employing self-assembled molecules (SAMs), such as iodine-terminated carbazole derivatives or bifunctional thiol–carboxylic acid systems with varying alkyl chain lengths²⁵. However, most reported studies focus primarily on initial device performance or environmental stability under moisture or light exposure, while systematic investigations of interfacial robustness under repeated extreme temperature cycling remain limited.
In this work, we use 5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid (α-lipoic acid, LA) and functionalize it further as part of our two-step reinforcement strategy, and the synthetic procedures are provided in Supplementary Fig. 1, while the NMR analyses are shown in Supplementary Fig. 2–4. To promote inter-grain connectivity, LA is incorporated into the perovskite precursor solution with the expectation that it can undergo in situ polymerization during crystallization (as shown in Fig. 1b). Specifically, we aim to investigate whether, upon heating above 70 °C, the disulfide bonds in LA would initiate thermally driven ring-opening polymerization, and whether, during cooling, the carboxylic acid groups would form stable hydrogen-bonded dimers. Together, we aim for these processes to enhance cross-linking and mechanical cohesion at the grain boundaries. For interfacial reinforcement between the TCO and perovskite, we aim to enhance chemical interactions beyond the disulfide bonding provided by LA and synthesize and explore its derivatives. Furthermore, to approximate the mechanical stresses associated with these rapid and extreme temperature shifts, we adopt a custom thermal cycling protocol spanning −80 °C to +80 °C, consistent with practical satellite temperature measurements and recent thermal stress studies on PSCs^26,27,28, which necessitates the development of a dedicated test setup. We systematically evaluate the impact of this dual reinforcement approach on the mechanical durability and performance stability of PSCs.
a A sketch demonstrating the thermal behavior of perovskite polycrystalline structures with (iv) and without poly(LA) (i-iii) at the grain boundaries. b Thermal polymerization of LA and its multifunctional role at grain boundaries, facilitating defect passivation (1) and hydrogen bonding interactions (2) between polymer chains. c A sketch for the working mechanism of the surface-mapping tip-based nano-mechanical analysis technique. Numbers 1 and 2 indicate the perovskite grains and the poly(LA)-rich grain boundaries, respectively. d Adhesion forces were obtained from the perovskite surface at the HTL contact region using a tip-based nanomechanical surface-mapping technique, alongside topographical imaging. The values shown in the yellow boxes are the average adhesion forces extracted from each corresponding image. The white scale bar corresponds to 400 nm. Identical color scales are used for all samples within each row.
LA molecules polymerize at the grain boundaries (as sketched in Fig. 1a, b) within the perovskite bulk during the thermal annealing process, as they are unable to fit the perovskite crystal lattice, due to the large molecular size of both the monomeric and polymeric forms^19,29. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicate that the poly(LA) primarily interacts with the perovskite lattice through the –COOH side group, which does not participate in polymerization, as shown in Supplementary Fig. 5a, specifically via hydrogen bonding between the –OH group of poly(LA) and perovskite octahedra, –OH···IPbI₅. Additionally, the =O group (a Lewis base) within the same carboxylic acid functional group is shown to coordinate with under-coordinated Pb²⁺ ions (acting as Lewis acids), as evidenced by the energy shifts (Supplementary Fig. 5b, c) observed in the orbitals of the involved lead atoms¹⁹. Indirect evidence of LA polymerization is provided by the FTIR spectra (Supplementary Fig. 6a), where the –COOH stretching vibration shifts from 1690 to 1703 cm^-1 under similar thermal conditions, suggesting the occurrence of polymerization³⁰. To further investigate the possible localization of poly(LA) within the perovskite bulk structure, particularly at the grain boundaries, high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and the corresponding energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) elemental mapping were performed, as shown in Supplementary Fig. 6b, c. Furthermore, XRD analysis revealed that the intensity of the excess PbI₂ signal observed in the control group (Supplementary Fig. 7a) was reduced in the LA-treated films, suggesting a potential chemical interaction between LA and PbI₂. This interaction is further supported by ¹H-NMR spectra of LA and its mixture with PbI₂ (Supplementary Fig. 7b), which show a slight upfield shift of the proton signal corresponding to the carbonyl group of LA (acting as a Lewis base), from 12.00 to 11.99 ppm³¹. Finally, GIWAXS measurements performed on the same films, as shown in Supplementary Fig. 8, revealed no change in the orientation of the perovskite planes and no additional reflections, indicating the absence of new phases.
Nanoscale atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis with the quantitative nanomechanical characterization technique revealed that compared to the control group, the perovskite films, which have LA and its derivatives in combination with SAM (4-(7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazol-7-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid, 4PADCB) at the substrate interface — with a fixed amount of LA incorporated into the bulk — exhibited enhanced adhesion at grain boundaries. Notably, DHLA resulted in an increase of over 50% in average adhesion at grain boundaries, while DMSLA led to an increase of approximately 40%; in contrast, the LA form did not cause a significant change. Note that any overestimation of adhesion forces due to increased surface contact at grain boundaries is minimal, since the depth and width of the grain boundaries at the perovskite/SAM interface are larger than the tip apex curvature. (Fig. 1c). Hence, the enhanced adhesion can be primarily attributed to the polymer, which preferentially localizes at the grain boundaries and plays a significant role in improving adhesion in these critical regions.
Young’s modulus values derived from the same imaging dataset (Supplementary Fig. 9), along with adhesion and modulus measurements from the top surfaces of control and LA-containing perovskite films, are presented in the Supporting Information (Supplementary Fig. 10). Additionally, an increase in inter-grain adhesion was observed, which may arise from two contributing factors: (1) enhanced adhesion at the grain boundaries due to polymer cross-linking, and (2) a potential overestimation of mechanical properties resulting from an increased contact area at the grain boundaries (Fig. 1c, bottom line). Given that the control sample exhibits lower adhesion at the grain boundaries despite having a similar boundary depth, the observed adhesion enhancement can be attributed to the cross-linked polymer network. In contrast, we observe no change in the Young’s modulus of the grains (excluding regions with exposed polymer), while a decrease in modulus at the interface is evident, likely due to the inherently lower stiffness of the polymer.
We engineered the ITO/perovskite interface by co-functionalizing the surface with lipoic acid derivatives together with the standard SAM molecule, 4PADCB, to strengthen interfacial adhesion. All molecules featured carboxylic acid (–COOH) anchoring groups for binding to the TCO electrode. To diversify binding interactions, we introduced sulfur-containing head groups: the disulfide ring in LA, the free thiol (–SH) groups in dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA, 6,8-dimercaptooctanoic acid), and the sulfonium cation in 7-carboxy-3-(methylthio)heptyl dimethylsulfonium (DMSLA). The molecular structures of the linker molecules are shown in Fig. 2a.
a Schematic representation of the HTL contact formed by 4PADCB together with LA, DHLA, and DMSLA at the ITO/perovskite interface. b Sketch for the test setup used for the pull-off test. c Maximum adhesion strength, and d stress values, which are determined from the highest value in each of the four groups. e The interaction energies between perovskite and the linker molecules, calculated using a computer-based DFT approach. f Interactions between perovskite and the molecules.
We examined the adhesion strength of SAM-linker contacts at the ITO/perovskite interface through pull-off testing. Indeed, as such systems are known to have intrinsically a very low toughness, it is important to inhibit any initiation of delamination between the layers. Consequently, adhesion strength is the appropriate metric for quantifying the mechanical integrity of such systems. For this, a stack consisting of glass/ITO/4PADCB- linkers/perovskite/PMMA was prepared, and a dolly was attached to the top surface using an adhesive. PMMA served as an interlayer to protect the underlying layers from the damage of epoxy glue and improve the adhesion strength between the glue and the specimen surface, as shown in Fig. 2b. From the resulting load–displacement graphs, we extracted the interfacial adhesion strength, which increased from 3.61 MPa for the control sample to 4.89 MPa for the DMSLA-treated samples (Fig. 2c). Pull-off tests showed a wide distribution of adhesion strength across all samples, likely arising from small preparation imperfections, such as slight misalignment angles or adhesive layer thickness differences, yet DMSLA-based samples consistently showed the highest average strength. The resulting stress distributions follow the same trend, indicating that DMSLA-treated interfaces require greater force to induce interfacial failure (Fig. 2d).
Beyond macroscopic mechanical analysis, we performed XPS at the substrate/perovskite interface, analyzing each side independently after mechanical peeling. Example samples included LA in the SAM precursor, noting that perovskite also incorporates LA. On the glass–ITO side, the –COO signal was 2.01%, corresponding to the –COOH anchoring groups of the linker molecules. On the perovskite side, the –COO signal was 6.45% for samples without LA in the SAM precursor (Supplementary Fig. 11). In contrast, with LA in the SAM precursor, the –COO signal decreased to 0.96% on the glass–ITO side but increased to 7.09% on the perovskite side. These results indicate a strong interaction between LA in the perovskite layer and LA in the SAM.
Further, we performed Density Functional Theory (DFT) analyses of the bare SAM (4PADCB), LA, and its derivatives—both individually and in mixtures—on the ITO surface and in contact with the adjacent perovskite layer. Among the investigated molecules, DMSLA exhibits the strongest interaction with the perovskite surface, as evidenced by its high interfacial interaction energy, as shown in Fig. 2e-f. In the planar-averaged charge density difference (CDD) plot (Supplementary Fig. 12), DMSLA displays the broadest and most pronounced peak at the interface region, suggesting a significantly enhanced interfacial charge transfer. Furthermore, the isosurface representation of the CDD indicates extensive charge accumulation and depletion regions spanning both the molecular layer and the perovskite substrate, further confirming the superior electronic coupling. In addition, the co-attachment of LA and its derivatives with 4PADCB on the ITO surface, as well as the interactions between the SAM and LA-derived molecules anchored to the ITO surface and the perovskite at the top contact, were investigated using DFT calculations. All related data are provided in the Supporting Information, Supplementary Figs. 13–14. This trend is consistent with our pull-off test results (Fig. 2c, d), which show that the sulfonium cation head group establishes the strongest and most favorable chemical bonding with the perovskite layer. Accordingly, the observed macroscopic improvement in adhesion strength can be attributed to the cumulative effect of these strong and chemically effective interfacial interactions.
We validated the binding of SAM–linker mixtures to the ITO surface using XPS, through the detection of characteristic –COOH-related signals around 289 eV, as shown in Supplementary Fig. 15. To quantify the surface coverage factor of SAMs, we employed cyclic voltammetry (CV) measurements using glass/TCO/SAM-linker stacks³². The coating density was calculated through the integration of the redox peak corresponding to the electroactive moiety anchored via the SAM. This method allows an indirect estimation of the surface coverage by correlating the charge passed during the redox process to the number of active molecules present on the surface. The coating density of the SAM molecules—both in their pure forms (controls) and in mixtures with linkers—was calculated using Eq. (1).
Here, i_p is the oxidative peak current (A), v is the scan rate (V s^-1), n is the number of electrons transferred, F is the Faraday constant (96,485 C mol^-1), R is the universal gas constant (8.3144 J K^-1 mol^-1), T is the temperature (K), N_A is Avogadro’s number (6.022 × 10²³mol^-1), A is the electrode surface area (1.5 cm²), and Γ^* (molecules cm^-2) is the surface coverage, which can be determined from the slope of the i_p versus v plot. SAM forms coated on the ITO surface in mixtures with linkers exhibited higher surface coverage compared to the pure SAM, with coating densities reaching the highest value with DMSLA, with 3.75 × 10¹³ molecules cm^-2, while only 4PADCB is 2.84 × 10¹³³³. Details for the analysis are provided in Supplementary Fig. 16.
Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) was used to analyze energy-level alignment between different contact stacks and the crystallized perovskite bulk (with LA) (Supplementary Fig. 17). The smallest energy gap between the ITO work function—modified by the SAM mixture—and the perovskite valence band, critical for efficient charge transfer, was observed for the DMSLA-blended 4PADCB (Supplementary Table 1). This notable downshift in the ITO work function can be attributed to the large dipole moment of DMSLA (31.9 D, see results in Supplementary Fig. 18), which induces an interfacial dipole layer and modifies the surface vacuum level. The reduced energy difference between the levels involved in hole transfer is known to facilitate hole extraction at the modified interface.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate the effects of LA and its derivatives, applied with the SAM layer on ITO substrates, on the perovskite/ITO interface and bulk perovskite morphology. SEM micrographs revealed that the incorporation of LA and its derivatives, both within the bulk and at the SAM–perovskite interface, led to increased grain sizes in the perovskite films. As shown in Supplementary Fig. 19 and supported by the XRD data in Supplementary Fig. 7a, this structural change is accompanied by an improvement in the crystallinity of the perovskite layer. In contrast to the control films, which show visible pinholes, particularly in cross-sectional images, the blended films display a more compact and pinhole-free morphology (Supplementary Figs. 19–21). These findings suggest that the additives influence the number and size of perovskite crystal grains formed during crystallization, thereby affecting grain size distribution and the prevalence of multi-domain structures²⁹. This indicates improved film uniformity and domain connectivity at the interface ²⁵.
We fabricated solar cells with the structure of ITO/4PADCB-linkers/Cs_0.05MA_0.10FA_0.85PbI₃ (w/o LA)/C₆₀/BCP/Ag, as shown in Fig. 3a. Detailed device fabrication for all devices is provided in the Methods section. From J-V analysis, we found that the target devices —featuring DMSLA at the HTL interface and LA in the perovskite bulk—exhibited the highest performance, as shown in Fig. 3b. This device achieved a PCE of 25.21%, with a V_OC of 1.16 V, a J_SC of 26.06 mA cm^-2, and a FF of 0.83. We further verified the proposal molecules by transferring our linker approach to colleagues in Tianjin University, and their independent molecule synthesis and device fabrication results showed a close match to those measured in our laboratory, LMU Munich: PCE of 25.98%, with V_OC of 1.16 V, J_SC of 26.35 mA cm^–², and FF of 0.85 (steady-state PCE: 25.51%, in the Fig. 3c). The slight variation in device performances is due to the different perovskite processing recipes and conditions as given in the Methods section.
a Schematic illustration of the fabricated perovskite solar cells. b J–V curves and the corresponding device parameters of the best-performing solar cell devices fabricated at the LMU Munich, and c the ones fabricated at Tianjin University. The inset figure shows the steady-state power conversion efficiencies of the champion device. d Relative energy levels of the perovskite and ITO/SAM stacks derived from UPS measurements. e Photoluminescence (PL) based implied open-circuit Voltage (iV_OC) images acquired over the full device area (six pixels per device; pixel area: 4 × 4 mm²). f Statistical distribution of the V_OC and FF values for the solar cell devices. In the combined box–violin plots, the center line indicates the median; the box limits represent the 25 and 75th percentiles; whiskers extend from the minimum to the maximum values; squares denote the mean; individual points represent the measured data values; and the overlaid curves represent the data distribution density. Error bars indicate standard deviation.
As can be seen from the energy level diagram derived from the UPS data presented in Fig. 3d—which is critical for charge transfer at the perovskite/SAM interface—the combination of 4PADCB with DMSLA results in the smallest energy offset (0.25 eV) between the valence band maximum (VBM) of the modified ITO and that of the LA-doped perovskite. Furthermore, considering the intrinsic dipole moments calculated for the LA derivatives (Supplementary Fig. 18) used in combination with SAM, the significantly large dipole moment of DMSLA and its induced shift in the work function of ITO further support this favorable alignment. Taken together, these findings rationalize the superior J_SC and FF observed for the 4PADCB + DMSLA SAM formulation, shown in Fig. 3b–f, compared to the control and other LA derivatives. We assign the enhanced V_OC of the devices to the effective passivation of crystal defects at the substrate/perovskite interface by LA and its derivatives, and within the perovskite bulk by LA alone. This dual-passivation approach at both the SAM/perovskite interface and the grain boundaries suppresses trap-assisted recombination throughout the structure, thereby leading to an increase in open-circuit voltage. We investigated the charge carrier recombination dynamics of the samples via steady-state photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements. The perovskite layers on 4PADCB-linker stacks exhibited slightly higher PL intensity and extended carrier lifetimes according to the TRPL results, compared to the only 4PADCB-based samples (Supplementary Fig. 22c, d). PL-based implied open-circuit voltage (iV_OC) images³⁴ in Fig. 3e, acquired over the full device area (six pixels per device), show spatially uniform voltage distributions that are consistent with the electrical performance trends observed in the corresponding solar cells, indicating that the introduced interlayer does not induce macroscopic inhomogeneity. When evaluated alongside the Voc–FF comparison in Fig. 3f, the iV_OC values derived from PL are slightly lower than the corresponding Voc values, as expected; nevertheless, both measurements—performed at different institutes and at different times—exhibit consistent trends in Voc enhancement across the device series. The accuracy of the J_SC values was validated through integration of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectra (Supplementary Fig. 23), yielding consistent results with the measured J_SC, specifically 25.10 mA cm^-2. Additional statistical distributions of the device performance parameters from LMU Munich and Tianjin University are provided in the Supporting Information (Supplementary Figs. 24–25).
We performed the thermal fatigue test using a custom-built closed-lid setup, as standard climate chambers could not reach the required –80 °C cryogenic range, which induces the highest stress at the perovskite–substrate interface. The samples—one device per condition, each comprising six pixels—were cycled between –80 °C and +80 °C in a stainless-steel container, with controlled heating and cooling rates of +3.40 and –3.80 °C min^-1, respectively, and a total cycle duration of ~90 min under dry ambient conditions (Fig. 4a, b). The 90 min cycle duration was chosen to approximate a symmetric heating–cooling sequence ( ~ 45 min per half-cycle), reflecting characteristic thermal timescales reported for low-Earth-orbit environments³⁵ and ensuring sufficient thermal equilibration of the full device stack. A comparative summary of reported thermal-cycling studies on PSCs under space-relevant or terrestrial conditions is provided in Supplementary Table 2. Thermal cycling was continued until the performance of the target devices dropped below ~90% of their initial power conversion efficiency. A schematic and further explanation of the experimental setup are provided in Supplementary Fig. 26. After 16 thermal cycles under the applied temperature protocol, encapsulated solar cells with DMSLA retained 84% of their initial performance, compared to 79% for the control group. In contrast, the solar cells treated with LA and DHLA showed inferior stability, retaining only 64% and 72% of their initial performance, respectively. Performance degradation was observed across all photovoltaic parameters, with the most pronounced losses occurring in the FF. As shown in Fig. 4a, control devices exhibited an FF reduction of ~15–20%, whereas DMSLA-modified devices showed a smaller loss of ~10%. This enhanced stability is likely due to the ability of DMSLA to reinforce mechanical adhesion at the perovskite/SAM interface and suppress structural degradation caused by repeated thermal expansion and contraction. The transient decrease and subsequent recovery in V_OC observed for DMSLA-treated devices may arise from interfacial relaxation during repeated thermal cycling, reflecting temporary perturbation of interfacial energetics followed by stabilization upon continued cycling. Further studies would be required to determine the exact mechanism. We note that the adhesion ranking (DMSLA > DHLA > LA > control) does not directly mirror the thermal-cycling results because adhesion represents only one component of thermomechanical stability. Thermal cycling also depends on the chemical robustness of the linker molecules and the ability of the grain boundaries to accommodate strain. DMSLA combines strong and stable interfacial bonding—supported by our DFT, XPS, CV, and UPS data—with higher chemical stability under thermal stress, whereas DHLA’s thiol groups are more reactive and may undergo changes during cycling. This interplay of interfacial adhesion, chemical stability, and grain-boundary reinforcement explains the superior cycling performance of DMSLA. Furthermore, the J-V characteristics of representative devices from each group, measured before and after the thermal fatigue test, are shown in Fig. 4b. To further elucidate the origin of performance degradation under thermal cycling, the evolution of all photovoltaic parameters (PCE, FF, Voc, and Jsc) was analyzed across different cycling conditions in detail and is summarized in Supplementary Figs. 27–29. A consolidated comparison of the parameter changes is provided in Supplementary Fig. 30, which shows that the dominant degradation pathway is associated with a loss in fill factor, while variations in Voc and Jsc remain comparatively minor. The contour plot shown in Fig. 4c reveal that degradation trends correlate more strongly with the accumulated thermal-exposure time than with the number of cycles alone. Together, these results indicate that thermomechanical fatigue primarily manifests through resistive and interfacial losses rather than bulk recombination or optical absorption losses. Additional J-V measurements under ~1,360 W m^-2 (AM0-approximated) illumination further confirm the robustness of the DMSLA-modified devices under elevated operational stress (Fig. 4d). Statistical distribution and additional information are provided in Supplementary Figs. 31 and 32. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) analysis of the encapsulated solar cells—conducted under conditions of 45 °C ± 5 °C, 70 ± 10% relative humidity, and ~1,000 W m^-2 equivalent 1-sun illumination- revealed that DMSLA-based target devices remained almost unchanged, while the control samples lost 33% of their initial efficiency after 500 h (Fig. 4e). The high PCE retention observed during MPPT measurements, compared to the lower retention seen in thermal fatigue tests, indicates that extreme temperature cycling may present a more significant challenge than continuous MPPT operation. Nonetheless, maintaining operational stability at elevated temperatures remains equally important and should not be underestimated. The initial J–V curves and corresponding photovoltaic parameters prior to MPPT testing are provided in Supplementary Fig. 33.
a Temperature profile of the thermal cycling protocol and the corresponding evolution of device parameters over sixteen cycles. b J–V characteristics of representative devices measured under ~1000 W m^-2 equivalent 1-sun intensity illumination before and after thermal cycling. c Contour maps showing the dependence of normalized fill factor (FF) on thermal cycle duration and number of cycles for control perovskite solar cells; white dashed lines indicate contours of constant total thermal-exposure time d J–V characteristics of representative devices measured under ~1360 W m^-2 illumination (AM0 approximation) e MPPT results of encapsulated perovskite solar cells under ~1000 W m^-2 equivalent 1-sun intensity, measured at 45 °C ± 5 °C and 70 ± 10% relative humidity. In panels b and d, solid lines denote forward scans and dashed lines denote reverse scans.
In this work, we introduced a dual molecular reinforcement strategy to mitigate thermomechanical degradation in PSCs subjected to repeated extreme temperature cycling. This extreme cycling induces severe stress at the contact interfaces, particularly due to the much higher CTE of perovskites relative to substrate materials. In this two-step strategy, grain-to-grain cohesion was enhanced by incorporating α-lipoic acid (LA) into the perovskite precursor, enabling in situ polymerization during thermal processing, while interfacial adhesion between the perovskite layer and the underlying substrate was strengthened through chemical modification of the disulfide ring to a sulfonium group (–S⁺(CH₃)₂), a methylated cationic moiety. Ultimately, the functional groups responsible for these effects—closed-ring sulfur, thiol, and sulfonium salt—were shown to form strong, direct interactions with the perovskite crystal lattice. Their combined contribution acts like a molecular suspension system, critically supporting structural integrity during thermal cycling.
While molecular tailoring strategies have been reported in the context of PSCs and flexible devices, our work uniquely combines grain-boundary reinforcement and interface stabilization to address thermal fatigue over a wide temperature range. The observed improvements in performance retention under repeated cycling highlight the importance of targeting mechanically vulnerable regions within multilayer perovskite device stacks, rather than focusing solely on optoelectronic optimization.
Looking forward, further improvements in thermal fatigue resistance may be achieved through the rational design of multifunctional molecular additives capable of controlled cross-linking across both grain boundaries and interfaces. Extending thermal cycling protocols to higher cycle numbers using automated testing platforms will be essential for establishing long-term degradation trends and for correlating accelerated stress tests with operational lifetime. More broadly, the concepts demonstrated here provide a general framework for improving the durability of perovskite photovoltaics operating under severe temperature cycling conditions.
Cesium iodide (CsI, 99.5%), Lead (II) iodide (PbI2, 99.99%), Lead(II) Chloride (PbCl2, 99.0%), α-lipoic acid (LA), and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) were sourced from TCI. N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF, 99.8%), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 99.8%), Isopropanol (IPA, 99.8%), Chlorobenzene (CB, 99.9%), and ethanol (EtOH, 99.8%) were purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Methylammonium iodide (MAI, 99.5%), Methylammonium bromide (MABr, 99.5%), and formamidinium iodide (FAI, 99.5%) were purchased from GreatCell Solar Materials. Fullerene (C60, 99.5%) and (4-(7H-dibenzo[c,g]carbazol-7-yl)butyl)phosphonic acid (4PADCB) were purchased from Lumtec. Indium tin oxide (ITO, YXKJGI-0006,15 Ω sq^-1) and Bathocuproine (BCP) were purchased from Yingkou Advanced Election Technology Co., Ltd. Lithium fluoride (LiF) and Ethanediamine dihydroiodide (EDAI₂) were purchased from Xi’an Polymer Light Technology, China. All chemicals were used as it is without further purification.
DMSLA was synthesized via a two-step methylation procedure (Supplementary Fig. 1). In the first step, the dithiol carboxylic acid precursor was reacted in a biphasic toluene/water system in the presence of aqueous NaOH and tetrabutylammonium iodide as a phase-transfer catalyst. Iodomethane was added dropwise, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 12 h. The reaction was then acidified to pH 1 using 2 M HCl, followed by the addition of brine. The product was extracted with dichloromethane, and the combined organic layers were dried over anhydrous MgSO₄. Solvent removal under reduced pressure afforded the methylthio-functionalized intermediate as a yellow solid without further purification.
In the second step, the methylthio-functionalized intermediate was dissolved in ethanol, and iodomethane was added dropwise at room temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h, after which the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. Addition of diethyl ether induced precipitation of a yellow solid, which was collected by filtration and washed three times with diethyl ether to yield the final product, 1,3-bis(dimethylsulfonio)heptane-7-carboxylic acid diiodide (DMSLA).
Full synthetic schemes and spectroscopic characterization (^1H and ^13 C NMR) are provided in the Supplementary Information (Supplementary Fig. 1–4).
ITO-coated glass substrates were sequentially cleaned with acetone and isopropyl alcohol (IPA) in an ultrasonic bath for 15 min each, then dried under a stream of nitrogen gas. They were subsequently treated with oxygen plasma for 15 min before the coating process. Following this, the substrates were transferred into a nitrogen-filled glove box. A solution of 4PADCB (0.5 mg mL^-1), prepared in methanol and blended solutions containing LA, DHLA, or DMSLA (in a 4:1 weight ratio), was spin-coated onto the ITO surface at 3,000 rpm for 30 seconds. The films were then annealed on a hot plate at 100 °C for 10 min. The perovskite precursor solution was prepared in 1 mL of a DMF/DMSO (4:1, v/v) mixture, containing 1.7 M Cs_0.05MA_0.10FA_0.85PbI₃ and doped with LA (0.2 mg mL^-1). This solution was deposited onto the modified ITO substrates by spin coating at 5000 rpm for 45 s. Anisole (250 µL) was used as an antisolvent, dropped onto the spinning substrate at the 15th second. The resulting films were immediately annealed at 100 °C for 30 min. Notably, no surface passivation has been applied to perovskite layers. Subsequently, C₆₀ (28 nm), BCP (7 nm) (or 20 nm SnO₂ by ALD followed by 70 nm IZO by sputtering for thermal-shock test), and finally a metallic silver electrode (120 nm) was thermally evaporated in an MBraun thermal evaporator with 1 Å s^-1 deposition rate through a shadow mask.
The 1.6 M perovskite precursor solution with the composition of FA_0.8MA_0.15Cs_0.05PbI₃ (bandgap: 1.55 eV) was prepared by fully dissolving CsI: 20.8 mg, MABr: 7.6 mg, MAI: 38.1 mg, FAI: 234 mg, PbI₂: 738 mg, PbCl₂:18 mg in a mixed solvent of DMF: 800 μL, DMSO:200 μL. The 4PADCB solution with a concentration of 0.5 mg mL^-1 was prepared by dissolving it in EtOH. The EDAI₂ solution with a concentration of 0.5 mg mL^-1 was prepared by dissolving it in IPA. Inverted device architecture was ITO/SAMs/PVK/LiF/C₆₀/BCP/Ag. The ITO was washed with detergent, deionized water, acetone, and ethanol in sequence for 30 minutes. After that, the cleaned ITO substrate was dried by N₂ gas and then treated with plasma for 15 minutes. The 100 μL 4PADCB (0.5 mg mL^-1) dissolved in ethanol, as a hole transport material, was spin-coated on ITO for 30 s at 3000 rpm and then annealed at 100 °C for 10 min. Subsequently, 60 μL perovskite precursor was deposited on the 4PADCB layer. The perovskite solution was spin-coated at 1000 rpm for 10 s, and 5000 rpm for 30 s. At 16 s before the end of the procedure, 200 μL of CB as the antisolvent was dripped into the precast film surface. After that, the substrates were quickly transferred to a hot plate at 100 °C for 50 min annealing. For post-treatment, the 55 μl EDAI₂ dissolved in IPA was spin-coated on the perovskite surface at 5000 rpm for 30 s and then annealed at 100 °C for 10 min. The spin-coating processes were all conducted at room temperature (about 25 °C) in a N₂-filled glovebox. Finally, 1 nm LiF at a rate of 0.1 Å s^-1, 25 nm C₆₀ at a rate of 0.1 Å s^-1, 6 nm BCP at a rate of 0.1 Å s^-1, and 100 nm silver electrode at a rate of 1.0 Å s^-1 were thermally evaporated, respectively, under high vacuum ( < 4 × 10⁻⁴ Torr).
The device is covered with two barrier films (polyethylene terephthalate), using Polyolefin Elastomer (POE) as the top and bottom encapsulation material and butyl rubber as the edge sealant. Under a temperature of 110 °C and a pressure of 1000 mbar, the assembly is pressed for 20 min to soften the edge sealant and cure the encapsulation material.
Current density–voltage (J–V) measurements were performed using a Newport Oriel Sol 2 A solar simulator, coupled with a Keithley 2401 source meter. Devices were illuminated through a shadow mask, defining an active area of 0.1 cm². J–V curves were recorded under standard AM 1.5 G illumination from a Xenon arc lamp, with the light intensity calibrated to 100 mW cm^-2 using a Fraunhofer ISE-certified silicon reference cell, with a stabilization time of 5 s and a voltage step size of 0.02 V, and the measurements were performed in ambient atmosphere at room temperature. Additionally, at LMU, a spectrophotometer was used to measure the spectrum of the solar simulator, and the illumination intensity was directly calibrated to minimize spectral mismatch by using the provided EQE data together with the NREL AM 1.5 G reference spectrum. EQE curves were acquired using a solar cell spectral response measurement system (QE-R, Enli Technology Co. Ltd).
¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded using a Bruker AVANCE III HD 400 MHz spectrometer. Chemical shifts were calibrated using the solvent signal DMSO-d₆ as an internal reference.
CV measurements were performed using a CHI660 electrochemical workstation (CH Instruments). An Ag/AgCl (3 M NaCl) reference electrode and a Pt-wire counter electrode were used. The CV experiments were performed in a solution containing 1,2-dichlorobenzene (o-DCB) with 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate (TBA⁺PF₆^–). The geometric area of the ITO electrode exposed to the solution for electrochemical measurement was 1.245 cm², and the CV data were measured at scan rates of 100 mV s^-1, 200 mV s^-1, 300 mV s^-1, and 400 mV s^-1. Samples for the C-V measurements were prepared by depositing 4PADCB or a mixture of 4PADCB:LA/DHLA/DMSLA (in a molar ratio of 2:1) in ethanol solution was uniformly spread on ITO and allowed to rest for 10 s, followed by spinning of the films at 3000 rpm for 30 s. The films were then annealed at 100 °C for 10 min.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was performed on a Thermo Scientific K-Alpha with an Al-Kα X-ray source. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy (UPS) was performed using a Kratos Analytical ESCALAB-250Xi photoelectron spectrometer, with He(I) excitation at 21.22 eV.
UV–Vis optical measurements were carried out using a PerkinElmer Lambda 1050 spectrometer equipped with an integrating sphere. Both transmittance (T) and reflectance (R) spectra were recorded on thin-film samples deposited on glass substrates. The absorptance (A) of the films was then calculated according to the relation A = 1 – T – R, which inherently corrects for baseline offsets by accounting for substrate transmission and surface reflection losses. The resulting spectra were used to construct Tauc plots for bandgap estimation, as shown in Supplementary Fig. 22a, b. All films exhibited similar absorption characteristics with no major spectral shifts, although a slight red shift was observed for the DMSLA-treated sample. The estimated optical bandgaps for all conditions were approximately 1.55 eV, confirming negligible variation among the samples (Supplementary Fig. 22b).
Time-resolved PL spectra of the perovskite films fabricated on different SAM-modified ITO substrates were studied using a Picoquant FluoTime 300 spectrofluorometer with an excitation wavelength of 375 nm.
The morphology of perovskite films on textured Si with different self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) was analyzed using an in-house FEI Helios Nanolab G3 UC DualBeam scanning electron microscope (SEM). Cross-sectional and top-view images were acquired at 2 kV and 3 kV, respectively, to minimize beam-induced damage to the perovskite film while ensuring adequate resolution and contrast, using the TLD detector. Samples, prepared from the active area, were mounted on silver paste, and no additional conductive coating was applied.
GIWAXS measurements were carried out on an Anton-Paar SAXSpoint 2.0 with a Primux 100 microfocus source with Cu-K_α1 radiation (λ = 1.5406 Å) and a Dectris Eiger R 1 M 2D Detector.XRD.
XRD measurements were carried out on a Bruker D8 Discover diffractometer in Bragg–Brentano geometry, using Ni-filtered Cu-K_α1 radiation (λ = 1.5406 Å) and an apposition-sensitive LynxEye detector.
AFM measurements were performed using a Bruker Dimension Icon in PeakForce Tapping mode, which enables the simultaneous capture of mechanical properties and topography. The used cantilevers (RTESPA-300) were initially characterized on calibration samples (PFQNM-SMPKIT-12M) and by a thermal tune to determine the deflection sensitivity, spring constant, and tip radius. All scans were performed in a nitrogen atmosphere to reduce the degradation of the perovskite. For the scans, we used a scan rate of 0.8 Hz, 512 samples/line, and a peak force of 20 nN for the top side and 5 nN for the peeled bottom side of the perovskite. Data analysis was performed with the open-source software Gwyddion.
In this procedure, the sample was prepared following the same steps as in the device fabrication process up to the deposition of the perovskite layer. The perovskite surface was first coated with a thin layer of PMMA to protect the underlying perovskite layer from moisture and to prevent direct contact with the epoxy adhesive used in subsequent preparation steps. A 10 wt% PMMA solution in chlorobenzene was spin-coated onto the prepared perovskite film surfaces at 2000 rpm for 30 s, followed by drying at room temperature for 24 h. A 10 mm-diameter circular steel dolly was then bonded onto the PMMA-coated surface using epoxy adhesive (Huntsman Araldite 420). The assembly was cured at room temperature for 1 hour, followed by an additional curing step at 60 °C for 4 h to ensure full polymerization of the adhesive. To ensure consistency across all tests, the volume of epoxy applied was carefully controlled so that the bondline area remained consistent. After curing, a steel wire was used to connect the dolly to the upper grip of the universal testing machine. All tests were performed using an Instron 5944 Single Column Electro-Mechanical Testing Machine equipped with a 2 kN load cell, under a constant displacement rate of 0.1 mm/min(quasi-static). The interfacial tensile strength was calculated by dividing the maximum measured pull-off force by the bonded area.
Thermal cycling experiments were performed using a custom-built closed-lid setup designed to achieve reproducible and well-controlled temperature cycling between –80 °C and +80 °C. To prevent frost formation and maintain dry ambient conditions, dry air was circulated within the sealed chamber, and cycling was initiated only after the integrated DHT22 temperature–humidity sensor indicated 0% relative humidity. The sample temperature was monitored directly from the device surface using a K-type thermocouple placed in contact with the substrate to accurately capture the thermal load experienced by the cells. A schematic representation of the thermal fatigue experimental setup is provided in Supplementary Fig. 26.
We carried out first-principles calculations based on DFT using a plane-wave basis set in conjunction with the projector augmented-wave (PAW) method. To describe exchange–correlation interactions, we employed the PBEsol functional, a revised version of the generalized gradient approximation developed by Perdew, Burke, and Ernzerhof³⁶. Long-range dispersion interactions were accounted for using the DFT-D3 correction proposed by Grimme³⁷. Initial structures were constructed using experimentally reported lattice parameters of ITO and FAPbI₃. All self-consistent field and structural optimization calculations were performed using a plane-wave energy cutoff of 400 eV and a k-point mesh with a spacing of 0.03 × 2π/Å. Both atomic positions and lattice parameters were relaxed using the conjugate gradient algorithm until the maximum residual force on each atom was less than 0.02 eV/Å. Unless otherwise specified, all simulations were conducted using the VASP software package^38,39 following this protocol.
Further information on research design is available in the Nature Portfolio Reporting Summary linked to this article.
The data generated in this study are provided in the Supplementary Information/Source Data file. All other data are available from the corresponding authors on request. Source data are provided with this paper.
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This work is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Program (INPERSPACE, Grant Agreement No. 101077006 to E.A.). The authors thank Dr. Steffen Schmidt for his assistance with the SEM measurements and for preparing the samples for TEM analysis. We also thank Dr. Markus Döblinger for conducting the TEM measurements. We acknowledge Hongqiang Guo for the synthesis and characterization of DMSLA in Tianjin. We further thank Tianjin Meitong Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. for providing the LED Solar Simulator (MT-LED-110) used for AM0 measurements.
Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.
These authors contributed equally: Cem Yilmaz, Ali Buyruk, Yating Shi.
Department of Chemistry, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Butenandtstraße 11 (E), Munich, Germany
Cem Yilmaz, Ali Buyruk, Rik Hooijer, Jian Huang, Hao Zhu, Esma Ugur & Erkan Aydin
School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
Yating Shi & Fei Zhang
Physics Department, School of Natural Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Am Coulombwall 4, Garching, Germany
Sergej Levashov & Johanna Eichhorn
Mechanics of Composites for Energy and Mobility Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia
Xiaole Li & Gilles Lubineau
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Heidenhofstr, Freiburg, Germany
Oliver Fischer & Martin C. Schubert
Chair of Photovoltaic Energy Conversion, Department of Sustainable Systems Engineering INATECH, University of Freiburg, Emmy-Noether-Str, Freiburg, Germany
Oliver Fischer & Martin C. Schubert
Department of Physics, Marmara University, Ziverbey, Türkiye
Caner Deger & Ilhan Yavuz
Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemical Science and Engineering (Tianjin), Tianjin, China
Fei Zhang
Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, China
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A.B. conceived the idea, A.B., C.Y., and Y.S. planned and carried out the experiments. C.Y. built the thermal cycling test setup and assisted with the tests. Y.S. conducted device fabrication, analysis, and carried out UPS, XPS, and coverage factor analysis. S.L. and J.E. performed and analyzed nanoscale mechanical measurements. X.L. and G.L. conducted and analyzed pull-off tests. J.H. analyzed the UPS data. H.Z. contributed to the optimization of the solar cells. R.H. carried out GIWAXS measurements and assisted with the synthesis. O.F. and M.S. executed PL and EL measurements on the devices and evaluated the results. C.D. and I.Y. conducted computational simulations and analyzed the outcomes. E.U. contributed to the analysis of optoelectronic measurements. F.Z. contributed to the analysis of device performance and related measurements and supervised the experiments in Tianjin. E.A. supervised the work and secured funding. All authors contributed to writing.
Correspondence to Fei Zhang or Erkan Aydin.
The authors declare no competing interests.
Nature Communications thanks Jueming Bing and the other anonymous reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work. A peer review file is available.
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Yilmaz, C., Buyruk, A., Shi, Y. et al. Perovskite solar cells with enhanced thermal fatigue resistance under extreme temperature cycling. Nat Commun 17, 3669 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-70293-7
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Lead-halide perovskites, even when packed with impurities and structural flaws, are remarkably effective at turning sunlight into electricity. Their performance is now approaching that of silicon-based solar cells, which have long dominated the industry. In a recent study published in Nature Communications, researchers at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA) present a detailed explanation for this unexpected efficiency, solving a mystery that has puzzled scientists for years.
It raises an obvious question: how can a relatively simple, low-cost material compete with highly refined silicon technology developed over decades? Over the past 15 years, lead-halide perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation solar cells. Unlike silicon, which requires ultra-pure single-crystal wafers, these materials can be produced using inexpensive solution-based methods while delivering comparable performance.
Researchers Dmytro Rak and Zhanybek Alpichshev at ISTA have now identified the underlying mechanism behind these unusual properties. Their findings reveal a surprising contrast with traditional solar technology. Silicon depends on near-perfect purity to function efficiently, but perovskites benefit from their imperfections. According to the team, a naturally occurring network of structural defects allows electrical charges to travel long distances through the material, which is essential for efficient energy conversion. "Our work provides the first physical explanation of these materials while accounting for most-if not all-of their documented properties," says Rak. This insight could help move perovskite solar cells closer to widespread real-world use.
From Overlooked Materials to Solar Breakthroughs
The term "lead-halide perovskites" refers to a group of compounds first identified in the 1970s. They were named for their structural resemblance to perovskites, a broader class of oxide materials widely studied in materials science. Aside from their ability to form stable hybrid organic-inorganic crystals, they initially attracted little attention and were largely set aside after basic characterization.
That changed in the early 2010s, when researchers discovered their impressive ability to convert light into electricity. Since then, perovskites have also shown promise in LEDs, as well as X-ray detection and imaging technologies. "In addition, these materials exhibit astounding quantum properties, such as quantum coherence at room temperature," explains Alpichshev, whose research group studies complex phenomena in advanced materials.
How Solar Cells Generate and Transport Charge
For any solar cell to work efficiently, it must absorb sunlight and convert it into electrical charges. This process produces negatively charged electrons and positively charged "holes." These charges then need to travel through the material and reach the electrodes to generate usable electricity.
This journey is not simple. Charges must move across distances of hundreds of microns, which would correspond to hundreds of kilometers on a human scale, without becoming trapped or lost along the way.
In silicon-based solar cells, this challenge is addressed by eliminating defects that could capture charges before they reach the electrodes. Perovskites, however, are created using solution-based methods and naturally contain many defects. This makes their strong performance even more surprising. How can charges move efficiently through such a flawed material, and why do they remain separated long enough to do so?
Discovering Hidden Forces Inside Perovskites
One known property of perovskites adds to the puzzle. When electrons and holes form a bound pair called an exciton, they tend to recombine quickly. Yet experiments show that these charges often remain separated for extended periods within the material.
To explain this contradiction, the ISTA team proposed that internal forces within perovskites actively pull electrons and holes apart, preventing recombination. To test this idea, they used nonlinear optical techniques to inject charges deep inside the material. Each time they introduced electrons and holes, they observed a consistent electrical current flowing in the same direction, even without applying any external voltage. "This observation clearly indicated that even deep inside single crystals of unmodified, as-grown perovskites, there are internal forces that separate opposite charges," says Alpichshev.
Earlier studies had suggested that such behavior should not occur based on the material’s crystal structure. To resolve this discrepancy, the researchers proposed that charge separation is not uniform. Instead, it occurs at specific regions known as "domain walls," where the structure of the material is slightly altered. These domain walls form interconnected networks throughout the material.
Visualizing Domain Walls With Silver Ions
Confirming the existence of these networks presented a major challenge. Most measurement techniques only probe the surface of a material, while the domain walls exist deep inside.
To overcome this limitation, Rak developed a new approach inspired by his background in chemistry. Since perovskites can conduct ions, he explored whether certain ions could act as markers to reveal internal structures. He introduced silver ions into the material, which naturally migrated and accumulated along the domain walls. These ions were then converted into metallic silver, making the network visible under a microscope.
"This qualitative technique, invented and implemented at ISTA, is much like angiography in living tissues — except that we are examining the micro-structure of a crystal," says Alpichshev.
Charge "Highways" Enable Efficient Energy Flow
The discovery of a dense network of domain walls throughout perovskites proved to be a turning point. These structures act as pathways that guide electrical charges through the material.
As Rak explains, "If an electron-hole pair is created near a domain wall, the local electric field pulls the electron and the hole apart, placing them on opposite sides of the wall. Unable to recombine immediately, they can drift along the domain walls for what seems like eons on a charge carrier’s timescale and travel long distances." In effect, these domain walls function as "highways for charge carriers," allowing charges to move efficiently and contribute to electricity generation.
A Complete Explanation and a Path Forward
The researchers emphasize that their work provides a unified explanation for the behavior of perovskites. "With this comprehensive picture, we are finally able to reconcile many previously conflicting observations about lead-halide perovskites, resolving a long-standing debate about the source of their superior energy-harvesting efficiency," says Rak.
Until now, most efforts to improve perovskite solar cells have focused on adjusting their chemical composition, with limited progress. This new understanding opens the door to engineering their internal structure instead, potentially increasing efficiency without sacrificing their low-cost production advantages. The findings could play a key role in bringing next-generation solar technology from the lab into widespread use.
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Solar energy is usually talked about as a clean and safer step for the future, and in many ways, that is true. Rooftop solar systems help reduce emissions, lower electricity costs, and make buildings less dependent on traditional power sources. But one thing people often miss is that every solar installation also adds another layer of electrical fire risk.
In 2026, fire safety in solar has become a serious concern for commercial buildings, warehouses, factories, hospitals, and homes. Solar PV continues to grow rapidly, with more than 600 TWh of new solar generation added each year, making it a major part of global power infrastructure.
This growth brings hidden risks. Most solar panel fire risk does not begin with the panel itself. It usually starts in faulty DC connectors, overheated inverters, damaged cabling, poor grounding, or lithium-ion battery failures.
Electrical faults already cause thousands of fires every year. Fire departments respond to around 46,700 home fires linked to electrical failure or malfunction, and nearly half of those involve electrical distribution systems. When solar adds more wiring, more inverters, and more battery storage, the risk becomes harder to ignore. This is why stronger fire safety awareness is essential for building owners, facility teams, and installers from the very beginning.
Fire risks in solar installations are going up because solar systems are bigger now and, honestly, much more complicated than they used to be. A few years back, most people only thought about rooftop panels. Now, many buildings run solar with battery storage, smart inverters, EV charging points, and much heavier electrical demand. More equipment means more wiring, more connections, and simply more chances for something to fail.
In 2025 alone, global solar PV added nearly 700 GW of new capacity, which pushed total installed capacity close to 3 TW. That is a massive jump. More rooftops and larger commercial systems naturally mean more places where faults can develop. Fire safety in solar is no longer something people can treat as a side issue after installation.
Battery Energy Storage Systems, especially lithium-ion batteries, make things harder. When these systems fail, the fires are often more serious and much harder to control than normal electrical fires. They burn longer and create more risk for emergency teams, and they are becoming more common as facilities add storage for backup power and energy management.
Heat is also part of the problem. Long heatwaves, poor airflow, and constant rooftop exposure put stress on inverters, cables, and battery units. Small faults build slowly. Most of the time, nobody notices until overheating starts.
Installation quality still causes many solar system safety issues. Fast growth has also brought rushed projects, cheap materials, and contractors who are not properly qualified. It may save money at first, but later it can turn into a serious solar inverter fire risk. Fire safety for solar installations really starts with getting the basics right.
Many solar fire incidents are traced back to parts that people rarely notice first. In many cases, the bigger problem comes from connectors, cables, inverters, junction boxes, and battery storage units rather than the panels sitting on the roof. These smaller components create far more fire incidents than most building owners expect.
A lot of electrical fire causes start with faulty DC connectors, especially MC4 connectors. If they are loose, badly installed, or mixed with incompatible parts from different manufacturers, they begin to create resistance and heat. At first, it looks like a small issue. Over time, that heat keeps building and can lead to arcing or even ignition.
DC arc faults are one of the more serious hidden risks. Direct current does not stop the same way AC power does, so once an arc starts, it is harder to control. The heat keeps building inside rooftops, walls, or inverter spaces, and often there is no clear warning before the damage gets serious.
Solar inverter fire risk is another problem that gets overlooked. Inverters work every day, and they generate constant heat. If ventilation is poor, dust builds up, or the system is overloaded, the risk increases fast. Without regular checks, overheating becomes much more likely.
Battery storage systems bring a different kind of fire risk. Lithium-ion batteries can go into thermal runaway, where one overheated cell triggers the next one, and the problem spreads through the battery pack. These fires burn hotter, last longer, and often release toxic gases.
Even cable damage creates trouble years later. Sun exposure, moisture, rodents, roof pressure, and weak grounding slowly damage insulation and increase the chance of short circuits. Most solar fires are not sudden accidents. Strong fire safety in solar starts by finding these small problems before they turn into major fire incidents.
Solar panel fires are not common, but that does not mean the risk is small. Most incidents trace back to installation mistakes, connector failures, inverter overheating, or maintenance problems that were ignored for too long. When you look at real cases from different countries, the same lesson keeps appearing: small electrical faults often turn into major fire incidents when warning signs are missed.
At Amazon fulfillment centers in the United States, rooftop solar systems were linked to fire incidents caused by electrical faults. That pushed many large companies to take a closer look at rooftop inspections, inverter checks, and the quality of installation work. Large commercial systems cannot be treated as a one-time installation project and then forgotten.
The UK saw several rooftop fires in schools, warehouses, and commercial buildings, where isolator failures and aging inverter systems were part of the problem. A government-backed Building Research Establishment investigation reviewed more than 50 solar PV fire incidents and found repeated problems with DC isolators, connectors, and inverters. DC isolators were linked to 18 fires, while DC connectors caused 10 incidents, and inverters were responsible for 7 more. The report also found that more than 36% of these fires were directly caused by installation problems, which shows how much poor workmanship still affects rooftop solar safety. Some sites had to shut down temporarily, while others required emergency evacuations. What started as a small electrical issue quickly turned into a serious operational and safety problem.
Australia had similar issues with residential systems, especially with defective DC isolators. Fire investigations pointed back to low-quality parts and poor installation work. Germany also reported cases where inverter overheating and DC arc faults caused rooftop fires and full system shutdowns.
Battery Energy Storage System fires create even bigger problems. When large solar farm batteries catch fire, they can burn for hours and release toxic smoke. Firefighters often cannot move in with normal suppression methods and sometimes have to manage the situation from a distance.
Across all these cases, the lesson stays the same. Most solar system safety issues start small. A missed inspection, a weak connection, or one failing component can turn into a much bigger fire later. Strong fire safety in solar depends far more on prevention than reacting after the fire starts.
Fire safety in solar is not only about passing an installation check anymore. In 2026, the focus is much bigger than that. It starts with system design and continues through battery storage, maintenance, emergency access, and even how firefighters will handle the site during a fire. Fire safety for solar installations really begins long before the first panel is installed.
NFPA standards still sit at the center of this. NFPA 70, especially Article 690 in the National Electrical Code, covers things like PV wiring, grounding, disconnects, warning labels, and rapid shutdown systems. That last part matters a lot because firefighters need a safer way to work around live rooftop solar equipment when an emergency happens.
Battery storage has pushed regulations even further. NFPA 855 focuses on stationary energy storage systems, especially lithium-ion batteries, where thermal runaway can turn a small issue into a serious fire. Proper ventilation, battery separation, and fire-rated enclosures are no longer seen as extra precautions. They are part of normal fire safety planning now.
IEC standards like IEC 62446 and IEC 62548 also support safer installation, testing, and inspections. Clear rooftop access, visible DC warning signs, and certified components all matter. Good compliance is not paperwork. It is what helps keep solar systems safe when real conditions test them.
Most solar fires do not start as sudden emergencies. They usually begin as small maintenance problems that were easy to miss, such as an inspection that got delayed, weak grounding, poor installation, or equipment that kept overheating without anyone noticing. That is why good fire prevention tips matter from the start, not after the system is already causing trouble.
Fire safety for solar installations starts with how the system is designed and installed. Using approved components, the right inverter size, proper cable routing, and solid grounding removes a lot of risk before the system even goes live. Trying to save money with poor installation often leads to much higher costs later.
Regular inspections make a big difference. Scheduled thermal inspections help identify hotspots in connectors, junction boxes, inverters, and battery units before visible damage appears. Routine checks for dust buildup, corrosion, moisture, and loose wiring also help prevent a small issue from turning into a serious solar inverter fire risk.
Rapid shutdown systems and arc-fault detection also help a lot. They lower the dangerous voltage during emergencies and can stop overheating before it turns into ignition. That makes fire safety in solar better for both building teams and firefighters.
Battery storage systems need even more attention. Good ventilation, fire-rated enclosures, temperature monitoring, and safe separation from occupied spaces all help reduce thermal runaway risks. Most of the time, prevention is not about doing something dramatic. It is about building systems that stay safe every day.
A lot of fire prevention starts before anyone sees smoke or smells something burning. In solar systems, the real benefit comes from catching small warning signs early, before they turn into bigger problems. That is why smart monitoring has become such an important part of fire safety in solar.
Manual inspections are still important, but they only show what is happening at that moment. Large solar systems need continuous monitoring because faults can develop between routine checks. Smart monitoring systems track heat, voltage changes, and equipment behavior in real time, helping operators catch unusual patterns before they become visible failures. Many serious fire incidents start with small warning signs that are easy to miss without constant system visibility.
Battery storage needs even closer attention. Battery Management Systems keep checking charging behavior, temperature, and voltage balance across lithium-ion battery packs. If one battery cell starts acting differently, operators can respond early before the issue spreads and becomes a much larger fire risk.
Smart monitoring also helps reduce false alarms. Not every heat change means something is wrong. Dust, steam, or normal operating heat can trigger warnings, so better monitoring helps teams focus on real risks instead of wasting time on harmless changes.
For large rooftops and solar farms, remote monitoring matters even more. Arc-fault alerts, predictive maintenance dashboards, and automatic shutdown systems help reduce long-term solar system safety issues. In many cases, preventing fire is simply about seeing problems early and fixing them before failure happens.
A solar fire is not only harder to put out, but it is often harder to even approach safely. One of the biggest problems is that solar panels can keep generating electricity as long as light is hitting them. Even if the main building power is shut off, rooftop PV systems may still carry live DC current, and that creates a real shock risk for firefighters.
Because of that, normal firefighting tactics change. Crews may avoid cutting through the roof for ventilation because hidden energized cables can run under the panels. Direct current arcs are also harder to stop than normal AC faults, so suppression work becomes more dangerous and much slower.
Large rooftop systems bring another problem. When panels cover most of the roof, safe walking space becomes limited, and access points get harder to reach. Rescue work, ventilation, and movement across the roof all become more difficult. Many older systems were installed without thinking much about firefighter access.
Battery storage systems make things even tougher. Lithium-ion battery fires can restart hours after the first suppression, and they may release toxic gases like hydrogen fluoride. In some large Battery Energy Storage System fires, crews need cooling and isolation instead of direct extinguishing, which takes more time and creates more risk.
Fire safety in solar is not only about preventing fires before they start. It also depends on proper system design, clear rooftop access, and emergency planning that allows firefighters to respond safely when every second matters.
The future of fire safety in solar energy is moving toward prevention much earlier in the process. Instead of waiting for faults to become visible problems, newer systems are being designed to detect risks sooner and stop small failures before they turn into major fire events. Fire safety in solar is becoming part of system design itself, not something added later after installation.
A big part of that shift comes from AI fire detection in solar systems becoming standard in larger commercial projects. Smart monitoring is no longer treated as an extra feature. Early warning systems, predictive maintenance tools, and automated shutdown responses are becoming part of normal operational planning because they help reduce long-term solar system safety issues before damage begins.
Battery storage is also pushing stronger safety expectations. As more sites add lithium-ion systems, better Battery Management Systems, stronger ventilation rules, and fire-rated enclosures are becoming basic requirements, not optional upgrades. Small battery faults can spread quickly, so early detection matters as much as physical protection.
Insurance providers are also changing the conversation. Many large projects now require stronger compliance records, safer system layouts, and documented maintenance before coverage is approved. Future regulations will likely demand stricter inspections, better rooftop firefighter access, and clearer emergency shutdown systems.
Clean energy growth matters, but safe energy growth matters more. The strongest solar systems of the future will be the ones designed to prevent failure before it starts.
Solar energy is growing fast, but safe growth matters just as much as clean growth. Many solar fire incidents begin with small electrical faults that stay unnoticed for too long, loose connectors, overheating inverters, damaged cables, or battery failures that slowly turn into serious risks.
That is why fire safety in solar cannot be ignored. Fire safety for solar installations starts with better design, certified installation, regular inspections, and systems that help detect problems early. Stronger standards, smarter monitoring, and proper emergency planning all play a part.
Prevention will always be more effective than emergency response. The safest solar systems are not the ones that respond faster to fire, but the ones built to stop fires from starting in the first place. Solar is only truly sustainable when it is also safe.
Solar panels can create fire risks, but serious incidents are still relatively rare when systems are designed and maintained properly. The bigger concern usually comes from faulty installation, damaged wiring, poor connections, or battery problems rather than the panels themselves.
Loose DC connectors, inverter overheating, damaged cable insulation, weak grounding, and battery faults are some of the most common causes. Small electrical issues often stay unnoticed for a long time, and that is usually when bigger fire problems begin.
Yes, lithium-ion solar batteries can catch fire if they overheat or enter thermal runaway. This can happen because of charging faults, physical damage, poor ventilation, or internal battery failure if the system is not properly managed.
Good design, certified installation, regular inspections, thermal monitoring, and proper grounding make the biggest difference. Rapid shutdown systems, battery ventilation, and routine maintenance also help stop small faults before they become dangerous.
Standards like NFPA 70, NFPA 855, and IEC 62446 help guide safer solar installation and battery storage. They cover wiring, grounding, shutdown systems, warning labels, and emergency access for firefighters.
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Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are redefining the future of photovoltaic technology by combining remarkable energy conversion efficiencies with the promise of low manufacturing costs. Since their inception, PSCs have demonstrated an impressive trajectory of performance gains, now rivalling and in some cases surpassing traditional silicon-based solar cells. Despite such potential, the pervasive use of lead—a toxic heavy metal—in their composition remains a critical barrier to widespread adoption and commercialization. The environmental and health risks linked to lead exposure have intensified calls for responsible development paths, prompting researchers to explore the delicate balance between harnessing perovskite benefits and mitigating lead hazards.
The lead content intrinsic to PSCs raises significant concerns not only during device operation but also at the end of their lifecycle, when solar panels are disposed of or recycled. Lead’s toxicity, coupled with its potential for environmental leakage, demands rigorous strategies to contain and neutralize its impact. Recent studies have advanced beyond qualitative assessments, introducing quantitative frameworks to measure how effectively lead can be isolated and stabilized within perovskite modules. Among these, metrics such as sequestration efficiency and lifetime provide a foundational understanding of how long and how well lead can be immobilized, affording practical benchmarks for evaluating different mitigation approaches.
Sequestration efficiency refers essentially to the degree to which lead is chemically or physically confined within the solar device structure under various conditions, including damage scenarios. A high sequestration efficiency indicates that, even in the event of panel breakage, lead will not leach into the surrounding environment in harmful concentrations. Complementing this, the sequestration lifetime metric estimates the durability of lead immobilization over time, thus shedding light on long-term safety profiles. Together, these metrics enable a more precise and actionable evaluation of lead mitigation techniques, informing material selection, device engineering, and end-of-life handling strategies.
Several methods have emerged to improve lead containment within PSCs. Encapsulation is a popular approach wherein perovskite layers are sandwiched between protective barriers designed to prevent lead exposure. Chemical immobilization involves binding lead ions to stable compounds or structures within or adjacent to the perovskite matrix, thereby reducing mobility. Advances in the use of lead-absorbent materials, such as certain phosphates or silicates, show promise in creating internal “sinks” that trap lead even when the cell’s integrity is compromised. The challenge lies in optimizing these methods without compromising device efficiency or economic feasibility.
Device efficiency remains a pivotal factor. Any lead mitigation strategy must not detract significantly from the photovoltaic performance that positions PSCs as disruptive technologies. Recent innovations indicate that some sequestration materials can be integrated without detrimental effects on charge transport or light absorption, highlighting the possibility of harmonizing safety with performance. Furthermore, these methods must be scalable and cost-effective to facilitate mass production and commercial viability, ensuring that lead remediation does not transform into an economic or manufacturing bottleneck.
Beyond device-level engineering, the sourcing and lifecycle management of lead used in PSCs constitute another pillar of sustainable commercialization. Advocating the use of recycled lead, particularly from ubiquitous lead-acid batteries, resonates with circular economy principles. Lead from spent batteries offers a sustainable feedstock that diminishes reliance on virgin lead mining, which is associated with severe environmental degradation and occupational hazards. Incorporating recycled lead into PSC manufacturing not only reduces raw material costs but also provides a built-in channel for end-of-life lead recovery, promoting a closed-loop system.
Such closed-loop recycling infrastructure requires collaboration across industries, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers. Policies fostering producer responsibility can incentivize the collection and recycling of expired or damaged perovskite modules. This systemic approach ensures that lead does not escape into the environment but is continuously reprocessed into new solar cells, minimizing waste and hazard accumulation. However, the establishment of such frameworks demands considerable investment, coordinated logistics, and robust regulatory oversight to be effective at scale.
The review also identifies critical bottlenecks in current lead mitigation efforts, particularly the need for comprehensive field testing and long-term durability studies under real-world operational conditions. Laboratory tests under controlled environments may underestimate degradation, mechanical stress, and environmental interactions occur over years. Therefore, continuous monitoring and accelerated aging protocols are essential to validate the sustained effectiveness of lead sequestration technologies and predict potential failure modes.
Addressing public perceptions and regulatory hurdles linked to lead use is equally crucial. Public apprehension regarding toxic materials in renewable energy systems can slow market acceptance and policy support. Transparent communication about risks, mitigation strategies, and environmental safeguards can bolster trust and accelerate deployment. Meanwhile, regulatory agencies must balance precautionary principles with innovation support, crafting guidelines that enable responsible commercialization without stifling technological progress.
In addition to chemical and physical containment, emerging research explores alternative perovskite compositions with reduced or eliminated lead content. Tin-based perovskites have attracted attention but currently suffer from stability and efficiency challenges. While lead-free alternatives are a promising long-term direction, their current performance gap means that lead-containing PSCs remain the near-term focus. Consequently, emphasis is rightly placed on managing lead risks effectively until more viable substitutes emerge.
The broader implications for global photovoltaic deployment are profound. PSCs hold the potential to accelerate energy transitions by lowering the expense and broadening the applicability of solar technology, especially in regions where cost-sensitive solutions are needed. Ensuring the safe use of lead within PSC systems aligns with broader sustainability goals, integrating environmental protection, public health, and renewable energy advancement into a coherent framework.
In conclusion, the path to safer commercialization of perovskite solar cells involves a multi-pronged effort across material science, engineering, policy, and industry collaboration. Quantitative metrics like sequestration efficiency and lifetime provide valuable tools to assess and optimize lead immobilization strategies. The integration of recycled lead sources and the establishment of closed-loop recycling systems promise to transform lead from an environmental liability into a manageable and sustainable resource. Ultimately, by confronting lead toxicity head-on with scientifically informed approaches, the photovoltaic community can unlock the transformative potential of perovskite solar technology while safeguarding health and the environment.
This comprehensive review serves as a roadmap for stakeholders aiming to responsibly harness the advantages of PSCs. It emphasizes that lead toxicity challenges are neither insurmountable nor static but rather dynamic issues requiring continued innovation and vigilance. As research and policy evolve in tandem, the vision of affordable, high-efficiency, and environmentally safe perovskite solar cells comes into ever-sharper focus, heralding a promising era in clean energy technology.
Subject of Research: Mitigation of lead toxicity in metal halide perovskite solar cells for safer commercialization and sustainability.
Article Title: Mitigating lead toxicity towards safer commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
Article References:
Lin, D., Huang, Y., Chen, Q. et al. Mitigating lead toxicity towards safer commercialization of perovskite solar cells.
Nat Energy (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-026-02037-2
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41560-026-02037-2
Tags: advanced metrics for lead immobilizationenvironmental safety in photovoltaicslead containment strategies in PSCslead risk mitigation in solar technologylead sequestration in photovoltaic cellslifecycle analysis of perovskite solar cellsmetal halide perovskite environmental impactperovskite solar cell commercialization challengesperovskite solar cells lead toxicityreducing heavy metal hazards in solar energysafer perovskite solar cell manufacturingsustainable perovskite solar panel disposal
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Campaigners have vowed to fight a solar farm appeal as they claim the project will destroy farmland.
Bath and North East Somerset Council (Banes) refused permission for the 28.2-hectare (70 acre) solar farm in Burnett, near Keynsham, last year.
The developer, Conrad Energy II Ltd, is now appealing the authority's decision. Chiefs claim the project will create enough energy to power 5,500 homes annually and would still have room for sheep to graze on the fields.
A public consultation into the appeal is under way until 4 May.
The council initially received 41 objections against the site on Burnett Hill and Middlepiece Lane.
People complained the proposals threatened the loss of agricultural land, landscape and local ecology.
"The fields are very open, there is no screening to them at all and, in fact, the panels would all be running along the top of a prominent hill scarp," said resident Richard Arthur.
Potential flooding was also cited as an issue.
"In heavy storms the rain will saturate the ground immediately below the panels, that'll run into hills and there will be a lot more surface water," he added.
A Banes spokesperson said at the time that "significant weight was given to the need for renewable energy, but in this case, with the site location and scale of the development, the harm to the landscape would not be outweighed by the benefits identified".
Conrad Energy said the project would provide clean, renewable energy to the national grid.
"Ecological enhancements are at the heart of it.
"We carefully considered locations to allow the site to continue to be used for agriculture, with the panels designed to allow sheep to graze on the fields below.
"The project is fully reversible, so at the end of its operational life, the panels will be removed, leaving the land around Middlepiece Lane with enhanced biodiversity and an improved local ecosystem as a result," a spokesperson added.
Banes has been approached for comment.
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April 23, 2026– Taiyang News, a globally authoritative photovoltaic media outlet, officially released its April 2026 edition of the “TOP SOLAR MODULES LISTING”. LONGi’s EcoLife series modules (LR7-54HJD-510M), built on HIBC technology, have firmly claimed the top spot with a mass production efficiency of 25%. This milestone marks international recognition of LONGi’s innovation strength in the back-contact (BC) technology pathway and ushers in a new “25%+” era for PV module efficiency.
Since 2022, Taiyang News has published its monthly “TOP SOLAR MODULES Listing,” now widely recognized as an authoritative efficiency ranking in the global PV industry. The ranking imposes stringent inclusion criteria: only products that have achieved large-scale mass production, have complete technical data, and deliver conversion efficiency of ≥21.5% are considered. Moreover, all data must come from commercial products already delivered to end customers. With “real and deliverable” as its baseline, the ranking holds high industry reference value and credibility, serving as a barometer for global PV module efficiency levels. LONGi’s top position proves that its HIBC products have reached the world’s highest efficiency in real mass production.
Behind this achievement lies LONGi’s persistent efforts in BC technology. HIBC (High-temperature/Low-temperature Hybrid Interdigitated Back-Contact) cell technology is a major innovation along LONGi’s BC roadmap. It combines the high passivation performance of heterojunction (HJT) technology with the superior light utilization of the back-contact structure, achieving the world’s first mass production of such modules. In April 2025, the ISFH (Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin) certified LONGi’s HIBC cell efficiency at 27.81%, setting a new world record for this technology and approaching the theoretical limit of single-crystalline silicon cells.
Li Zhenguo, Founder and Chief Technology Officer of LONGi, commented: “This is another peak that LONGi has reached in technological innovation, as well as another major breakthrough in our BC technology journey. We have taken PV module efficiency to a significantly higher level, fully demonstrating the high scalability of BC technology and the substantial room for further efficiency gains.”
The EcoLife series modules, designed specifically for residential applications, deliver a maximum power output of up to 510W. The EcoLife series modules increase the cell-to-module area ratio from 93.2% to 95.1%, thereby significantly enhancing light absorption. To address shading issues, the modules feature a unique quasi-bypass diode structure that enables current routing. Under shading, power loss is reduced by more than 70% compared to TOPCon products, making them highly resistant to soiling and shadows. With a leading power density of 250W/m², the modules effectively solve the challenge of generating more power on limited roof areas, substantially reducing household electricity costs.
Martin Green, known as the “Father of PV” and a professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia, has praised the technology: “On the ‘Solar Cell Efficiency Tables’ list, LONGi’s HIBC technology dominates, taking the number one spot. This is also attributable to LONGi’s persistent efforts on the BC technology track.”
To date, LONGi’s HIBC and BC series modules have gained extensive market validation worldwide. In January 2026, the LONGi EcoLife won the German Excellence Award 2026 in the “Energy & Environment” category. The jury’s citation read: “LONGi EcoLife: Higher Power Generation, Higher Safety – Modules for an Uncertain Climate Future,” specifically acknowledging the product’s technical leadership and application value. In February, LONGi renewed a three-year framework agreement with Energy 3000, a well-known European energy solutions provider, to continuously supply a total of 2GW of high-efficiency PV modules, focusing on HPBC 2.0 and LONGi EcoLife modules based on HIBC technology.
At present, HIBC cell technology has already achieved large-scale mass production. LONGi has built a complete BC technology matrix ranging from HPBC 2.0 to HIBC. Moving forward, LONGi will continue to drive technological innovation, further boost module efficiency and power density through its BC technology platform, deepen global market applications of high-efficiency products such as HIBC, and strive to deliver more valuable clean energy solutions to customers worldwide, contributing to the global energy transition and the realization of carbon neutrality goals.
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As a global leader in green energy technology, LONGi drives innovation across solar, energy storage, and hydrogen—three core pillars of a fully integrated clean energy system. We deliver safe, affordable, and sustainable energy solutions to customers worldwide. Committed to sustainable development, LONGi works to make clean energy accessible and affordable for all. By seamlessly connecting green power generation, energy storage, and hydrogen production, we enable end-to-end clean energy coverage—from generation and storage to consumption—building a truly inclusive and accessible clean energy ecosystem.
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New Delhi: The United States has imposed a preliminary anti-dumping duty of 123.04% on Indian solar cells and modules, pushing the combined tariff burden on these exports beyond 200%.
According to a report by Economic Times, the move comes on top of existing countervailing duties of over 125%. An industry official noted that this resulting tariff stack effectively blocks Indian solar modules from the US market.
In a notice issued on Thursday, April 23, the US Department of Commerce said that it found “critical circumstances” regarding imports from companies including Mundra Solar Energy, Mundra Solar PV, Kowa, and Premier Energies. The department noted that the suspension of liquidation will apply to shipments entered for consumption up to 90 days prior to the publication of the order.

Furthermore, the US department applied an “adverse inference” against four companies, alleging they failed to submit necessary information to calculate the duty margin and did not cooperate with requests for data.
The domestic solar industry stated the preliminary duties will have a limited immediate impact, as exporters have shifted their focus to alternative markets such as Europe and West Asia over the past few years. However, industry bodies strongly contested the US decision.

Subrahmanyam Pulipaka, Chief Executive Officer of the National Solar Energy Federation of India (NSEFI), told Economic Times that the investigation’s findings are “fundamentally flawed and without any logical basis.” Pulipaka added that the NSEFI is drafting a formal representation to challenge the move.
Similarly, Amit Manohar, Secretary General of the Indian Solar Manufacturers Association (ISMA), stated that the industry will contest the preliminary ruling through the final determination process, adding that they remain hopeful of a “favourable outcome.”

The preliminary duties coincide with ongoing negotiations between the US and India for a bilateral trade agreement. The two nations concluded three days of talks in Washington on Wednesday, marking their first in-person discussions since October.
On the stock market, shares of solar manufacturers saw minor fluctuations on Friday following the news with Waaree Energies closing 2.7% lower at Rs 3,320 on the BSE while Vikram Solar ending down 2.3% at Rs 222.4 and Premier Energies recovering from early losses to close 1% higher at Rs 1,011.4.

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Researchers at the University of Tokyo in Japan have fabricated an all-perovskite tandem solar cell using a novel a light-absorbing layer deposition technique using formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) nanoparticles.
FAPbI3 is widely used in high-efficiency perovskite solar cells because its bandgap of around 1.48 eV, which is close to the ideal value for solar energy conversion. It enables strong light absorption and has helped achieve power conversion efficiencies above 25% in research devices. However, its main limitation is that the desired black α-phase is metastable and can transform into a non-functional yellow phase. This has serious consequences for solar cell performance because it directly changes the material from a light-absorbing semiconductor into a wide-bandgap, non-active phase.
To address this, researchers typically use mixed cations, additives, and interface engineering to stabilize the material and improve durability. The Japanese scientists used FAPbI3 nanoparticles that were synthesized beforehand by a hot injection method for perovskite film formation using a two-step method. FAPbI₃-based perovskite layers were fabricated using a solution spin-coating process on cleaned and UV–ozone-treated substrates under inert conditions. A precursor solution was prepared by dissolving PbI₂ and formamidinium iodide (FAI) in a mixed solvent of dimethylformamide-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMF/DMSO) and stirring it until fully homogeneous.
The solution was then spin-coated onto substrates, followed by controlled thermal annealing to induce crystallization of the perovskite film. This process converted the liquid precursor into a dense, crystalline FAPbI₃ thin film with the desired photoactive α-phase.
The four-terminal (4T) tandem device was built with wide-bandgap (WBG) top cell with an efficiency of 24.4% and a bottom narrow-bandgap (NBG) cell with an efficiency of 21.5% and an inverted structure. The two cells were integrated into a four-terminal spectral splitting architecture using dichroic mirrors that separate light at selected wavelengths. This optical design reportedly minimizes losses while enabling efficient utilization of the solar spectrum across both cells.
The top cell was built with a substrate made of glass and fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO), a hole transport layer (HTL) made of tin oxide (Sno2), the perovskite absorber, a Spiro-OMeTAD electron transport layer (ETL) and a gold (Au) metal contact. The bottom inverted device was fabricated with a glass and FTO sustrate, a Spiro-OMeTAD ETL, the perovskite absorber, a buckminsterfullerene (C60) HTL, a bathocuproine (BCP) buffer layer, and a silver (Ag) metal contact.
Image: University of Tokyo
“The main advantage of spectral split two-junction, four-terminal solar cells lies in their ability to reduce losses caused by spectral mismatch while achieving high efficiency,” corresponding author Satoshi Uchida told pv magazine. “This is accomplished by directing incident light to the most suitable subcell according to its wavelength. Furthermore, because of the four-terminal configuration, there is no constraint of current matching, allowing for flexible combinations of solar cells with a wide range of compositions. In addition, even if one subcell experiences a failure, the other can continue generating power, providing an advantage from a maintenance perspective.”
Tested under standard illumination conditions, the four-terminal cell was found to achieve a maximum power conversion efficiency of 30.2%. The best performance was obtained at a 775 nm split wavelength, where the WBG top cell contributes 24.1% and the NBG bottom cell 6.1%. This wavelength closely matches the absorption edge of the top cell, ensuring nearly full utilization of its spectral range. Beyond 775 nm, the top cell gains only a small increase in current, while the bottom cell loses significantly more photocurrent, reducing overall gains.
“Overall, our study demonstrates that carefully chosen spectral splitting wavelengths enable very high efficiencies in both four-terminal and two-terminal perovskite solar cell architectures,” said Uchida.
“As for practical deployment, conventional outdoor photovoltaic systems and integration with concentrator photovoltaics are considered particularly promising for our solar cell concept,” he went on to say. “On the other hand, the high cost of dichroic mirrors used for spectral splitting remains a challenge. For future practical implementation, it will be important not only to build on the findings of this study but also to explore simplified architectures, such as monolithic two-junction two-terminal devices and mechanically stacked two-junction four-terminal devices.”
The tandem device was presented in “All-Perovskite Four-Terminal Spectral Splitting Solar Cells of 30% PCE with FAPbI3 Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Fabricated by Nanoparticle Technology,” published in ACS Omega. 
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A $23.5 million utility-scale solar generation and battery storage project is moving forward near Moorcroft. It will allow Powder River Energy to be in control of a power generation source for the first time in its 80-year history.
April 24, 20265 min read
A $23.5 million utility-scale solar generation and battery storage project is advancing near Moorcroft in a move that will allow Powder River Energy to control a power generation source for the first time in its 80-year history.
With electricity generation of between 1.2 and 1.5 megawatts — with 5 megawatts of battery storage — the LaBelle Prairie Project is small compared to other solar-battery projects proposed in Wyoming.
Enbridge’s $1.2 billion Cowboy Solar I and II projects near Cheyenne are under construction with plans for nearly 800 megawatts of solar generation and about 270 megawatts of battery storage.
NextEra’s Chugwater Energy Project includes wind, along with 150 megawatts each of solar power generation and battery storage.
While not to that scale, the LaBelle Prairie Project is a big step for the Powder River Energy rural electric cooperative, especially with its flexibility to address grid-level peak demand challenges, said company spokesman Tim Velder. 
A bonus is that the project also will reduce annual power costs for Powder River Energy customers, he said.
It’s a big step forward in controlling future power costs, Powder River Energy’s CEO Brian Mills said in a statement.
The project is being funded in part by a federal loan program and tax credits. Powder River Energy is fronting about half the cost.
Crook County Commissioner Chairman Fred Devish called the project a win-win.
Velder said the project will allow the company to manage its power directly with battery storage.
The project comes at a time when Powder River Energy anticipates a growing demand for power with future infrastructure projects. Electricity demand is also growing among the cooperative’s customers, said Velder.
The solar-battery project will help the cooperative address peak demand challenges by having backup power, Velder said.
Electricity needs fluctuate depending on the time of day and time of year. Having backup power storage “helps trim the peaks and fill the valleys,” he said.
Battery backup storage will strengthen system reliability by delivering critical backup power during outages and extreme weather conditions, Velder said.
The project is also expected to save up to $1 million in annual wholesale power costs.
Powder River Energy now buys energy from Basin Electric Power Cooperative, paying for both the energy and a “capacity charge” (also known as “demand charge”), which is assessed on the amount of capacity being purchased.
Having backup power saves money because the cooperative will not have to buy power from another company when it is most expensive.
“It’s like having extra groceries in your pantry so you don’t have to pay more when the demand is high,” Velder said.
That’s great news for Powder River Energy customers, Devish said.
“If we can keep from paying the surge price, the high cost of power at certain hours, that will save me money in my electric bill and everyone else, too,” he said.
With the added battery storage comes more stable power around Moorcroft, Devish said, making power threats from extreme weather less likely.
“This will make power more stable,” Devish said. “The power company is pretty darn responsive. Whenever there is a problem, they get out and get it fixed. 
“But any little blip in the power is kind of a pain in the butt for people anymore.”
Moorcroft Mayor Dale Petersen told Cowboy State Daily that if the project helps with the stability of the power grid, that’s a plus for Moorcroft.
“You never know the outcome of a project like this,” he said. “But any time there’s an upgrade to a power system it has to be positive for those residents.”
Powder River Energy CEO Mills said in a statement that the project will have a three-pronged approach. 
The Moorcroft substation will be upgraded with new equipment, the battery storage units will be installed and solar panels will be put up near the Powder River Energy line service shop, located north of Interstate 90 at exit 153.
“What you’ll end up seeing out there, once we get the permits in place, is construction work later this summer,” Mills said. “It will begin with some dirt work around the substation and then battery containers, and solar panels will follow after the initial site work has been completed.”
Powder River Energy is applying for permits from the Wyoming Public Service Commission and Crook County.
Velder said the cooperative hopes to get its permits in by early May, and he expects to see placement of solar panels and batteries being delivered later this summer.
“It’s like any construction project,” he said. “You might see a whole bunch of activity, and then not much for a couple months. “
The solar panels should be generating electricity by June 2027, and the battery storage facility should be fully functional, Velder said.
Devish said he has been pleased with Powder River Energy’s communication about the project.
“They’ve been very upfront and have answered all the questions,” he said. “They are trying to put forward the good it can do.”
Kate Meadows can be reached at kate@cowboystatedaily.com.
Clair McFarland7 min read
Mark Heinz4 min read
Kate Meadows is a writer for Cowboy State Daily.
Renée JeanApril 23, 2026
Renée JeanApril 22, 2026
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The EBRD has provided a loan to Ukraine’s largest agroholding Kernel to build a 106 MW solar plant, which is the bank’s first credit to the firm since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
Kernel, one of Ukraine’s largest agribusiness groups, has secured a $45 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to construct a solar power plant in southern Ukraine.
The agreement, signed during the Ukraine-EU Business Summit in Brussels, marks the first time the EBRD has provided financing to Kernel since the start of the full-scale war. The project marks a shift toward distributed renewable energy as Ukraine seeks to decentralize its power grid, which remains highly vulnerable to Russian attacks on generation facilities.
Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $86 million, and the EBRD is providing nearly half of the funding. Kernel is in talks with other international creditors to finance part of the remainder, while covering the rest itself.
Partial risk coverage is provided by the EU under the Ukraine Investment Framework (UIF), a €50 billion ($58.8 billion) mechanism designed to mobilize investments for Ukraine’s modernization and green transition.
The project includes the construction of a 106 megawatt (MW) solar power plant equipped with energy storage systems. The plant is expected to produce approximately 141 gigawatt-hour (GWh) of electricity annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 82,500 tons. Kernel plans to integrate it into Ukraine’s Unified Energy System.
“Ukraine is experiencing an acute shortage of generation. Our response to these challenges is the development of distributed generation, including solar and wind power, as well as the implementation of energy storage systems,” Ievgen Osypov, Kernel’s CEO, was quoted as saying in the company’s press release.
According to Kernel’s statement, it aims to build a renewable energy portfolio of up to 600 MW, with total planned investments of around $400 million.
The EBRD deployed a record €2.9 billion ($3.4 billion) in Ukraine in 2025, up from €2.4 billion ($2.82 billion) in 2024. Since February 2022, the bank’s total support for the country has reached €9.1 billion ($10.7 billion), with plans to increase annual financing to €3.3 billion ($3.88 billion) this year.
Despite the ongoing war, the EBRD maintains a high risk appetite, with over 90% of its 2025 projects targeting the private sector. In the energy domain, the bank previously allocated €160 million ($188 million) to fuel and gas station network Ukrnafta for gas-fired distributed generation and €60 million ($70.5 million) to the OKKO Group for wind farm construction.
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“Here’s what fossil fuel corporations don’t want you to know…”
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While many homeowners view solar panels as a way to secure their energy supply or cut utility bills, fewer realize the long-term financial gains that can come with making the switch.
That’s why Lexi Crilley, the solarize coordinator for the Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, decided to share a few valuable points about solar energy as an investment. 
Crilley broke down the numbers for Planet Detroit. 
“Here’s what fossil fuel corporations don’t want you to know: solar has officially become the cheapest form of energy in history,” she said. 
Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers in your area.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
Compared to conventional energy sources, which rely on burning harmful fossil fuels, the math favors solar. According to Crilley, the cost of energy from solar is just $58 per megawatt hour, compared to $122 per megawatt hour for coal and $200 per megawatt hour for gas peaker plants. 
While the U.S. grid runs on a mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy that can push up electricity costs, installing solar panels lets homeowners take advantage of cheaper, locally generated power. 
In fact, homeowners who opt for rooftop solar panels can see up to six figures in savings over the lifetime of their system. 
If you’re curious about what solar panels can do for your home’s energy costs, consider checking out EnergySage for more information, quick installation estimates, and competitive quotes. 
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Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation.
To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner.
As Crilley pointed out, when you compare the payback period — the time it takes for energy savings to cover the upfront cost of a solar system — with its expected lifespan, the numbers point to substantial long-term savings.
“[It] equates to more than two decades of energy you’re not paying for,” Crilley wrote. 
Which of these savings plans for rooftop solar panels would be most appealing for you?
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With America’s aging grid infrastructure and the emergence of energy-hungry data centers, more and more homeowners are feeling the pressure of rising power bills. 
“As renewable energy continues to excel, it will be increasingly expensive to keep fossil fuel power plants running; private utilities can be expected to continue increasing their prices accordingly, placing the burden on residents already struggling to pay bills,” Crilley added. 
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Fortunately, solar panels can help homeowners remove themselves from that expensive equation. By taking power generation into your own hands, you can curb those rising electricity rates or, depending on your system, even fully cut ties with the grid. 
Before you invest in solar, it is important to work with vetted partners to ensure you’re snagging the best system possible. Homeowners who work with EnergySage can see up to $10,000 in savings on solar purchases and installations. 
EnergySage also has a helpful mapping tool that can show you, on a state-by-state level, the average cost of solar in your area as well as details on local incentives. These free resources can ensure you lock in the best price on your home energy upgrade. 
Also, to protect your home from frustrating blackouts and save even more on energy by avoiding peak electricity rates, consider pairing home solar with battery storage. EnergySage can get you information about the best battery option for your home and connect you with competitive installation estimates. 
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ReNew Energy Global announces a 6.5 GW solar ingot-wafer manufacturing facility in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of INR 4,200 crore (approximately $500 million), targeting commissioning within 24 months.
ReNew Energy Global has announced the construction of a 6.5 GW solar ingot-wafer manufacturing facility in the Anakapalli district, near Visakhapatnam, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The company indicates the investment amounts to INR 4,200 crore (approximately $500 million), with commissioning expected within 24 months. The project is expected to create over 2,100 direct and indirect jobs in the state. Against a backdrop of strong sector growth — solar surpassed wind globally in 2025 with 2,778 TWh of output — this announcement signals the acceleration of photovoltaic manufacturing in South Asia.
The new facility will enable ReNew to produce ingots and wafers, upstream components in the photovoltaic manufacturing cycle, supporting its existing cell and module production units. In line with other solar expansions across Asia-Pacific, such as the 125 MWp plant commissioned by Citicore in Pangasinan, India is seeking to strengthen its position across the full value chain. The company cites the forthcoming extension of the ALMM (Approved List of Models and Manufacturers) — India’s regulatory framework for solar equipment certification — to include wafers and ingots from June 2028 as a key enabling factor. This project is part of ReNew’s total investment commitment in Andhra Pradesh estimated at approximately INR 82,000 crore (approximately $9.8 billion), announced at the CII Partnership Summit 2025.
On the industrial capacity front, ReNew indicates it currently operates 6.5 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity. Its cell capacity is expected to reach 6.5 GW by December 2026, with 2.5 GW already operational. During fiscal year 2026, its production units manufactured more than 4.1 GW of modules and approximately 1.86 GW of cells, according to the company. The foundation stone was laid by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
During fiscal year 2026, ReNew’s manufacturing division received an equity investment of INR 870 crore (approximately $104 million) from British International Investments (BII), the UK government’s development finance institution. This capital injection reflects growing international investor interest in India’s solar manufacturing sector. The company indicates that adding ingot-wafer capacity would enable it to achieve a complete balance across its wafer, cell, and module capabilities. This vertical integration aims to reduce reliance on imported photovoltaic components, according to ReNew.
ReNew also announced the development of a hybrid renewable energy project in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, with an investment of approximately INR 22,000 crore (approximately $2.6 billion). The complex would feature a generation capacity of approximately 2.8 GW — including 1.8 GWp of solar and 1 GW of wind — along with a 2 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS). ReNew has been present in Andhra Pradesh since 2015, when it commissioned its first 24 MW wind project at Kalyandurg. The group currently operates 717 MW of wind capacity and 60 MW of solar capacity in the state.
TotalEnergies ENEOS and Thai garment manufacturer Jintana Intertrade have signed a 15-year power purchase agreement for a 650 kWp rooftop solar system at a manufacturing plant in N
South African developer Mulilo announces the financial close of a 380 MWdc photovoltaic plant in Beaufort West. Electricity will be sold to industrial clients under a multi-year ag
Nexans Morocco has been awarded cables and power transformation solutions for Noor Atlas, a six-plant photovoltaic program totalling approximately 305 MW in Morocco, led by Masen.

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Climate Focus: Energy shock from Iran war sparks solar scramble  Reuters
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ZEELAND TWP, Mich. — Neighbors in Zeeland and Jamestown townships are intensifying their opposition to a proposed solar farm, taking steps to become formal participants in the state review process.
Earlier this month, project developer RWE Americas, a subsidiary of RWE, filed an application with the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to construct the 200-megawatt Silver Maple Solar Farm, bypassing local permitting efforts. The proposed facility would cover 1,900 acres in Zeeland and Jamestown townships and produce enough energy to power more than 34,000 homes.
WATCH: Neighbors, Zeeland Township take steps to oppose proposed solar farm in Ottawa County
On Friday, nearly 100 residents gathered at the Ottawa Executive Airport in Zeeland Township for a workshop guiding them through how to petition to intervene in the state’s regulatory process — a step that allows certain parties to submit information and have a voice during hearings.
“I am disappointed that the control was taken out of our township, and I am also disappointed that it would change the character of this area,” said Zeeland Township neighbor Valerie Driesenga, whose property would share a border with the proposed project site.
Brad Pugh, partial owner of the Ottawa Executive Airport at 5923 Byron Road, said the facility is directly across from the planned location.
WATCH PRIOR COVERAGE: Developer behind proposed solar farm in Zeeland, Jamestown Twps, moves forward with state application
“It’s basically going to surround us here, completely to the south and to the east of us,” Pugh said. “We’re not too excited. It’s going to have an impact on us, and we just want to make sure that it’s safe for general aviation and all the people that are utilizing this airport.”
Driesenga said filing a petition to intervene through the MPSC could allow community members to become part of the case.
“When you become an intervener, you are part of the case and at the pre-hearing, and then the hearing, you can actually submit information of how this is actually impacting you,” Driesenga said. “Anybody can comment on the case, only people that share a border or .25 [of a mile] from the property can become an intervener right away.”
WATCH PRIOR COVERAGE: Neighbors in Zeeland Township weigh in on solar farm proposal
Zeeland and Jamestown Townships have already secured intervener status.
“There’s not much we can do in the next 60 or 30 to 45 days till we have our first preliminary hearing, which is June 4, but that’s the step that we’ve taken now,” said Township Manager Josh Eggleston.
Eggleston said the township planning commission has been working for months on a renewable energy ordinance to regulate such projects.
“We’ve made a definite transition now to have an unworkable ordinance,” Eggleston said. “The hope is in the next month or two, we’ll get that finalized and get it out for a public hearing and so forth, and then to the board for consideration.”
WATCH PRIOR COVERAGE: Zeeland Township approves data center moratorium as solar farm debate continues
The township’s incomplete ordinance left the door open for RWE to seek state-level approval under Public Act 233. Driesenga and Pugh said navigating the MPSC’s process has been difficult for residents.
“We have not been able to figure that out on our own, which we’ve heard a lot of people saying that, you know, that the MPSC has made that very difficult,” Pugh said.
“There is no guidance. You can’t find it anywhere. The township didn’t have the information. We didn’t have the information,” Driesenga added. “I think it makes everybody feel like they are going to miss a deadline, which is May 28.”
WATCH PRIOR COVERAGE: Proposed solar farm in Zeeland Township draws neighbor feedback at planning commission meeting
At Friday’s workshop, residents were given guidelines and step-by-step instructions to help complete intervener filings.
“We wanted to provide laptops and guidelines and help anybody who is interested in becoming involved in the case, so that nobody feels like they were unaware,” Driesenga said.
RWE released a statement addressing the community’s concerns:
Both the township and neighbors say the fight is ongoing.
“I can’t say exactly how we intend to fight it, but there are some things that we’re working on to put a pretty strong case against it,” Eggleston said.
“I want people to know that this is not a done deal. This needs a lot of approvals before it would become a thing. And the fight’s not over,” Driesenga said.
Residents with questions can contact the Zeeland Township Bulletin at zeelandtownshipbulletin@gmail.com or through its Facebook page.
To contact RWE or find more information on the Silver Maple Solar Farm proposal, click here.
The MPSC application and options for submitting public comment can be found here.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Celloraa Energy Pvt. Ltd., an Indian solar cell manufacturing firm, has signed a contract with centrotherm for six PECVD systems for its new solar cell facility in Surat. The systems will use centrotherm’s c.PLASMA Q MAX platform for polysilicon and silicon nitride deposition. The production line will have an initial capacity of 1.2 GW and focus on TOPCon solar cells and commercial production is planned to begin in early 2027. Celloraa said future expansion phases could raise total capacity to 2.4 GW. The company cited lower operating costs, including savings in energy, speciality gases and utilities, as a key factor in the selection. centrotherm said it expects the platform to be installed at additional Indian sites in 2027.

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Crystalline Silicon Solar PV Market Size to Reach USD 230,101.57 Million by 2032 | Credence Research  openPR.com
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Spanish investment group Enhol and COFIDES are partnering to develop the 396 MW Illa photovoltaic plant in Peru's Arequipa region, with total investment exceeding $350 million.
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The project will consist of 3,696 solar panels and five inverters and reach commercial operation in two phases: the first by “summer” this year, and the second by August 2027.
April 24, 2026
Commercial and industrial (C&I) renewable energy developer Greenvolt Next will build a 1.7MW solar carport at Cork Airport, in the Republic of Ireland, which will be the largest such solar carport in the country.
The project will consist of 3,696 solar panels and five inverters and reach commercial operation in two phases: the first by “summer” this year, and the second by August 2027. Greenvolt Next will design, construct and commission the project, which it expects to meet one-fifth of the airport’s electricity demand.
“This new solar carport will strengthen Cork Airport’s sustainability credentials and forms a key part of the airport’s overall sustainability strategy,” said Darragh O’Brien, minister for transport and minister for climate, environment and energy, who spoke at an event at Cork Airport to commemorate the signing of the contracts for the project.
O’Brien added that the project will receive €2 million in government funding under the Regional State Airports Sustainability Programme, which was launched in February this year and will provide almost €45 million in capital investment for “connectivity” and “regional development” at Irish airports between now and 2030. The government plans to invest €9 million this year alone.
Related:Solar PV panels planning permission: A comprehensive guide for commercial properties
Developers have been increasing keen to install solar projects at airports along the British Isles; last year, London Stansted Airport selected EDF Renewables to build and operate a new 14.3MW solar project on its premises. Previous years saw an increasing number of airports on the British Isles rely on solar projects to meet a significant portion of their power demand, including Farnborough Airport and London Southend Airport.
Gino Gautier, global CEO of distributed generation at IPP Greenvolt Group, which Next is part of, said that the company’s work at the Cork Airport would enable the airport “to be more resourceful, have more control, and use more reliable infrastructure.”
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By Joe Sledge, 
Published: 24/04/2026
Authorities argue approval process for solar farm may have breached proper procedures
Two local authorities have announced plans to pursue legal action against Labour's decision to approve what is set to become Britain’s largest power‑generating solar installation.
Lincolnshire County Council, which is controlled by Reform UK, and North Kesteven District Council have joined forces to challenge the Springwell Solar Farm project after its approval earlier this month.

Lincolnshire councils launch legal challenges against Springwell Solar Farm approval

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GETTY

Springwell Solar Farm is a proposed 800-megawatt project | GOV.UK

Labour granted consent following recommendations from the Examining Authority.
After reviewing the report and the Energy Secretary’s decision letter, both councils said they believe proper procedures may not have been followed.
The authorities had opposed the plans throughout the consultation and planning stages and are preparing to take their objections to court.
The proposed Springwell Solar Farm would generate 800 megawatts of electricity, supported by battery storage and the infrastructure needed to connect to the national grid.
Located in North Kesteven, the development would cover around 1,280 hectares of Lincolnshire countryside, making it one of the largest schemes of its kind in the UK.
According to the developer, the installation could supply electricity to more than 180,000 households each year — roughly half of all homes in the county.
Lincolnshire councils launch legal challenges against Springwell Solar Farm approval
GETTY
The scale of the project has drawn opposition from local representatives, who argue it would significantly alter the surrounding rural landscape.
The scheme forms part of the Government’s wider renewable energy strategy and has been designated a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, requiring ministerial approval rather than local planning consent.
Both councils argue the application did not sufficiently assess the impact on rural communities or the landscape and have raised concerns about the use of high‑quality agricultural land.
Councillor Sean Matthews, leader of Lincolnshire County Council, said: “Following legal advice and a careful consideration of the potential costs and impact, we believe we may have grounds to challenge this decision.”
He added: “With Lincolnshire bearing the brunt of NSIP applications, it's important we take a stand, and use the appropriate means to try and stop these developments where possible.”
Councillor Richard Wright, leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: “In this case, it appears that because of process and procedural flaws, the wrong weight has been applied, leading to a decision that is arguably unsound.”
Energy Minister Michael Shanks defended the approval, saying the Government is accelerating efforts to expand domestic energy generation.
“We are driving further and faster for clean homegrown power that we control to protect the British people and bring down bills for good,” he said.
Mr Shanks added: “It is crucial we learn the lessons of the conflict in the Middle East.
"Solar is one of the cheapest forms of power available and is how we get off the rollercoaster of international fossil fuel markets and secure our own energy independence.”
Springwell Solar Farm is the 25th major clean energy project to receive Government backing since ministers took office, forming part of a broader push to increase renewable capacity.
Labour said approved schemes are expected to generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of more than 12.5 million homes.
The decision also sits within a wider package of measures to expand solar energy, including increasing availability in retail settings, encouraging installation on new‑build homes and bringing forward a renewables auction scheduled for July.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

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Why solar research should stop leading with climate  Tech Xplore
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From sun to subsoil, how countries are moving away from fossil fuels  Tech Xplore
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Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
image: 

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Conceptual illustration showing how the “slow-release solvent” strategy repairs buried interfaces in perovskite thin films. This research was published in Nature Synthesis and featured as the journal’s cover article for the April 2026 issue (Volume 5, Issue 4).
Credit: HKUST
Researchers at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have discovered that in perovskite solar cells, conventional passivation strategies mainly act on the film surface and struggle to reach buried interfaces, much like a superficial “external dressing” that cannot repair deep microstructural defects formed during film growth. In particular, the rapid evaporation of solvents during film formation inevitably leads to voids and nanoscale grain-boundary grooves at the bottom interface of perovskite films. These long-overlooked defects severely hinder charge transport and trigger interfacial failure during device scaling and operation, becoming a critical bottleneck for efficiency, stability, and large-area manufacturing.
To address this challenge, the team proposed a crystal-solvate (CSV) seeding strategy with a slow-release solvent function. In this approach, solvent molecules are “encapsulated” within the crystal lattice and are gradually released during film annealing, enabling gentle and well-controlled interfacial crystallization. This strategy reconstructs the microstructure of the buried bottom interface from the very origin of crystallization, leading to perovskite solar cells with higher efficiency, enhanced stability, and scalability.
Perovskite solar cells are widely regarded as one of the most disruptive next-generation photovoltaic technologies, showing great potential to replace conventional silicon solar cells in grid-scale power generation, portable electronics, and space photovoltaics. They offer not only higher power conversion efficiencies but also advantages in materials cost, low-temperature processing, and device aesthetics. However, as solar cell areas increase, rapid efficiency loss and poor stability continue to hinder commercialization.
The researchers found that the root cause lies in the hydrophobic nature of self-assembled monolayer (SAM) substrates used in p-i-n device architectures, which induces non-wetting crystallization of perovskite precursors at the early stage of film formation. This inevitably generates interfacial voids and nanoscale grain-boundary grooves at the film bottom. These microstructural defects disrupt continuous grain growth and introduce severe electronic and mechanical mismatch, leading to device degradation and failure. While conventional bottom-seeding strategies can provide nucleation sites, they are limited to “point-like” nucleation control and cannot reconstruct the overall microstructure and functionality of the buried interface.
To overcome this structural limitation, the team designed and synthesized a series of low-dimensional CSV materials as buried-interface nucleation layers. These rod-like nanocrystals significantly improve the wetting and nucleation behavior of the perovskite precursor on SAM substrates. Unlike traditional methods, CSV crystals encapsulate solvent molecules within their lattice, turning the solvent from a processing parameter into part of the material itself. During annealing, the lattice-confined solvent is released slowly and controllably, creating a slow-release interfacial regulation process at the film bottom. This process eliminates interfacial voids, substantially flattens grain-boundary nanogrooves, and introduces stable halide passivation phases at the buried interface, thereby synergistically reconstructing the interfacial energy landscape.
Using this strategy, the team achieved inverted perovskite solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 26.13% and a high fill factor of 86.75%, along with significantly enhanced operational stability under light and heat stress. More importantly, when the device area was scaled up to 49.91 cm2, the efficiency remained at 23.15%, demonstrating minimal trans-scale efficiency loss and strong potential for scalable manufacturing.
“Although perovskite solar cell efficiencies have continued to set new records, the real barrier to commercialization lies in the lack of control over buried interfacial microstructures during upscaling,” said Prof. ZHOU Yuanyuan, Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at HKUST and the corresponding author of the study. “The core of our CSV strategy is to ‘encapsulate’ solvent molecules within the material and release them slowly, transforming interfacial crystallization from a violent and uncontrolled process into a gentle and programmable one, thereby enabling simultaneous optimization of microstructure, charge transport, and device stability.”
“Perovskites are typical soft-lattice materials whose crystallization is extremely sensitive to the local environment,” said Dr. HAO Mingwei, co-first author of the study and currently Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at HKUST. “By introducing a slow-release regulation mechanism through CSV seeding, we not only improved the interfacial morphology but also opened a new pathway for understanding and designing interfaces in soft-lattice materials.” Dr. Hao was previously a PhD student in Prof. Zhou’s group under the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme.
The research, entitled “Crystal-solvate pre-seeded synthesis for scalable perovskite solar cell fabrication”, has been published in the top-tier journal Nature Synthesis. It was featured as the journal’s cover article in April 2026 (Volume 5, Issue 4) and highlighted in a contemporaneous Research Briefing entitled “Scalable crystal-solvate seeding strategy for the fabrication of perovskite photovoltaics”, further underscoring its significant academic value in the scalable fabrication of perovskite photovoltaics. 
The work was co-led by the HKUST team and Prof. Shuping Pang’s research team from the Qingdao Institute of Bioenergy and Bioprocess Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and other partners. The related technology has also received industrial support from China Merchants Group, a central state-owned enterprise and Fortune Global 500 company, through associated patent development.
Science
10.1126/science.aea0656
Observational study
Not applicable
HKUST Team Co-Pioneers a “Slow-Release Solvent” Strategy to Advance Large-Area Perovskite Photovoltaic Modules
24-Apr-2026
Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.
Media Contact
Fion Tse
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
fionkltse@ust.hk

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology


Copyright © 2026 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Copyright © 2026 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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Airengy Ltd., listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, has signed a memorandum of understanding to acquire a 51% stake in Green-Go, an Israeli PV developer and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor with expertise in agrivoltaics.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Image: Shai Pal, Unsplash
Airengy is moving to enter Israel’s solar engineering and construction market with a planned majority stake in Green-Go. The deal comes as developers position themselves for new opportunities under Israel’s emerging agrivoltaics framework.
Ra’anana-based Airengy said the transaction would establish a third pillar of its operations alongside its compressed air power plant technology for multiday energy storage and its battery energy storage system activities in Europe. Green-Go has been active in the Israeli solar market since 2008, specializing in complex PV installations including agrivoltaics and atypical rooftop structures.
CEO Tal Raz said the deal is expected to accelerate Airengy’s activities in Israel, generate recurring cash flow, and add a growth engine to the company’s operations.
Airengy said Green-Go would serve as its EPC unit in Israel if the deal closes. Financial terms were not disclosed and the transaction remains subject to completion of definitive agreements.
The deal comes as Israel formalizes its agrivoltaics regulatory framework. Israel’s National Planning and Building Council and Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure have approved the country’s first comprehensive agrivoltaics outline plan, establishing a two-track permitting system and setting design and land-use standards including a maximum solar panel coverage of 30% of cultivated area. The framework is intended to give developers regulatory certainty while preserving agricultural land use.
Israel has been developing agrivoltaics policy since January 2022, when the Ministries of Agriculture and of Energy launched a 100 MW pilot tender offering a fixed tariff of ILS 0.2091 ($0.07)/kWh over 23 years. In 2024, Israeli startup Agri-Light Energy Systems launched its first pilot project above a vineyard in the Negev Desert, using a rail system to move solar panels horizontally above the crops.
This content is protected by copyright and may not be reused. If you want to cooperate with us and would like to reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
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State regulators ordered Duke Energy to pump the brakes on new solar power — a move that some clean energy advocates are calling unprecedented and a blow to the state’s clean energy transition.
State regulators ordered Duke Energy to defer further solar procurement until they rule on Duke Energy’s current Carbon Plan proposal. The utility had planned to approve 770 megawatts of new solar energy this year, several large solar farms’ worth.
“We’re already way behind where we should be in building out clean, affordable, cheaper generation, and this just sets us back even further,” said Jim Warren, executive director of energy watchdog group NC WARN.
The order follows a 2025 law that eliminated the state’s 2030 climate goal, causing Duke Energy to pull back on its plans for new solar. Federal lawmakers have also rolled back several solar tax credits.
“At a time of rising bills, we are pausing access to our cheapest form of energy,” said Will Scott, the North Carolina policy director for Environmental Defense Fund.
Scott said that the same unit of energy produced by solar is significantly cheaper than natural gas.
He also said that while this won’t impact those solar projects that are already under construction, it’s bad for business. This pause sends an unclear signal to North Carolina solar developers who have been preparing to bid for these contracts.
“Projects — whether it’s solar, natural gas, battery storage — require years and years of planning to move forward,” said Matt Abele, executive director of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.
State regulators will make a decision on Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan later this year. Duke Energy did not comment on the order.

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Solar Power World
By Billy Ludt | April 24, 2026
Advanced Green Technologies completed of one Florida’s largest rooftop solar installations at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) in Orlando. The 2.2-MWDC system more than doubles the center’s solar energy production while maintaining the same rooftop footprint.
Advanced Green Technologies removed an existing solar project on the roof of the Orange County Convention Center and built another array in the same footprint that doubled the building’s solar output. Credit: Orange County Convention Center
The installation supports the Convention Center’s LEED Gold certification and sustainability strategy while powering daily operations at the convention center. The OCCC sees approximately 2.4 million attendees annually.
“When we started in the solar business nearly 20 years ago, the original installation was something of a holy grail at that time — a project we all looked up to. To come in all these years later, tear it out and reinstall something over double its original capacity was a full-circle moment for us,” said Clinton Sockman, executive VP at Advanced Green Technologies. “To now deliver one of the largest rooftop solar projects in Florida, while working around a packed event calendar, is a true milestone for commercial solar in our state.”
Advanced Roofing handled the commercial roofing aspect of the project, which required coordination to execute within an occupied, fully operational building.
The rooftop solar array installed across multiple roof zones using Hanwha Q CELLS
modules and SolarEdge inverters with power optimizers.
“This project exemplifies how smart solar technology can help large facilities operate more efficiently while advancing meaningful sustainability goals,” said Charles Ellis, VP of sales, CC&I at SolarEdge. “We’re proud to support the Orange County Convention Center in demonstrating how large-scale venues can integrate innovative clean energy solutions without disrupting operations.”
As part of an infrastructure upgrade, the Orange County Convention Center replaced its aging rooftop and original solar panels. Rather than sending thousands of still-functional modules to a landfill, the 5,800 panels were redistributed with help from nonprofit IDEAS For Us to more than 120 residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations.
“Upgrading our rooftop solar array was never just about improving the facility. It was about giving back to the community, reducing our environmental footprint, and continuing to lead by example,” said Mark Tester, OCCC executive director. “This project reinforces our commitment to sustainability not only in the state of Florida, but across the global convention industry. We’re proud to demonstrate how large-scale
public venues can operate responsibly while delivering meaningful impact to the people they serve.”
News item from Advanced Green Technologies
Billy Ludt is managing editor of Solar Power World and currently covers topics on mounting, inverters, installation and operations.

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Credit: AFP
India’s push to localize solar manufacturing while rapidly expanding capacity is creating a structural bottleneck, as stricter domestic sourcing rules risk constraining supply just as renewable deployment accelerates. Industry groups warn that the mismatch…
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Planning commission OKs new solar project for SE Kern County  AOL.com
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M. Charles Gould<gouldm@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension – April 24, 2026
Forage research points to scalable agrivoltaic solutions.
Researchers from The Ohio State University Extension say growing alfalfa and grass hay between utility-scale solar arrays may offer a scalable, economically viable path forward for agrivoltaics in the Midwest.
During the MI Ag Ideas virtual session Growing Grass and Alfalfa Hay Between Solar Arrays hosted by Michigan State University Extension, Extension Field Specialist Eric Romich and Assistant Professor and State Small Ruminant Extension Specialist Brady Campbell shared early findings from a U.S. Department of Energy–funded research project examining forage production inside an operating solar facility in Ohio.
“This is a topic that is relevant in many states across the Midwest,” Romich said. “Hopefully, there’s something related to this research that you can take and apply to your communities back home.”
The project focuses on forage crops—specifically alfalfa and a cool-season grass hay mix as a practical agrivoltaic solution that can function at megawatt scale. According to Romich, most agrivoltaic projects nationally remain small and focus primarily on pollinator habitat or grazing. “We were really interested in trying to find solutions that were scalable and economical.”
The research team established replicated forage plots between solar arrays and compared yields to control plots planted outside the array. Over two growing seasons, researchers collected data on forage yield, quality, equipment performance and soil compaction.
Despite drought conditions during the establishment year, results were encouraging. In the second year, alfalfa grown between panels produced yields comparable to control plots, even at reduced seeding rates. Campbell said that the finding has important cost implications. “You could actually get the same amount of yield and save 25% on your seed cost,” he noted.
Forage quality also remained high. “As you’re thinking about growing good quality feedstuffs within these alleyways, alfalfa does a nice job,” Campbell said. “It establishes well, it does well within these areas, it has a good yield to it, and also good quality.”
Cool-season grass hay showed similar promise, with some solar alley plots producing greater estimated yields than controls. Campbell said crude protein levels were well-suited for many livestock classes, including beef cattle and small ruminants.
The project also examined soil impacts associated with solar construction. Using pre-construction baseline measurements, the team tracked soil compaction over time and observed improvement after one year of forage cropping. “After one year of cropping, we start to see some reduction in that compaction,” Romich said.
Both researchers emphasized that success depends on thoughtful site design. Drainage, panel layout, alley width, and minimizing obstructions are critical. “This is going to require upfront commitments,” Romich said, adding that agrivoltaics must be considered during project design, not added later.
Campbell framed the work as part of a larger opportunity for agriculture. “The exciting part for me was being able to see us produce a product that’s viable in the marketplace and is of good quality,” he said. “That’s what really matters for producers.”
If you have questions about agrivoltaic opportunities, please contact Charles Gould, Michigan State University Extension Bioenergy Educator, at 616-834-2812 or gouldm@msu.edu. The MSU Extension Agricultural Bioenergy and Energy Conservation website has additional information on renewable energy.
This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).
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As federal permitting delays mount in the US solar sector, project economics are under increasing strain, with a 100MW project facing US$10–18 million in added development costs, which are often passed on to consumers. 
Published earlier this month by clean energy platform Crux, ‘The Impact of Federal Permitting on Clean Energy Development’ draws on a survey of 50 renewable energy developers across the US and finds that the current policy landscape is not only slowing the rollout of new solar and wind capacity but also increasing costs across project pipelines. 
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Among the 50 respondents, federal permitting delays have held up 11GW of new renewable energy deployment in the US over the past year, while adding up to 10% to project development costs, according to Crux. 
The findings highlight widespread disruption, with 94% of respondents reporting delays of at least one month over the past year, and nearly half (46%) experiencing delays of three to six months. At the same time, cost pressures are mounting, with the majority of developers reporting increases of 6-10%, and none indicating that permitting had no impact on project costs. 
The report also points to a more structural shift in developer behaviour, with 82% of respondents saying they had altered project siting specifically to avoid triggering federal permitting requirements, raising concerns about inefficiencies in how and where energy infrastructure is being deployed. 
PV Tech Premium spoke to Hasan Nazar, head of policy at Crux, and Nathan Smith, senior credit analyst at Crux, to explore the findings in more detail, including the growing importance of predictability in the permitting process and what these challenges could mean for the future of the US clean energy transition. 
Developers are not primarily calling for faster timelines, but for greater certainty in how the federal permitting system operates. 
Nazar notes: “The single change that developers would most like to see in the permitting system is simply a more predictable outcome with clear requirements and consistency in decision making,” noting that other options “were far lagging relative to the 72% that said more predictable outcomes matter.” 
He describes a system where approvals do not guarantee progress. “You can have what you believe is all the requisite approvals to move forward with a project,” Nazar says, “and once steel is in the ground and you’re halfway through, something else pops up because of how expansive the process is.” 
These late-stage disruptions—ranging from Endangered Species Act (ESA) to National Historic Preservation Act concerns—can “stop a project in its tracks, extend the timeline and effectively kind of stymie the whole project,” he adds. 
For developers, the core issue is the inability to plan with confidence. Nazar highlights that projects are exposed to long-term risk because “they do not know if they are going to have a partially built stranded asset in two, three or four years if they start building now.” 
This lack of clarity also plays out in the process itself. Smith adds that developers often enter permitting “not having any idea when it ends,” with projects getting caught in “unclear or exceptionally long timelines, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review, inter-agency coordination requirements, ESA consultations and agency non-response.” 
Ultimately, Smith says, “where projects are getting held up is in procedural aspects of federal permitting,” reinforcing that unpredictability—not just duration—is the defining challenge. 
The survey highlights the scale of disruption, with 11GW of delayed projects identified across 50 developers—though Nazar stresses this is only a partial view. “It is 11GW that track to the 50 respondents in the survey,” he said, adding that “the number is assuredly much higher.” 
Delays are widespread, with 46% of respondents reporting setbacks of three to six months and a further 8% facing multi-year delays. But beyond timelines, developers are increasingly reshaping projects to navigate the system. 
According to the survey, 82% of respondents have altered project siting to avoid triggering federal permitting. Nazar describes this as “a clear market distortion that is underappreciated.” 
“What is driving where energy is being built appears to be more about regulatory avoidance versus where energy is actually needed,” he says, warning that this trend is particularly problematic in regions with significant federal land and high energy demand. 
He adds that the full impact is not captured in official data. “The true cost of the issues related to the federal permitting system is systematically undercounted, because the projects that never get built don’t really show up in the data.” 
At the same time, permitting challenges are adding costs across entire development portfolios. Smith emphasises that the survey examines “what the cost implications of federal permitting are on projects as a whole,” noting that most respondents are managing large pipelines, with “the large majority of them [having] more than 1GW of projects planned for 2026.” 
As a result, developers are not assessing projects in isolation. “They’re thinking about it as part of their overall portfolio,” Smith says, underscoring how delays and uncertainty ripple across investment strategies. 
The findings come as policymakers revisit permitting reform against a backdrop of structural change in the energy system. 
Nazar explains that the survey aims to “inform what is a very live discussion around bipartisan permitting reform talks,” as clean energy takes a more prominent role in the pipeline. 
Historically dominated by oil and gas, the system is now shifting, with Nazar noting that “as of 2024, over 60% of the electrons in the queue in NEPA are for clean energy projects.” 
At the same time, broader economic and geopolitical pressures are intensifying the need for faster deployment. Nazar points to “a strong push to onshore as much of the critical supply chain, including energy supply chains, as possible,” alongside “organic growth in electricity demand.” 
These dynamics are reinforcing the importance of energy as a strategic priority. “The through line for all of this is energy,” he says, highlighting both affordability and national security considerations. 
Against this backdrop, developers are clear about what needs to change. Nazar says “clear requirements and consistent decision making is incredibly important,” adding that if the process were predictable, “there’s a lot of tolerance” for complexity and rigorous review. 
Instead, uncertainty continues to deter investment. As Nazar put it, “a quick no is better than a long yes,” arguing that developers would rather redeploy capital than remain stuck in prolonged approval cycles. 
The stakes for the energy transition are significant. With policy support already shifting, Nazar warns that maintaining permitting barriers could have a compounding effect. “If you reduce that support for those technologies, and at the same time keep in place a barrier for deployment, it is effectively a double whammy. There’s going to be less deployment at a time where we need it most.” 

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State regulators ordered Duke Energy to pump the brakes on new solar power — a move that some clean energy advocates are calling unprecedented and a blow to the state’s clean energy transition.
State regulators ordered Duke Energy to defer further solar procurement until they rule on Duke Energy’s current Carbon Plan proposal. The utility had planned to approve 770 megawatts of new solar energy this year, several large solar farms’ worth.
“We’re already way behind where we should be in building out clean, affordable, cheaper generation, and this just sets us back even further,” said Jim Warren, executive director of energy watchdog group NC WARN.
The order follows a 2025 law that eliminated the state’s 2030 climate goal, causing Duke Energy to pull back on its plans for new solar. Federal lawmakers have also rolled back several solar tax credits.
“At a time of rising bills, we are pausing access to our cheapest form of energy,” said Will Scott, the North Carolina policy director for Environmental Defense Fund.
Scott said that the same unit of energy produced by solar is significantly cheaper than natural gas.
He also said that while this won’t impact those solar projects that are already under construction, it’s bad for business. This pause sends an unclear signal to North Carolina solar developers who have been preparing to bid for these contracts.
“Projects — whether it’s solar, natural gas, battery storage — require years and years of planning to move forward,” said Matt Abele, executive director of the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.
State regulators will make a decision on Duke Energy’s Carbon Plan later this year. Duke Energy did not comment on the order.

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Corporate | 24 April 2026 17:00
Sunshare Technology Co., Ltd. / Key word(s): Product Launch/Miscellaneous
Sunshare Unveils Next-Generation Balcony Solar Systems at Solar Solutions Wien 2026

24.04.2026 / 17:00 CET/CEST
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

VIENNA, April 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sunshare officially introduced its latest balcony solar-plus-storage solutions at Solar Solutions Wien 2026, marking a significant step toward making home energy independence more accessible across Europe. By integrating industrial-grade technology into compact residential systems, Sunshare is redefining how households generate, store, and manage clean energy.
Industrial Standards: Raising the Bar for Safety and Durability
At the core of the launch is the Glory Series balcony micro-storage system, powered by Sunshare’s proprietary eXtraSolid^™ technology. Designed for long-term reliability, the system supports up to 8,000 deep charge cycles—well above typical industry benchmarks.
Built with enhanced thermal stability, the system prioritizes structural safety while delivering tangible financial benefits, increasing return on investment by up to 33%. Its modular architecture allows users to start with 1.52 kWh and expand as needed, offering a flexible pathway from small-apartment setups to broader home energy independence.
The “Appliance” Revolution: Simplifying Solar for Urban Living
With the Ray Series, Sunshare introduces a new category of solar products that function more like everyday appliances than complex engineering systems. This approach directly addresses common urban challenges such as shading, limited space, and installation barriers.
The system’s parallel architecture enables each module to operate independently, ensuring consistent performance even when some panels are shaded—effectively eliminating the traditional “barrel effect” that limits overall output.
Equally important is its user-centric design. Featuring over 25% conversion efficiency and weighing roughly half as much as conventional panels, the Ray Series allows for easy, single-person installation—bringing true plug-and-play convenience to balcony solar.
iShareCloud: Making Energy Visible and Controllable
The upgraded iShareCloud platform integrates BMS and EMS into a unified interface, ensuring system safety while providing real-time insights into energy flow. By offering full transparency over generation and consumption, it transforms green power from an abstract concept into a visible, manageable daily asset.
About Sunshare
Founded in 2023 as part of Sungrow, Sunshare is a high-tech company focused on balcony photovoltaic systems and home energy storage solutions. Guided by its mission, “Green power for life moments,” Sunshare is committed to delivering safe, efficient, and intelligent energy products—making renewable power practical and accessible for households worldwide.
Learn more: https://sunsharetek.com
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2965160/image1.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/de/pressemitteilungen/sunshare-unveils-next-generation-balcony-solar-systems-at-solar-solutions-wien-2026-302753035.html
24.04.2026 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News – a service of EQS Group.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

2314904  24.04.2026 CET/CEST
24 April 2026
Sunshare Unveils Next-Generation Balcony Solar Systems at Solar Solutions Wien 2026
Sunshare präsentiert auf der Solar Solutions Wien 2026 Balkon-Solarsysteme der nächsten Generation
3 March 2026
Sunshare erweitert Glory um eine neue 2-kWh-Version – skalierbar bis 10 kWh.
2 March 2026
Sunshare Expands Glory with New 2 kWh, Scalable to 10 kWh
27 February 2026
Sunshare Ray & Glory at the 2026 Jahresauftakt des Bundesverbands Steckersolar: Setting New Standards for Safe, User-Friendly Home Energy Storage

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Posted by Bill Sullivan | April 24, 2026 4:42 pm | Schools
Innovation, teamwork and engineering excellence were on full display as Vista del Lago High School captured both first and third place at the 19th annual Solar Car Race hosted by Sacramento Municipal Utility District, held Thursday at California State University, Sacramento.
Nearly 200 students from across the region gathered on the Sacramento State campus for the annual competition, where high school teams raced solar-powered cars they designed and built themselves. Vista del Lago emerged as the top performer in the field, earning first place overall while also securing a third-place finish, underscoring the strength and depth of the school’s STEM program. Natomas High School finished second.
The races took place outside Riverside Hall on the university campus, with competition running from mid-morning through the early afternoon following a full morning of preparation and staging. Teams put their engineering skills to the test beginning at approximately 10 a.m., after spending months designing and refining their vehicles.
Each team was provided with core materials such as solar panels, motors, gears, axles, wheels and tires, but the design and execution were left entirely to the students. The result was a wide range of creative and innovative vehicles, each built with the goal of maximizing speed, efficiency and performance under solar power.
Beyond raw race times, teams competed across multiple judged categories, including sustainability, engineering, innovation and creativity, reflecting the broader educational mission behind the event.
The Solar Car Race is designed to bring science, technology, engineering and math concepts to life in a hands-on environment. It also provides students with exposure to real-world applications of renewable energy as Sacramento Municipal Utility District continues its push toward a zero-carbon power supply by 2030.
The event also offered students the opportunity to explore the college environment, interact with educators and learn more about future academic pathways in STEM-related fields. In addition, attendees were able to connect with electric vehicle owners and advocates, gaining insight into emerging clean energy transportation technologies.
SMUD Board Vice President Rob Kerth was among those on hand for the event, which has grown steadily over the years alongside increasing interest in STEM education across local school districts.
Vista del Lago’s dominant showing highlights not only the school’s technical capabilities but also its emphasis on collaboration and applied learning, as students worked together to design, test and refine their solar-powered cars leading up to race day.
The Solar Car Race is one of several STEM-focused initiatives supported by SMUD throughout the year. The utility will next host the California Solar Regatta at Rancho Seco Recreational Area on May 1 and 2, another popular hands-on competition that challenges students to build and race solar-powered boats.
As the nation’s sixth-largest community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, Sacramento Municipal Utility District has served Sacramento County for more than 75 years. The organization continues to invest in educational programs that support innovation, sustainability and the development of the region’s future workforce.
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Solar Sputtering Targets Market Analysis By Application, Type,  openPR.com
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clearvise AG has sold a portfolio of 13 small-scale photovoltaic systems totalling approximately 8.6 MW to GSP GmbH, cutting annual operating costs by EUR 0.2 million.
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Solar Panel Market 2026-2033
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