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Felicity Bradstock
Felicity Bradstock is a writer and journalist based in Mexico City. She writes for energy websites and covers several other industries, as well as writing…
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A new solar-powered desalination method could produce drinking water from seawater without chemical additives, according to a promising study. With millions of people lacking access to safe drinking water, this provides great promise. Typically, water desalination is extremely costly and energy-intensive, prompting researchers to seek alternative methods for producing clean, fresh water. If successful, the new technique could provide a more sustainable desalination method as well as a less invasive means of extracting critical minerals.
Approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe, clean drinking water. In certain parts of the world, there are vast quantities of readily available water that cannot be consumed because of the salt it contains. Drought-ridden regions surrounded by seas and oceans often battle with this issue, with many investing in massive desalination projects to convert seawater into fresh water. 
Conventional desalination techniques include reverse osmosis and thermal distillation. However, these methods are energy-intensive, require pre- and post-treatment of water, and leave behind concentrated saltwater waste known as brine. This brine is extremely damaging to marine life when released back into the ocean, as it increases salinity and reduces oxygen.
The desalination of 1 cubic meter of water can produce about 12.6 kg of carbon dioxide, which is significant, given that the average person uses about 382 litres of water a day. Water usage is even higher in the agriculture industry, with 3,000 litres of water needed to produce enough food for one person for one day. Conventional desalination also uses chemicals, such as anti-foaming agents and chlorine, which typically get pumped back into the sea and can harm marine life.
In May, researchers at the University of Rochester in New York announced that they had developed a novel solar-thermal desalination process, which they claim can produce fresh water in an energy-efficient way. Moreover, the researchers from the Institute of Optics say the process does not produce waste brine and requires no chemical additives to pre-treat the water. It also produces between 0.6 and 6.7 kg of carbon dioxide per cubic meter of water. The team, led by Professor of Optics and of Physics Chunlei Guo, published their findings in a recent paper.
The technology uses solar panels made of black metal etched with femtosecond lasers to make the surface super light-absorbing and superwicking—extremely water-attracting, according to the team. The panels are equipped with a laser-treated active region that attracts a thin layer of water to the surface, which absorbs almost all solar radiation, distils the water, and deposits the leftover salts and minerals into the panel’s untreated sides or “passive” region so that the salt does not clog the active region and disrupt continuous desalination. 
While other scientists have previously established solar-thermal desalination techniques that work under laboratory conditions, these techniques have typically been tested on fresh water mixed with sodium chloride rather than on ocean water. In many of these experiments, researchers have found that the sodium chloride crystallises, leaving a grainy residue that allows water to pass through and dissolve the salt. The solar panels can then be easily cleaned.
However, as seawater has a more complex composition, many of these methods have failed in real-world conditions. Water from the ocean contains other minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, which crystallise differently and can clog the surface of the solar panel, restricting the flow of water, just as it does to shower heads when limescale accumulates.
Guo’s team used a different approach to try and counter some of the commonly seen challenges. The Rochester researchers precisely etched grooves into the black metal so seawater salts and minerals can run off without hindering the filtration process. They also introduced the “coffee ring effect” to the experiment. “If you drop coffee on a surface, eventually the water evaporates, and there’s a ring left at the outer edge that is the concentrated coffee particles,” explained Guo. “We use that same principle to advance the salts to the passive region.”
The team tested their solar-thermal desalination method using water samples from the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans to assess its effectiveness. As the team’s technique extracts the salts and minerals in solid form, it leaves behind no polluting salty brine. In addition to transforming saltwater into fresh water, it could be used to produce table salt and extract critical minerals, such as lithium, needed to support a global green transition.
The researchers say they can use the same superwicking solar panels to separate lithium from the other salts during desalination by incorporating hydrogen titanate nanoparticles in the panel’s grooves. In a test of water samples from the Great Salt Lake, the team extracted about 50 percent of the lithium from the waste salt particles. 
Having tested the technique extensively on ocean water, the team at Rochester believes the technology is scalable and is far more sustainable than current desalination methods. The bonus of critical mineral extraction could make it highly popular among governments and companies seeking to invest in more sustainable mineral supply chains that do not rely heavily on environmentally destructive mining operations.
By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com
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Mike Gallagher at Square Roots Farm in Lanesborough has wanted to create shade for his cows during the hot summer months. Raised solar panels in the field where his livestock roam, may just be the solution he is looking for.
Square Roots Farm owner Michael Gallagher collects eggs from the nesting boxes of his laying hens at the farm in Lanesborough. He hopes that a solar array will give comfort to his cows and chickens during the heat of the summer.
The Square Roots Farm property includes an uninsulated brick house dating to 1810 with a single bathroom. It’s heated by three wood stoves.
A cow and a calf in a field at Square Roots Farm in Lanesborough. A proposed 36-acre solar array on the farm would provide shelter from the hot sun for the animals. 

Community Voices Editor
Mike Gallagher at Square Roots Farm in Lanesborough has wanted to create shade for his cows during the hot summer months. Raised solar panels in the field where his livestock roam, may just be the solution he is looking for.
Square Roots Farm owner Michael Gallagher collects eggs from the nesting boxes of his laying hens at the farm in Lanesborough. He hopes that a solar array will give comfort to his cows and chickens during the heat of the summer.
The Square Roots Farm property includes an uninsulated brick house dating to 1810 with a single bathroom. It’s heated by three wood stoves.
A cow and a calf in a field at Square Roots Farm in Lanesborough. A proposed 36-acre solar array on the farm would provide shelter from the hot sun for the animals. 
LANESBOROUGH — For years, Square Roots Farm co-owner Michael Gallagher has been trying to find a way to give his cows a bit of relief from the summer sun.
He thought about planting trees, but it would take years for them to grow large enough to produce significant shade. Turns out, his answer comes directly from the sun.
Now, Gallagher is pairing up with renewable energy developer BlueWave Energy to install a 10-foot-high solar array spaced widely apart on two fields that will produce shade for his cows. The array — on 36.6 acres — will add 5.3 megawatts to the grid, enough electricity to power about 750 homes for a year. It will have tiltable cells to follow the sun as it changes angle during the day. 
While solar arrays are often seen as a competing use for farmland, in an era of hotter summers, Gallagher hopes this solar array will prolong the growing season for forage and keep his cows, chickens and turkeys in comfort during the summer. It also will generate revenue, which will help stabilize Gallagher’s business operation.
It’s is a project that has been two years in the making already and likely won’t start producing electricity for another two years. Local and state permitting is just beginning.
“We’re going to move the cows the same way we do now,” Gallagher told the Conservation Commission last month. “They’ll move through one chunk, and move through the next chunk. They’ll sit under the solar panels when it’s really hot, and they’ll be fine.”
Gallagher and his wife, Ashley Amsden, installed a small solar array at their house a few years. Since then, he’s only had to pay for electricity for their home a couple months. That first step put renewable energy on his landscape.
“We’re in a place where we’re really at the forefront of things, which is super interesting and a little bit scary,” he said. “I am much more comfortable often in the second wave of adopting something. I want to see somebody else make it work, and then I want to copy it and make it better. But we are really much more towards the front of this.”
To investigate this concept, Gallagher took a ride to Palmer, where BlueWave has a similar installation. Gallagher could imagine the concept working for him. Then he had some persuading to do — both with BlueWave and with a local land trust.
Gallagher and Amsden bought their 185-acre farm from Berkshire Natural Resources Council in 2012 for $160,000. It included an uninsulated brick house dating to 1810 with a single bathroom. It’s heated by three wood stoves.
The price was depressed partly because of an Agricultural Preservation Restriction on 182 acres that Berkshire Natural Resources Council placed on the property and still owns. An Agricultural Preservation Restriction is a permanent deed restriction limiting use of the land to farming.
BlueWave wasn’t interested in touching a property with such a restriction, but Gallagher thought the fact that his was privately held might make a difference.
So, he approached Doug Brown, director of stewardship at Berkshire Natural Resources Council, about whether the provisions of the 1997 Agricultural Preservation Restriction might allow for this so-called dual use or agrivoltaic solar array.
“The most impactful was hearing from Michael himself,” Brown said. He came to understand the value of the shade for both the forage and the livestock.
Still, “It was very tricky,” Brown said. “We really had to look at it through the lens of the APR and what that language explicitly required of us and requires of the landowner.”
Brown acknowledged that people have strong opinions about solar arrays — both positive and negative — and about their visual impact on the landscape.
“We knew that making a decision in favor of this could be challenging for people in our community, in understanding why this is something that we were able to support in this setting,” he said. “We also knew that if we said no to this, it would have real impacts on the viability of Michael and Ashley’s farm operation and their future as stewards of that property.”
The certificate of approval on file at Berkshire North Registry of Deeds cites several benefits including shade for animals and crops, reduction in water loss, and giving the farmer “a new revenue stream from solar energy while continuing agricultural production, reducing financial risk.”
BlueWave Energy is all in. Under the name Pettibone Brook, BlueWave hired Weston & Sampson to prepare a 156-page notice of intent for the Conservation Commission. A Weston & Sampson engineer, two BlueWave employees and the consulting wetland scientist who mapped the property attended the recent meeting.
The Conservation Commission was expected to issue its decision this month pending a report from a state agency.
BlueWave has signed two agreements with Gallagher and Amsden: the first to lease the land for the solar cells, mechanicals and a single storage battery; the second for agricultural services. Both of these documents are necessary to win incentives under the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target program.
Eversource hasn’t yet signed an agreement with BlueWave to run three-phase power to the farm from Summer Street and to accept the energy, but is expected to. An Eversource spokeswoman deferred comment to the developer.
BlueWave has 11 projects operating or under construction in Massachusetts. Its first agrivoltaic project went online in 2021.
“We have seen firsthand the benefits this approach provides to farmers, the land, and the broader energy system, and we continue to expand our portfolio of dual-use projects,” said Joel Lindsey, vice president of project development at BlueWave, in an email. “Mike is a hardworking farmer that amplifies the good word of local agriculture and supplies his surrounding communities with pasture-raised meat and eggs.
“He’s innovative and seeks to diversify the farm,” Llndsey continued. “He’s determined to succeed (and thrive) at one of today’s prevalent challenges: owning a family farm in Massachusetts. We are excited to continue working with him.” 
Massachusetts expanded incentives for solar systems on farms in 2022. There are now 12 in operation across the state generating 16 megawatts, or enough electricity to power 2,700 homes. More than 10 similar systems are under development and three are in early phases.
Gallagher said the constant income stream over the 20-year lease will be helpful. He and Amsden might insulate the attic or add a second bathroom to their home before their children become teenagers.
Tthey’re also considering reinvesting in the farm.
“There are lots of things on the farm that are good enough but could definitely work better and smoothly for us,” he said. “But the biggest thing about it is, it sort of takes a little bit off of this big, ‘what if’ worry that sometimes keeps us up at night. What if we get avian flu? What if the tractor catches fire tomorrow?“
At the end of the lease, the plan would be to either decommission the solar array or to renew it — if it makes sense at the time.
In the meantime, Berkshire Natural Resources Council has purchased a neighboring parcel to the northwest and holds an easement on Square Roots Farm to site a trail from the ridge line to Cheshire Reservoir across the road.
“We’re going to be investing in that trail development in the next few years, likely around the same time that, if permitted, this development moves forward,” Brown said of Berkshire Natural Resources Council. “We hope to continue to work with Michael and Ashley and the developer to create interpretive information that helps the way the public really understand the benefits of these systems in agricultural settings.”
Gallagher can imagine what Square Roots will look like once the solar array is up and running.
“We already get people who stop on the side of the road because they want to take pictures of the cows and the chickens,” he said. “And I hope we get people who are still doing the same thing, and they say, ‘Look at all the cows under the solar panels. Look how chill they are.’”

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Jane Kaufman is Community Voices Editor at The Berkshire Eagle. She can be reached at jkaufman@berkshireeagle.com or 413-496-6125.
We have seen firsthand the benefits this approach provides to farmers, the land, and the broader energy system.
Joel Lindsey, BlueWave Energy vice president of project development
It would essentially operate as a small power plant for four hours when fully charged, with construction starting at the end of 2028 or the beginning of 2029 and operation beginning about a year later.
A map showing solar energy possibilities across the state shows high potential for solar farms in Berkshire County. With Massachusetts clean energy goals setting net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and land cheaper in this part of the state, Berkshire farms and fields are vulnerable to solar development. 
Roughly a dozen or so gathered at Steeple City Social to hear panelists talk about growing, raising, and selling food locally. Feeding the community gets brought up often around the Thanksgiving holiday, and the panelists discussed how individuals and businesses can help feed others not just now, but year-round.
A 178-acre parcel on the east side of Route 7 has been sold to Berkshire Natural Resources Council, which plans to cut a hiking trail through to the Farnams Hill ridgeline near the Cheshire town line and eventually link to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail.
Community Voices Editor
CrossFit Pittsfield has relocated from East Street to a newly renovated, 5,100-square-foot facility at 113 West St. The move gives the growing fitness center more space and visibility, as well as opportunities to expand its class offerings while continuing to serve its community-focused membership.
Lamacchia Realty is expanding in the Berkshires with the acquisition of Steepleview Realty.
The cafe hosted a soft opening Friday and will serve classic American breakfast and lunch options, coffee, ice cream and eventually owner Stephanie Melito’s homemade fudge.
The new Canna Provisions storefront at 1021 South St., which opened Thursday, is the company’s third location.
At Hilltop Orchards, the damage from a recent overnight freeze is clear: Tiny seeds inside the embryonic fruit should be green; freeze damage left some brown. 
After 18 years of retreats, networking sessions, workshops and community conversations, the free Berkshires-based Dulye Leadership Experience came to an end on Friday.
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Solar photovoltaic adoption and poverty alleviation: experience from rural China  Cambridge University Press & Assessment
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By: Luis Reyes
Published: Jun 7, at 6:30am ET
Owning a boat usually means signing up for a lifetime of fuel bills, marina fees, and an engine that wants attention every few months. That is the deal almost everyone accepts before they ever cast off. A Finnish builder named Lukas Sjoman wanted none of it, so he spent roughly 200 days in a shed turning plywood, glass fibre and off-the-shelf solar panels into an 11-meter explorer yacht that runs on sunlight alone. His pitch is simple: a boat designed to, in theory, run forever.
And this spring he spent about $1,900 on a battery upgrade to push it even farther without burning a single drop of fuel.
The boat is called Helios 11, and if you have watched any of it come together on his True North Yachts channel. Blacked-out, narrow, stripped of anything that is not holding the thing together. That austerity is the entire point. Every kilogram Sjoman did not add is a kilogram the sun does not have to move, and that math is what separates a slogan about running forever from a boat that actually crosses water. It is also one of the more extreme attempts yet to put electric propulsion on the water, except this one was built by one person for less than the price of a mid-size sedan.
The upgrade itself is almost boring, which is sort of the flex. Sjoman added two more 48V 100-amp battery packs, bringing roughly 22 kilowatt-hours of usable storage to the solar propulsion system, according to the build he has documented publicly. Combined with what the roof array feeds in, the whole setup tops out near 37 kilowatt-hours of energy on a good day. The roof itself generates somewhere around 15 kilowatt-hours in typical conditions, which is what keeps the batteries topped up while the boat is moving, instead of needing a plug once the sun goes down.
He bolted the new packs low, beneath the waterline, and that placement does double duty. It adds capacity, and it drops the center of gravity to counter the weight of all those panels sitting up on the roof. He could have chased a better power-to-weight ratio with flexible CIGS panels, but those yield less per square meter and cost more, so he stuck with cheaper rigid panels and kept the whole battery job inside that $1,900 budget. The hull is also built to self-right, which matters a lot more on a light boat than on a heavy one.
The amenities are the part that turns a science project into a home. There is an electric stove, a lightweight fridge, and a flushable toilet on board, and Sjoman has talked about adding rainwater harvesting, water filtration, and Starlink so the boat can stay away from a marina for weeks at a time. It is a 1.5-ton apartment that happens to float and never visits a gas dock.
This is where the phrase “runs forever” needs an asterisk, because the number moves depending on the sky. On a standard 24-hour run, Sjoman says the upgraded Helios 11 covers about 100 nautical miles without touching fuel. On a bright summer day with the auxiliary sail up, that can stretch toward 150. Push it into rougher water with the sun behind clouds and the daily figure drops closer to 40. None of that is a knock on the boat. It is just what solar range looks like when your fuel tank is the weather.
The cruising speed sits in a useful band too, roughly 5 to 5.5 knots, which is where the electric motor runs most efficiently. Go faster and you drain the batteries; go slower and you are barely moving. Sjoman has settled into that efficient cruise the way a hypermiler settles into 55 on the highway, except his reward is a boat that quietly refills itself once the sun comes back up.
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Figures from Sjoman’s publicly documented Helios 11 build. Range varies with sun and sea state.
A prototype that only performs in flat water is a pond toy, so Sjoman took the Helios 11 out into 20 to 25 knot winds along the Mediterranean coast, with no backup engine and no generator on board. Just solar, the small sail, and an anchor if everything went sideways. That is either confidence or a dare, and it mostly paid off. Even punching into a headwind north of 20 knots, the boat held a cruising speed between 6 and 6.7 knots while pulling around 3,500 to 4,000 watts, with the panels still feeding in 1,200 to 1,500 watts depending on cloud cover.
The standout moment from his testing is that the Helios reportedly overtook a sailboat three times its size. Sailboats live and die by the wind. A solar-electric hull does not care whether the wind is cooperating, and Sjoman says that even at zero percent battery his panels alone held the boat at 6.5 knots in daylight. He has also been candid that the build is not finished and that he got at least one design choice wrong along the way, which is more honesty than most people building a “perfect” machine on camera will give you. You can watch him narrate the whole thing, including the slow move south toward France and Spain, in his own on-the-water updates.
The twist is that the energy side is no longer the hard part. Sjoman has said the upgrade was not about fixing a limitation, just adding capacity he is happy to have on board. The real constraint on a tiny solar yacht is comfort and seaworthiness, because a light hull with minimal ballast starts to roll the moment conditions turn, and a person can only take so much of that before a long crossing stops being fun.
That tracks with what people who study this for a living will tell you. Saman Gorji, who directs the Centre for Smart Power and Energy Research at Deakin University, has noted that solar-plus-battery setups are already viable for some marine uses, especially shorter and more predictable routes, while longer continuous-duty trips are better served by hybrid systems that pair batteries with another clean source.
That is roughly the logic behind the largest electric ferries now in service, and behind clean-propulsion experiments at the luxury end like the hydrogen fuel-cell superyacht that chases the same fuel-free goal by a completely different route. Solar alone works beautifully at Helios scale. It gets harder the bigger and faster you go.
Sjoman is not shy about the comparison. He has pointed out that some people have already crossed the Atlantic on solar power alone, and that his own boat could manage a similar run at an average of around 5 knots if he wanted to. The thing stopping him is not the sun. It is whether a 36-foot hull is comfortable enough to live in for weeks.
So the next Helios is going to be bigger. Sjoman has said a version roughly 50 percent larger would turn an ocean crossing from a real question into something close to easy, and his build-plans archive already lays out larger designs, from a stretched explorer monohull to multihull concepts, all aimed at the same brief: a boat that owes the fuel pump nothing. The goal was never really this specific boat. It was proving that one person, in a shed, with hardware anyone can order online, can build something that moves across the planet on sunlight and skips the marine industry’s usual tolls.
For now the Helios 11 is still a prototype, still a work in progress, still occasionally getting a detail wrong in public. It is also quietly out-running boats that cost ten times as much, and the only fuel it has touched so far is sunlight.
What do you think?
Luis Reyes · May 26, 2026
Luis Reyes · May 31, 2026
Dave McQuilling · May 21, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 1, 2026
Dave McQuilling · May 11, 2026
Olivia Richman · Jun 6, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 7, 2026
Olivia Richman · Jun 6, 2026
Olivia Richman · Jun 6, 2026
Luis Reyes · Jun 6, 2026
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The Prime Minister announces the elimination of taxes on batteries and solar panels  HaitiLibre.com
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✖
Last updated: May, 2026
Europe Solar PV Market Size, Share, Trends, & Growth Forecast Report Segmented By Technology (Crystalline Silicon, Thin Film, and Others), Grid Type (On-grid, and Off-grid), Installation (Ground Mounted, Rooftop, and Others), Application (Residential, Non-Residential, and Utilities), Country (UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, Czech Republic & Rest of Europe), Industry Analysis From 2026 to 2034
The Europe solar PV market was valued at USD 148.20 billion in 2025. The European is estimated to reach USD 1120.98 billion by 2034 from USD 185.56 billion in 2026, rising at a CAGR of 25.21% from 2026 to 2034.

The Europe solar photovoltaic (PV) market incorporates the production, distribution, and utilization of solar energy systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity across European countries. This market has evolved significantly over the past two decades, transitioning from a niche renewable source to a central pillar in the continent’s energy transition strategy. Also, the integration of PV technology is supported by stringent climate targets, decreasing installation costs, and growing public awareness regarding sustainable energy solutions. Germany remains the dominant player, followed by Spain, the Netherlands, and Poland, each experiencing robust growth due to favorable policy frameworks and investment incentives.
As of 2023, the cumulative installed solar PV capacity in Europe exceeded 200 gigawatts (GW), reflecting an annual increase of more than 15%, as reported by SolarPower Europe. The market includes utility-scale projects, commercial rooftop installations, and residential solar systems, supported by innovations such as bifacial modules and advanced inverters. A main development has been the increasing decentralization of energy generation, enabling households and businesses to become prosumers—both producers and consumers of electricity. In addition, grid modernization efforts and digital monitoring tools have enhanced system efficiency and reliability.
One of the most influential drivers of the Europe Solar PV market is the strong regulatory support and comprehensive policy frameworks implemented by national governments and the European Union. The European Green Deal, launched in 2019, sets a legally binding target of climate neutrality by 2050, compelling member states to accelerate their renewable energy deployment. Under the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), the EU aims to source at least 42.5% of its final energy consumption from renewables by 2030, with solar PV expected to play a pivotal role. Countries like Spain and Poland have introduced competitive auctions and feed-in premium schemes to attract private investments, resulting in rapid capacity additions. Germany’s Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) was amended in 2023 to fast-track solar project approvals, aiming for 215 GW of installed PV capacity by 2030. These regulatory interventions have not only reduced bureaucratic delays but also improved investor confidence.
A significant driver fueling the expansion of the Europe Solar PV market is the sustained decline in technology costs coupled with advancements in solar panel efficiency. Over the past decade, the cost of photovoltaic modules has dropped dramatically, making solar energy increasingly accessible to both large-scale developers and individual consumers. This reduction has been attributed to economies of scale, manufacturing innovations, and increased competition among suppliers. Technological progress has also played a crucial role in enhancing performance. Modern monocrystalline PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact) modules now achieve efficiencies exceeding 22%, compared to around 15% for conventional polycrystalline panels a decade ago. Bifacial modules, which capture sunlight on both sides, are gaining traction across utility-scale projects in countries like the Netherlands and Sweden, boosting energy yield. These cost reductions and efficiency improvements have translated into higher return on investment (ROI) for developers and faster payback periods for end-users. Consequently, demand for solar installations has surged, particularly in residential and commercial segments where self-consumption models are becoming increasingly viable.
Despite its rapid growth, the Europe Solar PV market faces significant challenges stemming from supply chain vulnerabilities and heavy reliance on imported raw materials and components. A majority of critical PV inputs—including polysilicon, wafers, cells, and modules—are sourced from China, which dominates global production. This overreliance became starkly evident during the pandemic and subsequent global supply chain disruptions, which led to extended lead times and volatile pricing. In 2022, freight costs surged significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels, while polysilicon prices reached record highs, pushing up overall system costs. Although the situation stabilized somewhat in 2023, uncertainties persist, particularly concerning trade restrictions and customs inspections targeting Chinese imports. Efforts to localize manufacturing, such as the European Solar Manufacturing Council’s initiative to build gigawatt-scale factories, remain in early stages and lack sufficient funding to offset near-term risks.
Another critical restraint affecting the Europe Solar PV market is the challenge of integrating large volumes of intermittent solar power into aging grid infrastructure. While solar PV capacity has expanded rapidly, grid modernization efforts have lagged behind, leading to congestion, curtailment, and inefficiencies. Many European countries inherited centralized grid systems designed for conventional fossil fuel-based generation, which struggle to accommodate decentralized and variable renewable sources. According to ENTSO-E (European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity), grid congestion issues led to the curtailment of over 4 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable energy in 2022, primarily in Germany, Spain, and Italy. Curtailment occurs when excess solar generation cannot be transmitted due to insufficient interconnection capacity or storage availability. Moreover, outdated distribution networks in rural and suburban areas cannot often handle bidirectional power flows from distributed solar installations. Investments in smart grids, battery storage, and cross-border interconnectors are progressing, but at a slower pace than required.
An emerging opportunity for the Europe Solar PV market lies in the rapid proliferation of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs), which enable businesses to procure renewable energy directly from developers. These long-term contracts offer companies stable electricity pricing while providing developers with predictable revenue streams, fostering mutual benefits. According to BloombergNEF, corporate PPA activity in Europe reached a record 7.2 gigawatts (GW) in 2023, representing a major increase compared to the previous year.
Scandinavia, the Iberian Peninsula, and the Benelux region have emerged as hotspots for corporate PPAs, driven by high solar irradiation, favorable regulatory environments, and ambitious sustainability goals among multinational corporations. For instance, Google, Microsoft, and Amazon have collectively signed over 3 GW of renewable energy contracts in Europe, predominantly backed by solar PV projects. Moreover, the European Commission’s push for corporate decarbonization under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is incentivizing more businesses to adopt clean energy sourcing strategies.
Floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems represent a promising opportunity for the European solar PV market, particularly in land-constrained regions and water-rich countries. FPV involves installing solar panels on floating structures atop reservoirs, lakes, and coastal waters, offering dual benefits of land conservation and enhanced efficiency due to the cooling effect of water. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Europe accounted for over 1.5 gigawatts (GW) of installed floating solar capacity by mid-2023, with active deployments in France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Germany. As per DNV GL, floating solar can achieve higher energy yields compared to land-based systems, owing to reduced dust accumulation and lower operating temperatures. In addition to efficiency gains, FPV supports grid stability by utilizing existing hydropower infrastructure, particularly in Southern Europe.
A persistent challenge hindering the European solar PV market is the complexity and sluggishness of permitting processes for new solar installations. Despite ambitious renewable energy targets, many EU countries face prolonged approval timelines due to overlapping jurisdictional requirements, environmental assessments, and public consultations. Germany, traditionally a leader in solar adoption, encountered administrative backlogs in 2023 due to revised zoning laws and local opposition to ground-mounted installations. While some countries, including Spain and the Netherlands, have streamlined approval mechanisms through digital platforms and standardized documentation, inconsistencies remain across the bloc. The absence of a unified permitting framework hampers cross-border investment and undermines the EU’s broader goal of achieving a synchronized energy transition. Addressing these bureaucratic inefficiencies is crucial to unlocking the full potential of the Europe Solar PV market in the coming decade.
A growing concern within the Europe Solar PV market is the shortage of skilled labor and trained professionals necessary to support the sector’s rapid expansion. As demand for solar installations surges, the workforce has struggled to keep pace, leading to project delays and increased labor costs. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the European solar industry requires an estimated 500,000 additional skilled workers by 2030 to meet deployment targets, yet current training programs and vocational pathways fall short of this demand. Countries like Poland and the Czech Republic, where PV adoption is accelerating, report acute shortages of certified installers, electrical engineers, and system designers. Even in mature markets such as Germany and France, recruitment challenges persist, particularly in rural areas where experienced technicians are retiring without adequate replacements. Educational institutions and industry stakeholders have initiated re-skilling and apprenticeship programs, but coordination remains fragmented.

REPORT METRIC
DETAILS
Market Size Available
2025 to 2034
Base Year
2025
Forecast Period
2025 to 2033
CAGR
25.21%
Segments Covered
By Technology, Grid Type, Installation, Application and Country
Various Analyses Covered
Regional & Country Level Analysis, Segment-Level Analysis, DROC, PESTLE Analysis, Porter’s Five Forces Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Analyst Overview on Investment Opportunities
Countries Covered
UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Netherlands, Turkey, Czech Republic, and Rest of Europe
Market Leaders Profiled
The major players in the Europe solar photovoltaic (PV) market include Canadian Solar Inc., BrightSource Energy, Inc., First Solar, SunPower Corporation, Trina Solar, Yingli Solar, Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd., Jinko Solar, Waaree Group, Acciona Energia S.A., and Nextera Energy Sources LLC.

Crystalline silicon (c-Si) dominated the Europe Solar PV market in 2024. This segment’s overwhelming dominance is primarily driven by its high efficiency, declining costs, and mature manufacturing ecosystem. Crystalline silicon modules—comprising both monocrystalline and polycrystalline variants—are preferred for their superior performance under diverse climatic conditions, making them suitable for utility-scale, commercial, and residential applications across Europe. Monocrystalline silicon panels, in particular, have seen a surge in demand due to their higher energy conversion efficiencies, which are high in commercial models. As per Wood Mackenzie, over 85% of new installations in Germany and Spain in 2023 utilized monocrystalline technology. Moreover, strong supply chain integration within the EU, particularly through partnerships with Asian manufacturers and local European integrators, ensures consistent availability.
The thin-film PV segment is emerging as the fastest-growing type within the Europe Solar PV market, projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.2%. This growth trajectory is being fueled by unique application advantages that crystalline silicon cannot match, such as lightweight design, flexibility, and better performance in low-light conditions. One of the key drivers is the increasing adoption of thin-film technology in Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV). In countries like France and the Netherlands, where urban density is high and architectural aesthetics are prioritized, thin-film panels—especially those based on cadmium telluride (CdTe) and copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS)—are being incorporated into facades, windows, and rooftops. Also, thin-film solar is gaining traction in agrivoltaics, where semi-transparent panels can be placed above crops without blocking sunlight entirely. Pilot projects in Germany and Italy are leveraging this feature to dual-use land for agriculture and energy generation.
The residential end-user segment held the largest share of the Europe Solar PV market by capturing 47.2% of total installations in 2024. This control is attributed to growing consumer awareness about energy independence, favorable government incentives, and the plummeting cost of rooftop solar systems. The popularity of self-consumption models, aided by declining battery storage prices, has further boosted residential adoption. Furthermore, policy support plays a pivotal role. Countries like Spain and Poland introduced VAT exemptions and direct subsidies for homeowners installing solar systems. The European Commission also encouraged decentralized energy production via the Clean Energy Package, enabling prosumer participation.
The industrial category including small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—is experiencing the highest growth rate, expanding at a CAGR of 11.5%. This rapid acceleration stems from increasing corporate sustainability mandates, rising electricity costs, and the economic benefits of on-site power generation. Industries across sectors such as food processing, logistics, and manufacturing are investing heavily in rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems to reduce operational expenses and meet environmental targets. A significant catalyst is the rise in Corporate Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), particularly in Northern and Western Europe.
The ground-mounted PV deployment segment accounted for the biggest share of the Europe Solar PV market by contributing 58.4% of total installed capacity in 2024. This rule is primarily due to the ability of ground-mounted systems to accommodate large-scale utility projects, which are essential for meeting national renewable energy targets. Countries like Spain, Germany, and Poland have led the way in deploying expansive photovoltaic farms on non-agricultural or degraded land. Another key driver is the scalability of ground-mounted systems, which allows developers to integrate advanced tracking technologies and bifacial modules for enhanced energy yield. Moreover, grid connection infrastructure is more straightforward for centralized ground-based installations, especially in regions with robust transmission networks. These factors collectively reinforce the continued leadership of the ground-mounted segment in shaping Europe’s solar energy landscape.
Rooftop solar represented the fastest-growing deployment segment in the Europe Solar PV market, registering a CAGR of 9.8%. This rapid expansion is driven by increased adoption among residential and commercial users, supported by policy incentives, lower installation costs, and rising electricity tariffs. Germany remains the epicenter of rooftop growth, with over 6 GW of distributed PV capacity added in 2023. The country’s “Solarpakt” initiative introduced streamlined permitting and tax incentives for homeowners and businesses, accelerating rooftop deployment nationwide. Simultaneously, the integration of rooftop solar with battery storage systems is gaining momentum. According to Wood Mackenzie, residential battery installations in Europe surpassed 1 GWh in 2023, with over 60% of these paired with rooftop PV. This synergy enhances energy self-sufficiency and reduces reliance on the grid during peak hours. Local governments are also promoting rooftop initiatives through mandatory solar provisions. For example, France implemented a law requiring large commercial rooftops to be partially covered with solar panels starting in 2023.
Germany held the largest share of the Europe Solar PV market by accounting for 28.5% of total installed capacity in 2024. As a pioneer in renewable energy adoption, Germany continues to lead in both utility-scale and distributed solar deployments. The country reached a cumulative installed PV capacity of over 77 GW, surpassing earlier projections. This sustained growth is largely attributable to progressive policy frameworks such as the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG), which was revised in 2023 to accelerate project approvals and expand incentive programs. Additionally, the government introduced a 0% VAT on self-consumed solar electricity, boosting residential and commercial uptake. The industrial sector has also played a crucial role, with major corporations signing corporate PPAs to meet sustainability goals.

Spain has emerged as a key player in utility-scale solar development, adding a notable share of new PV capacity in 2023, driven by favorable regulatory reforms and abundant solar resources. A major catalyst has been the government’s auction mechanism, ensuring long-term revenue stability for developers. Moreover, Spain’s simplified permitting process and reduced interconnection fees have attracted substantial foreign investment, particularly from international utilities and independent power producers (IPPs). Corporate off-take agreements have also gained traction, with multinational firms like Google and Amazon signing long-term PPAs to power their data centers and logistics hubs.
Italy has witnessed a resurgence in solar installations following a series of policy reforms aimed at streamlining project development and enhancing investor confidence. The introduction of the “Superbonus 110%” scheme, which offers a 110% tax deduction for energy efficiency upgrades including rooftop solar, spurred a wave of residential and commercial installations. Additionally, the Italian government launched the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan), allocating EUR 5.2 billion to renewable energy infrastructure, including solar parks and grid enhancements. Industrial adoption has also grown, with major manufacturing companies integrating solar to hedge against volatile electricity prices.
The Netherlands has rapidly ascended as a leader in innovative solar deployment strategies. Despite its relatively modest geographic size and moderate solar irradiation, the country has leveraged smart urban planning and floating solar technologies to maximize output. The Dutch government’s “Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth” has provided a clear roadmap for solar expansion, targeting 30 GW of installed PV capacity by 2030. Municipalities have played a key role in this effort, mandating solar installations on new buildings and promoting agrivoltaics. Commercial and industrial sectors have also embraced solar, with companies like DSM and ASML committing to 100% renewable operations. The rise of green hydrogen projects powered by solar PV further underscores the Netherlands’ strategic positioning.
Poland is one of the fastest-growing markets in Central and Eastern Europe. The country added over 5 GW of new solar PV capacity in 2023, driven by supportive policies and a rapidly evolving domestic solar ecosystem. A key enabler has been the “My Electricity” (Mój Prąd) subsidy program, which provides financial assistance for residential solar installations. Additionally, Poland’s Prosumer Law, enacted in 2022, simplified net metering procedures and enabled surplus energy sales, encouraging greater participation. The industrial sector has also embraced solar as a means to mitigate high electricity costs, which ranked among the highest in the EU.
The major players in the Europe solar PV market include
The competition in the Europe Solar PV market is characterized by a dynamic mix of established global leaders, emerging regional players, and new entrants aiming to capitalize on the region’s robust renewable energy growth. As governments accelerate their climate commitments and introduce favorable regulatory frameworks, companies are under pressure to innovate, scale operations, and differentiate themselves through superior technology, service offerings, and sustainability practices. The market remains highly fragmented, with numerous firms competing across different segments, including module manufacturing, project development, system integration, and digital asset management. While international giants dominate utility-scale projects, medium-sized enterprises and startups are making notable strides in niche areas such as agrivoltaics, building-integrated photovoltaics, and decentralized energy networks. Strategic collaborations, vertical integration, and digital transformation have become essential tools for maintaining a competitive edge. Additionally, the increasing emphasis on local content requirements and environmental standards is reshaping market entry strategies and influencing long-term industry dynamics.
One of the leading players in the Europe Solar PV market is Siemens Energy. The company plays a critical role in supporting solar energy integration through its advanced grid technologies and digital solutions. Siemens offers a wide range of products including inverters, monitoring systems, and grid automation tools that enhance the efficiency and reliability of photovoltaic installations. With a strong presence across both utility-scale and distributed solar projects, Siemens contributes significantly to enabling seamless renewable energy transition across European countries.
Another key player is First Solar, a global leader in thin-film PV technology. Although headquartered in the United States, First Solar has a strong footprint in Europe, particularly in Germany, France, and the UK, where it supplies high-performance cadmium telluride (CdTe) modules. The company’s innovative approach to low-carbon, recyclable solar panels aligns with Europe’s sustainability goals. Its involvement in large-scale ground-mounted solar farms supports national renewable targets and reinforces the region’s clean energy infrastructure.
Enel Green Power stands out as one of the most influential integrated renewable energy companies in Europe. A subsidiary of the Italian multinational Enel Group, it develops, manages, and operates PV plants across multiple European markets. Enel Green Power is known for its commitment to multi-technology renewable portfolios, combining solar with wind and storage solutions. The company actively engages in corporate power purchase agreements and green hydrogen initiatives, positioning itself at the forefront of Europe’s energy transformation.
A primary strategy adopted by major participants in the Europe Solar PV market is vertical integration and supply chain localization. Companies are increasingly investing in local manufacturing units and forming strategic partnerships to reduce dependency on imported components and ensure faster project execution. This approach not only enhances cost-efficiency but also mitigates risks associated with global supply chain disruptions.
Another crucial strategy is expanding into hybrid energy solutions. Leading firms are integrating solar PV with battery storage, wind, and green hydrogen technologies to offer comprehensive clean energy packages. These diversified offerings allow businesses and utilities to optimize energy generation, improve grid stability, and meet long-term decarbonization objectives more effectively.
Lastly, strengthening customer engagement through digitalization and smart monitoring is gaining momentum. Key players are deploying advanced software platforms for real-time performance tracking, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. This digital transformation enhances system efficiency, improves return on investment, and strengthens competitiveness in an evolving market landscape.
This research report on the Europe solar PV market is segmented and sub-segmented into the following categories.
By Type
By Grid Type
By Deployment
By End-User
By Country

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Frequently Asked Questions
The main drivers include government incentives, declining solar panel costs, increased environmental awareness, and energy security concerns.
Solar PV reduces reliance on fossil fuels, cuts carbon emissions, and helps Europe achieve its renewable energy and climate targets.
Innovations include high-efficiency solar panels, bifacial modules, floating solar farms, and smart grid integration.
The market is expected to grow with continued investments, policy support, and advancements in solar and storage technology.
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Breakage of solar panels due to wind action is an increasingly documented phenomenon in photovoltaic parks. Although tempered glass withstands high static loads, turbulent gusts generate differential pressure patterns that exceed the material’s fatigue limits. This article analyzes, through CFD simulation and 3D modeling, how these fractures originate, offering a technical guide to improve the structural resistance of installations.
To model the failure, a 3D domain was built with a photovoltaic panel tilted at 30 degrees, exposed to a turbulent wind profile of 120 km/h. The CFD simulation revealed that the front face withstands positive pressures of up to 1.8 kPa, while the back face experiences negative suction of -2.3 kPa. This difference generates a bending moment that concentrates stresses at the frame corners and anchor points. The pressure map shows vortices at the leading edge that amplify dynamic loads. Cyclic fatigue, modeled with finite elements, indicates that microcracks in the glass propagate rapidly when the differential pressure exceeds 3 kPa, causing catastrophic panel breakage.
The simulation demonstrates that the tilt angle and frame rigidity are critical factors. Reducing the tilt to 15 degrees decreases suction by 40%, while adding diagonal reinforcements at the corners better distributes stresses. It is recommended to install wind deflectors at the edges to break vortices and use tempered glass with a PVB layer to retain fragments in case of breakage. These changes, validated through 3D simulation, can increase the lifespan of installations against extreme weather events.
Can CFD modeling accurately predict the exact point of structural failure in a solar panel subjected to extreme wind gusts, considering fluid-structure interaction and microcracking of tempered glass?
(PS: Simulating catastrophes is fun until the computer melts down and you are the catastrophe.)
© 2026 Foro3D. All rights reserved.
Article translated automatically from Spanish to English. Original content available at: https://foro3d.com/2026/junio/simulacion-cfd-de-rotura-de-panel-solar-por-rafagas-de-viento-extremo.html
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Shanghai, June 3, 2026 — the global solar industry once again gathered at SNEC 2026 to showcase new technologies, products, and strategic directions.
SolarSpace, a high-efficiency solar cell and module manufacturer founded in 2011, presented a more systematic approach to PV solutions in response to rising global trade barriers, diverging technology pathways, and intensifying competition across the solar value chain.
At this year’s SNEC, SolarSpace’s presence can be summarized through four key elements: one central theme, two technology pathways, three regional marketing centers, and four ESG pillars. Together, they provide a clear picture of the company’s evolving strategy.  
One theme: Energizing efficiency, expanding carbon possibilities
Every major solar manufacturer needs a clear message that connects technology, product strategy, and brand identity. For SolarSpace, the answer at SNEC 2026 was the theme: “Energizing Efficiency, Carbon Infinite.”
“Energizing Efficiency” reflects the company’s long-standing focus on high-efficiency solar cells and modules. From cell manufacturing to module development, efficiency remains at the core of SolarSpace’s competitiveness.
“Carbon Infinite” points to the company’s sustainability ambitions. As ESG requirements move from a voluntary corporate practice to an increasingly important market-access condition, SolarSpace is responding with its SEED sustainability strategy, which integrates green manufacturing, responsible supply chains, low-carbon product management, and global compliance.
Together, the theme connects SolarSpace’s technical foundation with its long-term commitment to sustainable development.
Two technology pathways: Mass-production strength and next-generation readiness
SolarSpace’s technology strategy at SNEC 2026 followed a dual-track approach: strengthening mass-production products while preparing for next-generation cell and module technologies.
The company’s Lumina II module series formed the core of its product display. Built on SolarSpace’s mature N-type technology platform, the series includes two mass-production modules designed for different market segments.
The SSA-66HD-N module, with a power output of 640 W, is positioned for commercial and industrial distributed generation as well as utility-scale projects, with a focus on performance and cost-effectiveness. The SSA-48HDB-N, a 460 W full-black aesthetic module, is designed for premium residential markets in Europe and North America, combining conversion efficiency with architectural appearance.
Alongside these mass-production products, SolarSpace also presented HJT and BC modules as part of its forward-looking technology portfolio. The SS9-66HD-H HJT module, rated at 750 W, and the SSA-66HD-NB BC module, rated at 680 W, are currently positioned as concept products rather than mass-production models. Their presence at the exhibition reflects SolarSpace’s continued research and development efforts in next-generation high-efficiency technologies.
For any module product, core performance indicators such as efficiency potential, low-light response, and temperature coefficient ultimately depend on the underlying cell technology. This is where SolarSpace’s background as a cell manufacturer remains a key differentiator.
At SNEC 2026, the company displayed its established G12R, G12, and G10L cell products, which continue to support customers with mature and reliable performance. It also introduced two new cell products: a 210N one-third-cut cell and a half-cut TBC cell, further extending its technology platform.
Unlike manufacturers whose business is centered primarily on modules, SolarSpace’s foundation lies in solar cells. According to PV InfoLink, SolarSpace ranked second globally in solar cell shipments in 2025. This manufacturing base provides the technical foundation for the company’s module competitiveness and helps distinguish SolarSpace from many other PV exhibitors.
Three marketing centers: A localized global market strategy
As solar markets become more fragmented in policy, certification, customer demand, and trade regulation, global expansion increasingly requires localized execution.
SolarSpace has established three regional marketing centers covering Europe, the United States, and Asia-Pacific. These centers serve as the organizational foundation for its “one region, one strategy” market approach.
Through coordination among the three centers, SolarSpace is able to develop differentiated product and marketing strategies according to regional energy policies, application scenarios, customer preferences, and regulatory requirements.
The company’s customer network currently spans five major regions: Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. SolarSpace said it has established cooperation with more than 1,000 customers worldwide.
This regionalized structure is expected to support closer communication with distributors, developers, EPC companies, and end users as requirements around performance, traceability, carbon footprint, and compliance continue to rise.
Four ESG pillars: Accelerating the SEED sustainability strategy
As global markets tighten regulation on lifecycle carbon emissions, ESG capabilities are becoming more than a reputational advantage. For PV manufacturers, they are increasingly linked to market access, bankability, customer due diligence, and long-term competitiveness.
On the opening morning of SNEC 2026, SolarSpace held an offline launch ceremony for its 2025 ESG Report and presented the latest progress of its SEED sustainability strategy. The strategy is built around four pillars: Sustainable Energy Excellence, Ecological Green Energy, Empowering Value, and Dynamic Governance.
During the launch, SolarSpace’s ESG team shared the company’s progress in green manufacturing, sustainable supply-chain management, carbon-footprint management, and global compliance governance. The presentation highlighted SolarSpace’s intention to further strengthen its sustainability capabilities and respond proactively to evolving ESG requirements in international markets.
SolarSpace has obtained a number of international certifications and declarations, including the French LCA lifecycle assessment certification, ECS French carbon-footprint certification, ISO 14064 greenhouse gas verification statement, and ISO 20400 sustainable procurement conformity statement. In 2025, the company also received an EcoVadis Bronze Medal. In addition, SolarSpace was included in the 2024–2025 Forbes China Sustainable Industrial Enterprises list, recognized among outstanding ESG cases, and named in a global top 100 new energy ESG ranking.
Four elements, one strategic direction
Taken together, the four elements presented at SNEC 2026 form a coherent strategic framework for SolarSpace’s next stage of development.
The theme of “Energizing Efficiency, Carbon Infinite” links the company’s technical capabilities with its sustainability commitments. Its dual-track technology strategy balances mass-production reliability with future-oriented innovation. Its three regional marketing centers support localized execution in a more complex global market. Its four ESG pillars provide a framework for long-term responsible growth.
On the stage of SNEC 2026, this strategic framework provided SolarSpace with a clear sense of direction and a more complete narrative for its global development. Built on its solar cell manufacturing foundation and expanded through high-efficiency modules, regional market execution, and sustainability governance, the company aims to provide customers with more reliable, adaptable, and low-carbon PV solutions for the next phase of the energy transition.

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China’s focused efforts signal the country’s view that solar panel recycling is a strategic approach to building a pipeline of critical materials to drive economic development and prepare for the next phase of the energy transition.
By Pablo Ribeiro Dias, Chief Technology Officer, Solarcycle
Given China’s leading position in the solar industry, it might be surprising to learn that China is not the leader in solar recycling. In fact, the U.S. and Europe have far more mature markets and are home to the industry’s dominant players. But China is taking serious steps to position itself to rival the U.S. and EU by 2030, and we should all be paying attention.  
The country is following a familiar playbook: centralized policy, local experimentation and targeted capital. This recipe is exactly how China achieved its dominant position in solar manufacturing. China’s focused efforts signal the country’s view that solar panel recycling is not just about managing waste, it is a strategic approach to building a healthy pipeline of critical materials to drive economic development and prepare for the next phase of the energy transition. 
Recently, I had the privilege of being one of only a handful of foreigners invited to attend China’s annual ECOPV Alliance (China Green Supply Chain Alliance Photovoltaic Committee) meeting, where business leaders, researchers, industry alliances and government figures gathered to discuss the current and future state of end-of-life solar in China. During the event, ECOPV’s exclusive annual “China PV Recovery and Recycling White Paper” was released, outlining 2025 findings and the road ahead. The biggest takeaway was not that China already has solved end-of-life solar. It has not. The market today is still fragmented, uneven and in many ways chaotic. The real takeaway is that China appears to have recognized this disorder as a strategic problem and has started treating it accordingly. 
At the meeting, one phrase came up repeatedly: the “last mile” of solar. It is a useful one. China already has built an extraordinary degree of vertical integration across the solar value chain. It has scale in high-purity silicon, wafers, cells, modules and the broader manufacturing ecosystem around them. But once panels reach the end of their useful lives, the loop still is not fully closed. Recovering those materials and putting them back into the supply chain remains the unfinished part of the project, or the “last mile.” 
The timing matters. China now has more than 1 terawatt of installed solar capacity, but its installed base is younger than that of places like Western Europe and the U.S. That means China is not yet seeing its biggest end-of-life volumes. According to the white paper and the discussions around it, the real inflection point is expected around 2030. But what I learned is that China is not waiting for the wave of retired panels to arrive before building the systems to handle it. It is trying to build ahead of the wave.  
One key challenge China is trying to solve is volatility. Because deployment itself happened in surges, decommissioning also is expected to come in intermittent waves rather than in a smooth, predictable flow. If recycling capacity is built too slowly, those spikes will overwhelm the system. But there is another risk as well: If capacity is built too aggressively, too early, the recycling sector could end up repeating one of the defining features of Chinese manufacturing more broadly—overcapacity. That concern was present in the discussions. China wants to build this industry before the waste volumes peak, but it also is aware of the danger of copying the solar manufacturing story too literally: too many players, too much duplicated capacity and too much capital chasing volumes that have not yet fully arrived. That is one reason the policy design matters so much. 
What I saw was a familiar pattern, paralleling the story of solar manufacturing in China: central direction, local experimentation, targeted capital and a clear preference for formal industrial capacity over informal or opportunistic practices. But unlike a simple race to build more plants, the strategy also seems aimed at shaping what kind of industry emerges.  
“Two-new” policies kept showing up over and over. One is building a standardization system. The other is accelerating environmental equipment research, development and deployment. Those two priorities are revealing. The first suggests that China understands the market cannot mature if it remains technically fragmented, operationally inconsistent and difficult to regulate. Standards are often what separates an improvised market from an industry. The second suggests that China is not content with treating solar recycling as a low-tech waste-handling business. The ambition is to turn recycling into a technology industry. That idea drives the policy strategy.  
The central government is setting direction, but provinces are being allowed to test different policy tools. Some are experimenting with extended producer responsibility models. Others are trying landfill bans. Some are letting the free market do its thing. We are yet to see which model comes out ahead. At the same time, the state is putting real money behind the buildout. One of the most striking signals of China’s commitment to the circular economy came in last year: In August, the government designated 500 billion RMB ($70 billion) from special ultra-long-term government bonds to support the ‘two-new’ policy. These policies reaffirm that China is treating recycling as industrial infrastructure.  
That might be the clearest lesson for other markets. If solar recycling is treated mainly as a waste problem, it likely will remain fragmented, low-margin and reactive. If it is treated as industrial infrastructure, the conversation changes. Standards, targeted R&D, enforcement and capacity planning all matter. 
Another element is worth watching closely: enforcement. The government is cracking down on what it calls informal practices, including uncontrolled chemical leaching and thermal processing without emissions controls. That serves two purposes at once. First, it limits pollution. Second, it protects the companies investing in legitimate, compliant and technically sophisticated operations from being undercut by low-cost, dirty processing. That distinction matters because a market cannot mature if the most serious players are forced to compete against operators that ignore environmental controls, skip treatment systems and carry none of the overhead that responsible processing requires. I regularly see this issue in the U.S.: Companies taking advantage of the nascent industry, underdeveloped standards and limited monitoring to make a quick profit while damaging the environment and avoiding the hard work of responsible recycling. 
But the most telling sign of where China wants this industry to go is technical, not just regulatory. The goal is not to remain in what might be called legacy recycling: shredding panels, pulling out some bulk materials and treating the rest as a lower-value stream. The push is toward high-value recovery: separating components with greater purity, avoiding cross-contamination and recovering materials in forms that can reenter industrial supply chains at much higher value. That is a very different ambition. It is also why “recycling” might be the wrong word, or at least an incomplete one. For many people, recycling still brings to mind waste collection, compliance and low-margin material handling. But what China is trying to build looks closer to high-tech material recovery. The feedstock is already in circulation. The challenge is not finding the material. It is recovering it cleanly, efficiently and at scale. 
That is especially clear in the focus on EVA, or ethylene-vinyl acetate,  removal, one of the core technical bottlenecks in solar recycling. EVA is designed to survive decades in the field. That makes it an excellent material in a module and a very difficult one for recyclers. The government is directing research institutions and private companies toward solving that problem through multiple pathways, including high-precision mechanical approaches, targeted chemical solvents and controlled pyrolysis. Again, this is not a waste-management mindset. It is a technology-development mindset. 
And this is where the broader pattern becomes hard to ignore. We have seen China run this play before. It did not become dominant in solar manufacturing by accident. It aligned policy, capital, experimentation and industrial capacity around a long-term objective. What I saw in March had many of those same early signals, only now applied to end-of-life systems.  
China is not ahead in solar recycling today. The U.S. solar recycling market is emerging as one of the most mature globally outside Europe, driven in large part by the fact that large-scale solar deployment began earlier in the U.S. than in China. As a result, end-of-life solar panels started appearing sooner, prompting earlier development of recycling infrastructure, specialized state legislation in places like California and Washington and operational expertise at commercial scale.  
This head start should be treated as an advantage to build on, not as a reason for complacency. If the U.S. wants to remain ahead, it has to treat solar recycling as more than a niche environmental service. It should be viewed as a strategic industrial capability: One that requires serious standards, credible enforcement, continued technology development and companies willing to invest in real recovery systems rather than minimum-compliance waste handling. 
While China has a large number of recyclers, the market remains fragmented, whereas the U.S. has demonstrated the ability to process material at the scale needed to solve the coming wave of end-of-life solar material. This combination of early market maturity, advanced recycling technology and industry-leading material recovery capabilities from leading providers positions the U.S. as one of the largest long-term opportunities in the global solar circular economy. The U.S. does not need to prove that serious solar recycling can scale; it already has companies showing that it can. What it needs is a policy environment that rewards real recovery, pushes out free-riders and treats recycling as a strategic high-tech industry linked to critical resource security. 
But leadership does not begin when an industry is already mature. It begins when a country decides that an immature industry provides a strategic advantage and starts building the conditions to lead it. China has begun that process in solar recycling. This does not make Chinese leadership inevitable, but it does suggest long-term intent. What I saw was proof that solar recycling should be treated as something much bigger than waste management. U.S. leaders still have the opportunity to stay ahead rather than cede this industry to the same strategy that reshaped global solar manufacturing. 
Pablo Ribeiro Dias is chief technology officer at Solarcycle, a leading solar panel recycling company headquartered in Mesa, Arizona. Visit www.solarcycle.us for more information. 

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US-headquartered independent testing laboratory RETC has released its 2026 PV Module Index report, a document that contains the results of the company’s module reliability and performance testing, as well as in-depth discussions of factors in the modern solar industry that have led to the outcomes evident in the test results.
Major findings include a persistent problem of ultraviolet light-induced degradation (UVID) in solar modules, an increase in failures during tests for reliability under damp heat and thermal cycling conditions, and a significant reduction in the number of manufacturers whose modules qualify for high achievement in hail durability testing.
Each test is conducted on multiple modules in the same model line. Each model is known as a “bill of materials,” or BOM. In total, 11% of the BOMs tested for damp heat exhibited a failure condition (greater than 5% power loss), compared to just 6% the year before, while 8% failed UVID testing.
While 5% of BOMs exhibited failures in the thermal cycling test sequence (up from 2% in 2025), 92% met the threshold for high achievement. This could indicate that a component chosen by a single manufacturer is to blame for the failure.
Only 25% of BOMs were recognized as high achievers in hail durability testing, down from 70% the year before. Because this testing is optional, RETC did not define a failure condition, but noted that while most PV module designs can meet baseline ballistic impact standards recent catastrophic losses due to hailstorms suggest that more robust standard is necessary.
Recognizing high achievers
For 2026, RETC recognized 19 solar module manufacturers for high achievement in at least one test, and 13 manufacturers as Overall Highest Achievers, signifying they met standards in a certain number of tests for reliability and performance.
Manufacturers recognized as Overall Highest Achievers in the 2026 report are Imperial Star Solar, JA Solar, JinkoSolar, Longi Solar, Qcells, Runergy, SolarSpace, Thornova Solar, Trina Solar, VSUN Solar, TW Solar, Waaree and Yingli Solar.
How RETC tests modules
RETC gleans much of the data it uses to evaluate manufacturers through its Thresher Test, a series of eight test sequences, with six sequences dedicated to module reliability and two for performance testing.
Thresher test sequences in the reliability discipline include:
Thresher test sequences in the performance discipline include: 
In addition to the Thresher test sequences, RETC evaluates solar modules based on their performance on its hail durability test (HDT), as well as tests it conducts to certify products for meeting California Energy Commission (CEC) standards. 
In total, each of the disciplines has seven tests in which products can be recognized for high achievement.
Levels of achievement
RETC recognizes manufacturers for their products’ scores on the testing regimen at the following four levels: Overall Highest Achiever, Reliability High Achiever, Performance High Achiever and Test Category High Achiever.
Overall Highest Achiever status is awarded if the manufacturer’s products earn high achiever recognition in both of the disciplines, and have their test samples witnessed and bills of materials verified by an independent third party. 
Reliability High Achievers are manufacturers whose products exceed standards on at least 3 of the 7 tests in the reliability discipline (glass-on-backsheet models must exceed standards on the BUDT test and 3 additional tests). All of the above-listed companies qualified for this recognition in this year’s report.
Performance High Achievers are manufacturers whose products exceed standards on at least 3 of the 7 tests in the performance discipline. As before, all of the above companies qualified. Alps Solar was also recognized.
Test Category High Achiever status is awarded to manufacturers whose products exceed the high achiever standards on any single test. For 2026, the list includes Adani Solar, Auxin Solar, Illuminate Solar, Mission Solar, and Silfab Solar.
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When Janete Gonzalez went to the Druid Hill Park farmers market in the fall of 2022, she was a new Baltimore City resident, having just moved after a house fire destroyed everything she owned. That day, she expected to leave the northern Baltimore market with food and maybe some health care products.
Instead, she left with solar panels. 
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“I originally assumed that solar panels were for people who had bigger land or lived in a better neighborhood,” Gonzalez said. “I just didn’t think it was for us.”
But Civic Works, a nonprofit working to improve energy accessibility in Maryland, is changing that.
After visiting the organization’s booth at the farmers market, Gonzalez joined its solar accessibility program. Now, she is one of more than four dozen Baltimore City residents who have received free solar panel installations as part of the Baltimore Shines program. 
The program emerged as a partnership between the Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development and Civic Works as an affordable solution for low-income residents to lower their electricity bills and make a positive impact on the environment.
Baltimore Shines started this round of solar installs in 2024 and as of December had completed 50 solar installations for income-qualifying homeowners. By the end of 2026, the program hopes to bring that number to 170 installations.
“Our goal is to really make it as easy and worry-free a process as possible for the resident,” said Eli Allen, the senior program director at Civic Works.
After Gonzalez’s first introduction to Baltimore Shines, she went through an almost yearlong process of information sessions, online applications, a roof assessment and several house visits. Her solar panels were installed in June 2023, and by December, they were generating power. 
Now Gonzalez saves about 50% on her Baltimore Gas and Electric Company bill. Bills that came in around $400 now average $176-$230 a month, she said.
“It gives that safeguard to really embrace the house that you have and lets you focus on family life,” Gonzalez said.
Those savings are nothing unusual. According to 2024 fiscal year data from the Maryland Energy Administration, Baltimore Shines has cut residents’ electricity bills by an average of $1,500 annually. 
“That’s quite a significant amount,” said Angel Saules, Maryland Energy Administration program manager. “That’s over $100 a month that people are able to save by having these systems installed.” 

On average, however, these savings are not consistent throughout the year due to seasonal changes in solar production.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electrical energy through photovoltaic panels. During the winter months, with fewer hours of sunlight, solar systems produce less energy. Coupled with an increase in heating needs, hot water usage and electricity for lighting, that means residents typically don’t save as much in their energy bills during the colder months. 
“It’s great for the summer, not too much for the winter,” said Baltimore Shines participant Tyresa German.  
In the winter, German said she saves about $50 per month; BGE bills that used to come in around $250 now average $200 per month. But once summer rolls around, German’s bills drop to $10-$30 a month.
“My friends hate me,” German joked. “Prior to getting the solar panels, I was doing a lot of overtime just so I could not feel drowned in the BGE bill.” 
Baltimore Shines also ensures city residents aren’t drowned by the cost of solar panels.
In Baltimore City, the average row home can safely handle an 11-kilowatt solar system, which costs residents between $15,000 and $18,000, said Victor Walters, associate director of outreach and intake at Civic Works.
That price tag makes solar energy a luxury that is out of reach for some.
With Baltimore Shines, residents pay zero out-of-pocket costs — but only low-income homeowners qualify for the program. Income limits range from $26,338 for a single-person household to $54,600 for a family of four to $92,260 for a family of eight.
Under the program, Civic Works owns and operates the solar panels it installs on homes for a 20-year lease term, covering any maintenance issues or replacements residents may need.
To finance the program, Civic Works receives grants from a variety of sources, which previously included funding from a program called Solar for All. 
However, after the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency terminated $7 billion in grants for Solar for All programs in August 2025, Baltimore Shines was forced to restructure to adjust for the lack of funding.
“We have had to cap the size of the solar system we are installing to be able to offer solar to more community residents,” Walters said.
Now residents’ solar systems are limited to 5.7 kilowatts — roughly half the size of previous systems installed under the program. If residents want to expand their system size, those costs come out of pocket, Walters said.
The Maryland Energy Administration Residential Energy Equity Program now serves as one of the program’s main funding sources — and it expects demand for the program to grow.
“The way we expect to see that unfold is that we’ll have more applicants for solar than we have in the past because there isn’t going to be access in other ways,” Saules said.
The chance to switch to solar matters for Baltimore City residents as BGE utility rates continue to climb. Since January 2025, BGE customers have seen multiple increases in their energy bills, with residents expecting to pay an average of $26.06 more per month for combined gas and electric bills, according to 2025 energy bill information for BGE customers.
Low-income residents bear the brunt of the energy burden. In Baltimore, the median energy burden of low-income households was four times higher than non-low-income households, according to a 2020 report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. 
The median household in Baltimore spent 3% of its income on its energy bill, yet median low-income Baltimore households spent 10.5%, according to the report.
Addressing the energy bills of low-income households simultaneously addresses climate change, Saules said.
“Our goals as a state are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a certain amount by a certain time,” Saules said. “A good way to achieve that goal is to address the highest energy burden, which is typically in lower-income households.”
Energy efficiency education is a crucial part of this conversation, she added. Being energy efficient can be as simple as knowing how your everyday behaviors affect your energy usage, like turning off the water while brushing your teeth and not constantly adjusting your thermostat. 
At Baltimore Shines, solar panels are the first step in making a home more energy efficient. Then comes homeowner support and education to help residents understand how usage affects their electricity bills each month.
“When we install a new efficiency model in someone’s home, people sometimes think they can overuse any system,” Walters said. “People start to use more energy because they are assuming that this newer product is going to save them so much.” 
Walters said staffers help residents feel confident in their decision to go solar. However, given the program’s limited staffing size, this support is not always as timely as residents want it to be, he said.
“The biggest feedback that we have gotten from program participants is not knowing step by step what’s going on,” he said.
In some cases, after residents have gotten their solar panels installed, they think their system will be turned on immediately. However, solar panels can sit on the roof of someone’s home for two to three months, awaiting city inspection and for BGE to connect the system. 
To get ahead of such issues, Civic Works is working on new ways to improve communication with residents, Walters said.
But Gonzalez said the support she’s gotten from Civic Works has been a key part of her Baltimore Shines experience. The program goes beyond just covering finances; it’s about having access to resources to better understand the energy options available and how different systems will affect your finances and carbon footprint. 
“I had access to learn about these things as a new homeowner — understanding the importance of energy savings and going green and all of these things we can do differently to contribute to the environment,” Gonzalez said.

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What to know before you get balcony solar  Maine Morning Star
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We reviewed the top solar batteries and found that the Tesla Powerwall 3 comes in at number one.
Home batteries can be a great investment for your home, though we’ll admit they’re not for everyone. Adding storage to your solar panel system makes perfect sense if your area doesn’t have a consumer-friendly net metering program, you face frequent power outages, or you simply want more independence from your utility company.
If that’s you, the next step is weeding through all of the home storage options on the market. Choosing the best battery boils down to factors like battery chemistry, performance, customization, warranty, and cost. We looked at all these factors in dozens of models quoted on the EnergySage Marketplace to determine the best batteries of 2026. 
Six brands stood out: Tesla, FranklinWH, MidNite Solar, Sigenergy, Enphase, and SolarEdge.
EnergySage partners with Qmerit to help you find trusted, certified installers to make your battery installation safe and simple.
Price: $998/kWh
Capacity: 13.5 kWh 
Roundtrip efficiency: 97.5%
The Tesla Powerwall 3 earns its top spot with a well-rounded set of specs and the best EnergySage score. It delivers one of the highest continuous power ratings on this list, along with a strong power-to-energy ratio—meaning it can run more appliances at once without breaking a sweat. Its high efficiency and full energy optimization capabilities make it a great fit for maximizing time-of-use savings, and its autonomous backup functionality ensures seamless performance during outages. The built-in hybrid inverter also allows for both AC and DC coupling, giving it more flexibility than many competitors.
But, if you have a shady or complex roof and want panel-level optimization for your solar panel system (e.g., microinverters), you might consider skipping the Powerwall 3. You'll get the most out of the Powerwall 3 by DC-coupling it, which means using the Tesla hybrid inverter that comes with it.
Price: $1,177/kWh
Capacity: 15 kWh
Roundtrip efficiency: 90%
The FranklinWh aPower 2 is a powerful and scalable battery. It has the highest peak power (enabling you to run appliances that require a lot of energy to start) and the second-highest continuous power (letting you continuously power heavy loads) specs on our list, making it a reliable option for those looking to keep the lights on during power outages. It also boasts a high usable capacity (15 kWh) and allows you to stack up to 15 modules, making it particularly good for those interested in whole-home backup or going off-grid. And, its 15-year warranty is one of the longest on the market.  
The aPower 2’s biggest downside is that it’s one of the least efficient batteries in our top five, which means you’ll lose a bit more stored energy. While it’s still higher than most in the market with 90% roundtrip efficiency, there are plenty of more efficient batteries to choose from if that’s your priority.
Price: $338/kWh
Capacity: 16 kWh
Roundtrip efficiency: 97.5%
The MidNite Solar Powerflo 16 pairs the largest usable capacity in one battery unit on this list with excellent efficiency, making it a strong pick for homeowners with high energy needs. Its long 15-year warranty and solid backup performance also make it well-suited for resilience-focused setups, especially if you want fewer, larger batteries.
The tradeoff is power. Its modest continuous and peak power ratings mean it’s not as well-suited for running multiple large appliances at once compared to higher-power batteries. And while the value is hard to ignore, MidNite Solar is a newer market entrant, meaning installer familiarity and long-term track record aren’t as established as the bigger names.
Price: $562/kWh
Capacity: 8.8 kWh
Roundtrip efficiency: 98%
If maximizing every kilowatt-hour you store is your priority, the Sigenergy SigenStor BAT delivers. With the highest roundtrip efficiency on this list, it wastes very little energy during charging and discharging—ideal for homeowners looking to get the most out of time-of-use savings or limited solar production. Its modular design also makes it flexible to size over time.
While the specs are undeniably strong on paper and a few years under its belt (it previously operated as PointGuard Energy), Sigenergy is still relatively new to the market. So, like MidNite Solar, long-term performance, installer familiarity, and support infrastructure aren’t as proven as more established brands.
Price: $1,404/kWh
Capacity: 10 kWh 
Roundtrip efficiency: 90%
The Enphase IQ Battery 10C delivers strong peak power, making it capable of handling short bursts from energy-hungry appliances. Its 15-year warranty and solid backup capabilities add to its appeal, especially for homeowners already in the Enphase ecosystem.
But you’ll pay for that integration. It’s one of the most expensive batteries on this list, and its lower efficiency and more limited energy optimization features make it less attractive if maximizing savings is your primary goal.
Price: $1,532/kWh
Capacity: 9.7 kWh 
Roundtrip efficiency: 94.5%
The SolarEdge BAT-10K offers dependable performance with solid efficiency. It’s designed for seamless DC coupling with SolarEdge systems, which can improve overall system efficiency when paired correctly.
That tight integration is also its biggest limitation. It’s less flexible than AC-coupled alternatives and comes at the highest price on this list, with relatively lower power output compared to similarly priced competitors.
We evaluated dozens of battery models quoted through the EnergySage Marketplace to determine which solar batteries are best. Here are some of the most significant factors we used to compared them:
Roundtrip efficiency measures how well your solar power system (battery and inverter) converts and stores electricity. 
There are losses associated with any electrical process, meaning you'll lose some kWh of electricity when you invert it from direct current (DC) electricity to alternating current (AC) electricity or when you put electricity into a battery and take it out again. A solar battery's roundtrip efficiency tells you how many units of electricity you'll get out of a battery for every unit of electricity you put into it.
Keep in mind that if your battery can be DC- or AC-coupled, its roundtrip efficiency is based on it being DC-coupled. That means if you decide to AC couple it, its efficiency will drop.
A battery's capacity (or size) is the amount of electricity it can store and supply to your home. More specifically, usable capacity tells you how much stored electricity you can actually access. A battery with a depth of discharge (DoD) below 100% will have a usable capacity lower than its total capacity, meaning you can't access all of its capacity.
While power is expressed in kilowatts (kW), battery size is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), or power multiplied by time. Thus, battery size tells you how long your battery can power parts of your home. Just remember that the more power you use, the faster you'll run out of stored electricity. Here’s an example: 
A typical compact fluorescent lightbulb uses about 12 Watts (or 0.012 kW) of power, while a 3-ton AC unit draws 20 Amps, or about 4.8 kW. If you have a 5 kW, 10 kWh battery, you can only run your AC unit for two hours (4.8 kW x 2 hours = 9.6 kWh). However, that same battery would keep 20 lightbulbs on for two full days (0.012 kW x 20 lightbulbs x 42 hours = 10 kWh).
A battery's power rating is usually measured in kW and divided into two categories: continuous and peak power. Continuous power refers to how much electricity a battery can consistently output, which is important if you want to run multiple devices simultaneously.
Peak power expresses how much power a battery can provide in short bursts (usually 5-10 seconds). It's important if you have an appliance like a sump pump that requires a large amount of power to turn on but then runs at lower power.
A battery's chemistry refers to the primary compound used to store electricity inside it. Today, most home batteries use lithium-ion chemistry, which can be broken down into three primary categories: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC), Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), and Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO).
NMC
None of the best batteries on our list are NMC. While NMC batteries are more power-dense than LFP and LTO batteries (they take up less space per kWh of capacity), they're a little less stable. They don't last as long and are slightly more susceptible to thermal runaway, which can, in rare cases, cause overheating, fire, or an explosion.
LFP
Most of today's best batteries are LFP. These batteries are very safe, last a long time, and are relatively affordable.
LTO
LTO batteries are the cream of the crop (besides being the least power-dense) but have a high upfront price point. None of the batteries on our list are LTO because that price tag often makes them unpopular with installers and homeowners.
A battery's coupling refers to its configuration relative to your solar inverter and electrical panel. There are two ways batteries can be coupled: alternating current (AC) coupling and direct current (DC) coupling. Some battery models support both types of coupling, making them extra flexible in their configuration.
AC-coupled
In an AC-coupled system, electricity flows from solar panels to the home before being stored in the battery. 
In this setup, the power in your battery is inverted three times before you use it:
From your solar panels (DC) to your home (AC)
From your home (AC) to your battery (DC)
From your battery (DC) back to your home (AC)
Power is lost during each inversion, so it's not very efficient. However, it's the easiest and cheapest setup if you’re adding batteries to an existing solar panel system.
DC-coupled
With a DC-coupled system, electricity is stored directly in your battery before going to your home. 
With this setup, power is only inverted once: from your battery (DC) to your home (AC).
DC-coupled systems use the same inverter (a hybrid inverter) for the solar panels and battery, so they're much more efficient. However, they don't make sense if you're adding a battery to an existing solar panel system. They're best for new solar-plus-battery systems.
Warranties cover a battery’s integrity and output for a specific duration, usually around 10 years. As with any warranty, read these documents closely: There are often clauses that can void your warranty if you don't follow them.
Each time you drain and charge your battery, it slightly reduces its ability to hold a full charge. Many brands promise that your battery maintains a certain percentage of initial capacity by the time your warranty term is up. To calculate the warrantied capacity at the end of the warranty term, multiply the end of warranty capacity percentage by the battery's initial usable capacity.
Some battery companies include a throughput or cycles clause so you don't overuse your battery during the warranty period.
These clauses are similar to a car's mileage warranty. Throughput tells you how much electricity your battery can move through during its lifetime, while cycles measure how many times you can charge and drain it. 
To convert a battery's expected or warranted throughput into full cycles, divide its throughput (expressed in kWh) by its usable capacity. Then, you can estimate its expected lifespan by dividing that cycle's number by the number of days in the year. A 20,000 kWh throughput warranty on a 10 kWh battery means 2,000 expected cycles, or a cycle per day for 5.5 years.
A battery’s intelligence determines how well it can keep your home running during an outage and how effectively it manages your energy day to day. The best systems can automatically detect outages, switch to backup power, and prioritize essential appliances so you get the most out of your stored energy.
It also plays a big role in savings. More advanced batteries can charge and discharge based on your utility’s rates—storing energy when it’s cheap (or when your solar panels are producing) and using it when electricity is most expensive.
Installing a home battery is a significant investment—most systems cost about $15,000 for roughly 13.5 kWh of storage before rebates and incentives—but the upfront cost only tells part of the story. 
A more expensive battery can be worth it if you’re getting better performance, higher efficiency, or a longer usable lifespan. The important thing is understanding what’s driving the price and whether those features actually improve your day-to-day experience or long-term savings. A battery that can deliver more usable energy over its lifetime, or maintain performance longer, can offer stronger returns, even with a higher upfront price.
Popularity is also worth paying attention to, especially from an installer's perspective. Batteries that are frequently quoted and installed have typically proven themselves in the field, with consistent performance, responsive manufacturer support, and fewer warranty issues. That track record makes a difference: Installers are more familiar with these systems, which can lead to smoother installations and faster troubleshooting if something goes wrong.
*The scoring system only considers the top 40 quoted batteries from October 2025 through March 2026.
The Tesla Powerwall 3 is our best battery overall, but that doesn't mean it's the best battery for you. Some batteries are ideal for certain setups but won't work in others. Here are some questions to think about to find the best battery for you:
Batteries with high usable capacities last a long time (if you don't use too much power at once). 
The average home needs a battery system that's at least 30 kWh to run for a full day without recharging. But most people just choose a few critical loads to power with their battery during outages, in which case you can get away with a smaller battery (about 10 kWh). Plus, if you have solar, you can continuously recharge your battery as long as the sun is shining.
If you want to go off-grid or power your whole home for days, you'll likely need at least 60 kWh, unless you don't use much electricity.
If you want to power most of your appliances simultaneously, look for a battery with a high continuous power rating.
Choose a battery with a high peak power rating to power appliances that require high start-up power (such as a sump pump). 
As a reminder, using more power will drain your battery faster. If you need a lot of power, make sure your battery’s usable capacity can support these power outputs over time.
AC-coupled batteries are usually the way to go if you already have solar and want to add storage. While less efficient than DC-coupled batteries, they're much easier to retrofit to an existing solar panel system and will save you a lot of money. 
If your roof is shady, you should also consider an AC-coupled battery. Microinverters maximize solar production by converting electricity at the panel level, but they aren’t compatible with DC-coupled batteries. Instead, DC-coupled batteries require a hybrid inverter that works for both solar and storage.
If you plan to install your battery outside, ensure its enclosure is outdoor-rated. Your installer can help you determine which batteries are suitable for outdoor use and which are better suited for indoor use. 
Some batteries can also be mounted to walls, while others must stay on the ground––this can take up a fair amount of space. As we explained above, when it comes to lithium-ion batteries, LTO batteries take up the most space per kWh capacity, NMC batteries take up the least, and LFP batteries are somewhere in the middle.
The best battery for your home depends on what you intend to use it for. Are you looking for occasional backup power during temporary outages, or do you want to regularly consume your stored energy to avoid pulling electricity from the grid? A single 10 kWh battery should do the trick for the former, while the latter requires a battery system with plenty of usable capacity and power output.
This is where a battery’s intelligence can really make a difference. As a backup, an intelligent battery can automatically kick on during an outage and stretch your stored energy by prioritizing what matters most. For savings, it can also charge and discharge around your utility’s rates, so you’re using energy when it costs the least.
EnergySage partners with Qmerit to help you find trusted, certified installers to make your battery installation safe and simple.
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BusinessDay
Jacob Akintunde
June 7, 2026
The Ondo State Government has launched the Lucky Light Initiative, a statewide solar empowerment programme designed to provide reliable solar energy solutions to 1,000 businesses across the state’s 18 Local Government Areas.
The initiative, one of the flagship economic empowerment programmes of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, seeks to address one of the most pressing challenges facing small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs): the high cost and unreliability of electricity.
BusinessDay reports that under the programme, selected businesses will receive solar power systems comprising solar panels, inverter systems, battery storage, charge controllers, and installation support, enabling them to reduce dependence on fuel-powered generators and operate more efficiently.
Also it will accelerate enterprise growth, strengthen economic productivity, and expand access to affordable energy in the state.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, stakeholders described Lucky Light as more than an energy intervention. Rather, it is a strategic economic activation programme aimed at stimulating grassroots economic growth, enhancing productivity, and supporting sustainable business expansion across Ondo State.

The programme aligns closely with Governor Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” Agenda, particularly its focus on affordable energy access, entrepreneurship development, industrial growth, and economic prosperity.
According to the implementation framework, the initiative will be rolled out in phases across all 18 local government areas within 5 years, benefiting businesses operating in key sectors such as agro-processing, fashion, food production, retail, ICT, digital services, and the creative economy.

Experts estimate that the initiative could reduce business energy costs by as much as 70 percent while increasing productivity and operating hours by between 30 and 60 percent. With beneficiaries spread across the state, the programme is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities and strengthen local enterprise ecosystems.
Economic projections indicate that by providing MSMEs and SMEs with reliable and uninterrupted access to electricity, the Lucky Light Initiative has the potential to generate over N2billion in additional annual economic value across the State, creating a multiplier effect that supports business expansion, job creation, and broader economic prosperity.
Beyond its economic impact, Lucky Light is expected to promote clean energy adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and decrease reliance on fossil fuel-powered generators, positioning Ondo State as a leader in renewable energy-driven enterprise development.

The programme’s long-term goal is to establish a sustainable model for business empowerment while enhancing investor confidence and improving the ease of doing business in the state.
Described as a signature initiative of the Aiyedatiwa administration, Lucky Light represents a commitment to innovation, inclusive economic growth, and practical support for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
As preparations begin for implementation, many business owners across Ondo State are optimistic that the initiative will provide the much-needed energy support required to unlock growth, create jobs, and build stronger local economies.
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Scientific Reports volume 16, Article number: 7615 (2026) Cite this article
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This study investigates the effectiveness of oleic acid-functionalized Al₂O₃ nanoparticle thin-film coatings in reducing dust-induced performance losses in photovoltaic (PV) systems. Coating performance was evaluated using spraying durations of 20, 40, and 80 s and oleic acid concentrations between 0.5% and 4.5%. Characterization results indicated that the optimal coating was obtained using a 40-second spraying time and a 1.5% oleic acid concentration, resulting in a 231 nm film thickness and a water contact angle of 75.47°, confirming improved surface properties. Laboratory experiments showed that the coated surfaces accumulated, on average, 6.9 mg/cm² less dust than uncoated ones, preventing 0.6–3.0% efficiency loss. A central composite design (CCD) approach was applied by considering temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, and initial dust load as environmental variables. Field tests performed under real outdoor conditions demonstrated that coated Mini-PV modules produced 0.5–0.8 W more daily energy compared to uncoated panels. However, environmental factors such as temperatures above 35 °C and the presence of hydrophobic pollutants reduced long-term coating effectiveness. Overall, the findings indicate that oleic acid-modified Al₂O₃ coatings may serve as a passive strategy for mitigating dust accumulation and enhancing PV panel performance under certain conditions.
Solar energy, a form of renewable energy, possesses significant potential due to its global accessibility and sustainability. Each year, the Earth receives approximately 1.5 quadrillion megawatts of solar energy. If just 0.1% of this energy were converted into electricity at 10% efficiency, it would supply nearly four times the current global electricity demand^1,2.
Driven by increasing energy demands and environmental commitments such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the adoption of renewable energy systems to replace fossil fuels has gained significant momentum. Photovoltaic (PV) systems, in particular, have emerged as a promising clean energy solution³. The rapid decline in PV installation costs has accelerated their deployment; for instance, Türkiye’s installed solar capacity doubled from 9.7 GW in July 2022 to over 19 GW by the end of 2024⁴. Nevertheless, despite technological advancements, the energy conversion efficiency of PV panels remains highly sensitive to environmental conditions⁵. The efficiency of PV modules is influenced by numerous factors, both controllable and uncontrollable. Dust is an uncontrollable environmental factor that varies with geographical location. Its accumulation on PV panel surfaces can cause physical degradation, reduce incident solar radiation, and increase panel temperature, leading to thermal stress and altered electrical characteristics that significantly decrease energy conversion efficiency⁶. Soiling has been identified as a major contributor to energy losses in PV systems, with airborne particles obstructing solar radiation absorption and transmission, resulting in average annual losses of about 7%^7,8,9,10. Notably, certain anti-reflective coatings have been shown to reduce surface soiling by up to 60%, depending on the installation site’s geographical conditions¹¹.
Recent research has increasingly focused on developing and evaluating anti-soiling strategies to enhance the performance and reliability of photovoltaic systems under real-world conditions¹². Consequently, many manufacturers are exploring the addition of anti-fouling or self-cleaning properties to PV module coatings¹³. The extent of soiling is influenced by factors such as the chemical and physical composition of dust, climatic conditions, panel tilt angle, and geographical location¹⁴. In particular, arid summers, intensive agricultural activities, and low precipitation contribute to elevated dust emissions and surface soiling¹⁵. Additionally, the structure, size, and concentration of dust particles play a significant role in determining the magnitude of energy loss in PV panels¹⁶. Traditionally, solar panels are cleaned with water; however, this method is often impractical in regions with limited water resources. Additionally, dew formation can cause dust particles to adhere more strongly to panel surfaces, reducing the effectiveness of conventional cleaning. Efficiency losses due to dust accumulation are particularly severe in desert and arid climates. Hossain et al.¹⁷ noted, dust composition varies significantly by region, highlighting the need to optimize antifouling coatings for specific geographical and climatic conditions. Huang et al.¹⁸ examined the comparative performance of coatings on surfaces with varying wettability, emphasizing the critical role of surface energy in dust retention. Wang et al.¹⁹ developed a bioinspired three-layer coating, modeled after the structure of human hair, which exhibited superhydrophobic properties, effectively reducing reflectance and increasing power output by up to 2.6%. Abdrabo et al.²⁰ demonstrated that nanoceramic sprays based on TiO₂ and SnO₂ offer a practical solution, enhancing photovoltaic efficiency by up to 5.4% under outdoor conditions. Shahzad et al.²¹ provided a comprehensive review of the effects of soiling on PV performance and evaluated both conventional and advanced cleaning strategies, including hydrophobic coating approaches. In a separate experimental study, Tayel et al.²² applied a PDMS/SiO₂-based hydrophobic nanocoating to PV panels and tested their performance under outdoor conditions for 40 days. Their results demonstrated that the nanocoated panel achieved a 30.7% higher efficiency compared to the uncoated reference panel. Shuhua et al.²³ demonstrated that PDMS coatings infused with inert silicone oil exhibit enhanced icephobic and anti-soiling behavior, maintaining reduced dust adhesion even after prolonged outdoor exposure. Abhinav et al.²⁴ developed HMDS-modified silica–zirconia composite coatings that showed high mechanical durability, stable hydrophobicity, and consistent anti-soiling performance under repeated abrasion cycles. These studies underscore that coating-based passive methods offer significant promise as cost-effective, durable, and high-performance alternatives to active cleaning systems.
Surface coatings used on PV cover glass are generally categorized as hydrophobic, hydrophilic, antireflective, or multifunctional anti-soiling layers. These coatings aim to reduce particle adhesion by lowering surface energy, modifying wetting behavior, or introducing micro/nanostructured textures on the glass surface²⁵. Recent studies have demonstrated that both hydrophobic and hydrophilic coating strategies can significantly reduce dust adhesion on PV surfaces. Hydrophobic approaches such as silicone-oil-infused PDMS coatings and HMDS-modified silica-zirconia hybrids have shown enhanced dust repellency and mechanical robustness under outdoor exposure²⁴. In contrast, hydrophilic strategies, including quantum-sized TiO₂ coatings, promote rapid water spreading and photoinduced self-cleaning, enabling effective removal of adhered particles during dew or rain events²⁶. Nature-inspired surfaces like the lotus leaf further illustrate how hierarchical structures contribute to long-term dust-repellent behavior²⁷. Recent studies have increasingly emphasized the importance of advanced coating technologies in mitigating dust accumulation and enhancing the optical performance of photovoltaic (PV) modules, particularly in arid and desert climates where soiling losses are most severe. Comprehensive reviews have highlighted the role of anti-soiling and anti-reflective coatings in improving long-term durability and energy yield under harsh environmental conditions²⁸, while emerging research on polymer-based functional coatings demonstrates the potential of superhydrophobic and antistatic surfaces for improved self-cleaning and dust mitigation²⁹. Field evaluations of hydrophobic and nanostructured coatings in dusty regions, including Oman, consistently report measurable gains in transmittance and electrical output, confirming their practical relevance^30,31. Furthermore, comparative studies examining superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic coatings provide valuable insights into how surface chemistry and wetting behavior influence dust adhesion mechanisms³². Collectively, this growing body of literature underscores the critical need for robust, multifunctional coatings capable of maintaining PV performance by reducing soiling effects and enhancing surface durability in real-world operating conditions³³.
In this study, we propose a novel approach to mitigating soiling-induced energy losses in PV panels by applying an oleic acid-modified Al₂O₃ nanoparticle thin film onto the outer glass surface using a spray-coating technique. The coated surfaces were characterized using SEM, AFM, and XRD analyses, and their anti-soiling performance was evaluated under both laboratory and real-world environmental conditions. This work aims to enhance sustainable and efficient energy production, particularly in arid regions where soiling presents a significant challenge. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides a new and distinctive contribution by exploring oleic acid-modified Al₂O₃ coatings for anti-soiling applications in PV technologies.
This section outlines the materials, synthesis procedures, surface characterization techniques, and performance testing protocols used to evaluate the effectiveness of oleic acid-functionalized Al₂O₃ nanoparticle coatings for anti-soiling applications in PV panels. The experimental workflow is summarized in Fig. 1.
Experimental workflow for evaluation of anti-soiling performance of oleic acid-Modified Al₂O₃ coatings in photovoltaic applications.
All chemicals utilised in this study were of analytical grade and were employed without further purification. The following reagents were procured from Sigma-Aldrich (USA) and Merck (Germany): aluminium isopropoxide (98%), nitric acid (≥ 65%), acetylacetone (≥ 99%), oleic acid (≥ 99%), hexane (≥ 95%), toluene (≥ 99.5%), and isopropyl alcohol (≥ 99.7%).
The alumina sol was prepared with minor modifications based on the procedure outlined by Wang et al.³⁴. The initial step involved the dissolution of 2.04 g of aluminum isopropoxide (C₃H₇O₃Al) in 100 mL of anhydrous isopropyl alcohol. Subsequently, 2 mL of concentrated nitric acid and 1.25 mL of acetylacetone were added. The mixture was stirred for 60 min at a temperature of 70–80 °C within an oil bath. The resultant solution was transparent and exhibited stability at ambient temperature over an extended duration. The Al₂O₃ thin films were deposited onto glass substrates via spray coating. During the deposition, the substrates were maintained at a constant temperature of 250 °C. After deposition, the films were cured at 500 °C for 1 h to enhance adhesion and film integrity. The thickness of the coatings was investigated parametrically by varying the spray time. Oleic acid functionalization was carried out following the method by Soleimani and Zamani³⁵, with some modifications. Oleic acid solutions at various concentrations (0.5 g/100 mL, 1.5 g/100 mL, and 5 g/100 mL) were prepared using hexane as the solvent. The coated glass samples were immersed in the solutions at 50 °C for 1 h. After immersion, the samples were removed, rinsed three times with toluene, and dried at 60 °C for 24 h. The effect of oleic acid concentration on the hydrophobicity of the surface was examined.
The morphology of the functionalized glass surfaces was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM, JEOL JEM-2100). Additionally, atomic force microscopy (TT-2 AFM) was employed to evaluate surface roughness and topography. The crystalline structure of the films was investigated using X-ray diffraction (EUROPE 600 Benchtop XRD). Water contact angle measurements (DATAPHYSICS / OCA 50Micro) were performed to assess the hydrophobic or hydrophilic nature of the surfaces. Optical transmittance of the samples was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy (Jenway 72 Series) and compared to that of untreated glass. Based on these characterizations, the samples exhibiting the highest hydrophobicity and light transmittance were selected for further soil (dust) accumulation tests.
Selected wettability-tuned glass samples were integrated into miniature photovoltaic modules using a conventional lamination process. The sandwich structure consisted of wettability-tuned glass / EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) / solar cell / EVA / TPT (Tedlar polyester). Lamination was carried out using a custom-built laboratory laminator at a constant temperature of 135 ± 5 °C.
The fabricated test panels and two reference panels were subjected to both laboratory and outdoor performance evaluations. Laboratory tests involved controlled variation of temperature, relative humidity, soil concentration, and wind speed. A central composite design (CCD) approach was employed using Minitab statistical software to structure the experimental design. In this study, the CCD method was selected to optimize the coating parameters because it provides an efficient and statistically rigorous framework for modeling nonlinear relationships among continuous variables such as oleic acid concentration, spraying duration, and nanoparticle loading. Unlike simpler factorial or Taguchi designs, CCD incorporates axial points that enable the estimation of curvature effects and second-order interactions, allowing the construction of an accurate quadratic response surface with fewer experimental trials than a full-factorial design³⁶. The mini-PV-modules electrical output (current-voltage characteristics), surface soil accumulation, and optical transmittance were measured in each case. The obtained data were analyzed statistically using Minitab^® version 21.4 (Minitab LLC, State College, PA, USA, https://www.minitab.com). The parameters used in the experimental design are presented in the following sections.
The performance of surface-modified glass samples and laminated test panels was evaluated in a laboratory-scale test chamber with controlled temperature, humidity, and airflow. The dimensions of the chamber were 100 cm × 100 cm × 100 cm. The experimental setup is illustrated in Fig. 2a. For the electrical performance testing of the laminated PV mini modules, the platform was tilted at an angle of 32.08°, which corresponds to the optimal inclination angle recommended for Konya based on regional solar irradiance studies³⁷. The quantity of soil accumulated on the surface was determined by measuring the weight difference before and after the experiments. The soil (dust) samples used in the experiments were collected from the vicinity of the small-scale solar power plant at Konya Technical University Technical Sciences Vocational School, where the outdoor tests were conducted. The samples were then saved to obtain particles smaller than 200 microns for use in the experiments. A 1000 W halogen light source was used to simulate sunlight during the laboratory testing of the laminated Mini-PV modules. To ensure compliance with AM1.5G irradiance standards, a calibrated pyranometer with a sensitivity of 7.99 mV/(kW/m²) was employed. The distance between the halogen lamp and the PV module was adjusted to obtain an irradiance level of 1000 W/m² on the module surface, and the light source was verified accordingly. The current and voltage outputs of the mini-PV modules were recorded over time under varying environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, airflow rate, and dust concentration. This test chamber facilitated the precise evaluation of mini-PV modules performance under controlled conditions that are difficult to regulate in real-world environments, such as irradiance, soil (dust) load, temperature, and humidity. The data obtained from this setup serves as a baseline for modeling the real-world performance of the developed surface coatings. A schematic diagram of the experimental setup and a view of the constructed test system are presented in Figs. 2a, b, respectively.
(a) Schematic representation of the indoor dust deposition simulator used for controlled laboratory testing. (b) Photograph of the laboratory-scale experimental setup. (c) Block diagram of the monitoring system, including computer interface, TM4C1294 microcontroller, temperature, voltage, and current sensors, and tested PV modules. (d) 3D model illustrating the outdoor PV panel mounting structure equipped with a temperature sensor. (e) Actual photograph of the outdoor dust-accumulation experiment conducted on the coated and uncoated Mini-PV modules.
Based on the findings from laboratory-scale experiments, additional testing was carried out under real-world environmental conditions. In this context, the laminated mini-PV modules were installed at the small-scale solar power plant located within the campus of Konya Technical University Vocational School of Technical Sciences, as shown in Figs. 2(d) and 2(e). As illustrated in Fig. 2(c), the current, voltage, and temperature of the mini-PV modules were measured using sensors and recorded via a data acquisition system built around the TM4C1294 microcontroller. A custom interface program was developed to facilitate communication between the microcontroller and a computer via Ethernet, enabling real-time data collection. Measurements were acquired and logged at one-minute intervals using this user interface. The custom-designed system and the integrated data acquisition setup enabled accurate monitoring of the electrical output of each panel, providing a reliable basis for comparing the real-world performance of mini-PV modules with appropriate surface coatings. The experimental setup employed in this study was designed to simulate summer dust-loading conditions. Winter-specific environmental parameters such as low temperatures, increased humidity, and snow deposition could not be reproduced within the available laboratory infrastructure.
To determine the optimal coating conditions, glass lamellae were coated with an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) sol solution using spray pyrolysis at 250 °C for 20, 40, and 80 s. The glass lamellae were cleaned in succession with pure water, ethanol, acetone, and hexane, and then dried with an air gun prior to spray pyrolysis. Following deposition, the samples were cured at 500 °C to promote film formation. Surface analysis was performed using SEM, AFM, XRD, profilometry, and contact angle measurement. XRD patterns, SEM, and AFM images of the sample coated with Al₂O₃ sol for 20, 40, and 80 s are seen in Fig. 3. The sample coated for 20 s had a rough surface, as several large pores were visible in the SEM and AFM images (Fig. 3a1, a2). The corresponding XRD pattern (Fig. 3a3) lacked sharp peaks, indicating the amorphous nature of the coating. SEM and AFM micrographs of the 40-second deposition (Fig. 3b1, b2) revealed regularly spaced, droplet-shaped aggregations with a diameter of 186–434 nm. ImageJ measurements provided an average diameter of 284.3 ± 63.8 nm. No significant change in elevation was detected in the AFM scans, which presented a relatively flat surface. XRD data again confirmed the amorphous nature of the thin film (Fig. 3b3). The 80-second coated sample exhibited clearly defined signs of delamination in specific locations (Fig. 3c1, c2). SEM images indicated excessive Al₂O₃ deposition, which may have been responsible for the poor adhesion and peeling observed following thermal treatment. The coating thickness was estimated to be 1.238 ± 0.385 μm. AFM images also showed non-uniform height distribution. As with previous samples, the XRD pattern (Fig. 3c3) showed no crystallinity, confirming the amorphous structure. Profilometry analysis (using a Nanomap profilometer) quantified the coating thickness as 27 nm, 231 nm, and 1159 nm for 20,40, and 80 s sprayed samples, respectively. These results indicate that coating thickness increases with spray time, though not linearly, but rather in an exponential manner.
AFM (a1–c1), SEM (a2–c2), and XRD (a3–c3) results of Al₂O₃-sol-coated samples at coating durations of 20 s (a), 40 s (b), and 80 s (c).
To enhance surface hydrophobicity, the coated lamellae were functionalized with an oleic acid/n-hexane solution at 50 °C for 1 h. For clarity and brevity, sample names are abbreviated as CLx_OAy, where CL stands for “coated lamellae,” x is the coating duration in seconds, and y is the oleic acid concentration in percent (w/w) in hexane. For instance, CL40_OA1.5 refers to a lamella coated with Alumina sol for 40 s and treated with 1.5% oleic acid. In the functionalization process, three defined oleic acid concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, and 4.5% w/w) were applied to the coated lamellae to evaluate the effect of surface modification level. For comparison, CL20_OA1.5 and CL80_OA1.5 samples were also prepared. Figure 4 presents the results of both AFM and SEM analyses of coated lamellae samples treated with varying concentrations of oleic acid (0.5%, 1.5%, and 4.5% w/w) and coating durations (20, 40, and 80s). Spherical aggregations were clearly observed in CL40_OA0.5 and CL40_OA1.5, whereas no such structures appeared in CL40_OA4.5, likely due to reduced aggregation under more acidic conditions. Aggregate diameters in CL40_OA0.5 ranged from 469 nm to 1.09 μm, while the average diameter in CL40_OA1.5 was 290 ± 116 nm. Both CL20_OA1.5 and CL80_OA1.5 also exhibited aggregation), with a lower degree in the CL20_OA1.5 sample. It is noteworthy that CL40_OA0.5 and CL40_OA1.5 exhibited significant spherical aggregations. CL40_OA0.5 demonstrated larger and more scattered clusters, while CL40_OA1.5 exhibited smaller, more uniform structures. These observations suggest that moderate oleic acid concentrations (1.5%) facilitate controlled self-assembly, whereas lower concentrations promote larger aggregate formation. Conversely, CL40_OA4.5 exhibited a smooth and homogenous surface devoid of visible aggregates, suggesting that the presence of excessive oleic acid may impede clustering, potentially due to surface saturation or heightened acidity. Samples with different coating durations, designated CL20_OA1.5 and CL80_OA1.5, also exhibited notable differences: CL20_OA1.5 exhibited irregular, rough topography and a paucity of aggregates, likely due to insufficient material deposition, whereas CL80_OA1.5 exhibited limited aggregation and flatter surfaces, possibly resulting from denser surface coverage that restricted oleic acid interaction. These results emphasize the combined effects of oleic acid concentration and coating time on surface morphology and aggregate formation.
AFM 3D surface topographies (a1–e1) and SEM micrographs (a2–e2) of oleic acid–functionalized Al₂O₃-sol-coated lamellae prepared under different coating durations and oleic acid concentrations. Panels (a1, a2), (b1, b2), and (c1, c2) correspond to CL40_OA0.5, CL40_OA1.5, and CL40_OA4.5, respectively, while panels (d1, d2) and (e1, e2) represent CL20_OA1.5 and CL80_OA1.5.
The primary aim of this study was to develop surface-modified Al₂O₃-based lamellae capable of reducing dust adhesion, thereby contributing to anti-soiling performance on PV surfaces. In this context, wettability characteristics provide an indirect but highly informative indicator of surface behavior, as they are closely related to adhesion energy, particle surface interactions, and the ease with which dust particles can be removed. The quantitative contact angle data presented in Table 1, together with the sessile-drop images in Supplementary Figure S1–S4, therefore offer valuable insights into how coating duration and oleic acid functionalization modulate the surface characteristics relevant to dust mitigation. The uncoated glass substrate exhibited a baseline contact angle of 38.04°, indicating a high surface energy that typically favors strong particle adhesion. Following the deposition of the Al₂O₃ sol–gel layer, the contact angle increased to 37.60° at 20 s, 55.43° at 40 s, and 55.98° at 80 s, showing that the evolving morphology of the oxide layer alters the wetting properties and potentially reduces dust–surface adhesion. Although these values remain within the wettable regime (< 90°), the increase suggests a reduction in surface energy that may contribute to lowering dust accumulation. Oleic acid functionalization further modified the surface behavior, producing systematic increases in contact angles across all samples. For the CL40 series, the measured angles were 63.79° (0.5%), 72.75° (1.5%), and 75.47° (4.5%), demonstrating that higher concentrations of the fatty acid enhance the organic surface coverage and influence surface particle interactions. Likewise, the samples functionalized at 1.5% oleic acid after 20 s and 80 s of coating produced contact angles of 66.12° and 79.59°, respectively. While none of these values exceed the hydrophobic threshold of 90°, the consistent upward trend confirms that both coating duration and oleic acid concentration contribute to modifying the surface in ways that are relevant for anti-soiling applications. It is important to emphasize that anti-soiling performance does not require hydrophobic or superhydrophobic behavior; instead, reduced surface energy, modified chemical functionality, and changes in micro/nanoscale morphology can meaningfully influence dust adherence and removal dynamics. The low standard deviations observed for all samples indicate that the functionalization process yields reproducible surface characteristics, further supporting its applicability in surface engineering for PV systems. Overall, the observed modifications in wettability though remaining below the hydrophobic regime demonstrate that the combination of Al₂O₃ sol–gel deposition and oleic acid functionalization effectively tunes the surface energy and interfacial behavior of the lamellae. These tunable characteristics are highly relevant for reducing dust adhesion and improving the anti-soiling potential of PV surfaces in real-world conditions.
UV-Vis transmission spectra of uncoated glass slides and Al₂O₃ sol-coated samples (CL20, CL40, CL80), including the sample functionalized with 1.5 wt% oleic acid (CL40_OA1.5), are seen in Fig. 5. The results demonstrate that optical transmission in the visible range (400–800 nm) improves with increasing coating duration. The CL20 sample exhibited the highest transmittance (> 80%). However, a slight reduction in transmittance was observed at longer coating durations and following oleic acid (OA) functionalization. Functionalization with OA appears to introduce additional absorption or scattering, reducing optical clarity compared to non-functionalized CL40.
UV spectra of lamellae treated with Al₂O₃ sol for 20 s, 40 s, and 80 s and a sample treated with Al₂O₃ sol for 40 s after functionalization with a solution containing 1.5% oleic acid by mass.
Based on the characterization results, the sample coated with Al₂O₃ sol for 40 s and subsequently functionalized with a 1.5 wt% oleic acid solution was identified as the most suitable. This configuration was selected as the key parameter for the development of test panels used in both laboratory-scale and outdoor environment experiments.
The amount of soil (dust) that accumulates on the surface of PV panels varies depending on environmental conditions. The rate at which soil (dust) is deposited depends on various factors, such as particle size, temperature, relative humidity, ambient soil (dust) concentration and wind speed. Geographical location, proximity to industrial areas and distance from the sea also significantly affect soil (dust) deposition levels in solar power plants. In this study, key parameters (temperature, humidity, ambient soil (dust) concentration and wind speed) were varied under controlled laboratory conditions to assess their effects. Untreated glass samples were compared with test panels that had been coated for 40 s using a functional solution containing 1.5 wt% oleic acid. A CCD was employed to plan a four-factor, three-level experimental design. The results of these experiments were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The experimental parameters are given in Table 2. In the test setup detailed in previous sections, target conditions for temperature, humidity, and wind speed were first established and stabilized. Once equilibrium was reached, a certain amount of soil (dust) was introduced into the system. The installation was then maintained under these conditions for one hour. At the conclusion of this period, the quantity of soil (dust) deposited on the untreated glass and the functionally coated panels were quantified. In all experiments, consistently lower levels of soil (dust) accumulation were observed on functionally coated panels. Therefore, instead of data obtained for untreated and treated glass separately, the differences in soil (dust) accumulation were considered.
RSM is a set of mathematical and statistical techniques that are useful for modelling and analyzing the influence of various independent variables on a dependent variable. In this study, RSM was employed to investigate the impact of environmental factors on the difference in dust deposition between coated and functionalized samples and untreated glass in a controlled laboratory environment. In RSM, quadratic models are commonly used because they capture not only linear relationships between the variables and the response but also account for curvature and interaction effects. This provides a more accurate and flexible representation of complex systems. Equation (1) shows the model equations that represent the interactions of the variables.
where Y is response variable (e.g., soil (dust) accumulation), βo, β_i, β_ii and β_ij are intercept term, coefficients for linear effects, coefficients for quadratic (squared) effects and coefficients for interaction effects between variables, respectively. Also, X_i, X_j are independent variables, ε is random error term and k is number of factors in the model. The data collected were analyzed using Minitab version 22.3 and the following regression model was derived according to quadratic models:
where: a = temperature (°C); b = relative humidity (%); c = initial soil (dust) load (g); d = wind speed (km/h).
The regression model explains a high proportion of the variability in soil (dust) deposition differences on glass and treated glass, with an R² value of 91.40%. An adjusted R-square value of 83.87% indicated that the predictors included contribute significantly. Furthermore, a predicted R-squared value of 64.69% confirmed that the model has good predictive ability without overfitting. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results are shown in Table 3. ANOVA results showed that the overall model is statistically significant (p = 0.000007). The linear terms for temperature (p = 0.000081), initial soil (dust) load (p = 0.000003) and wind speed (P = 0.000001) make a significant contribution to the model. However, relative humidity does not demonstrate significant individual effects, and none of the square terms are significant (p > 0.9). Also, only initial soil (dust) load (g)*wind speed (km/h) has significant individual effects on response in 2-way interaction terms.
Figure 6 presents six contour plots illustrating the interactive effects of diverse environmental factors, including temperature, relative humidity, initial soil (dust) load, and wind speed, on the ” soil (dust) Accumulation Difference.” Each plot is intended to illustrate the relationship between two independent variables, whilst ensuring that all other factors remain constant. This approach is intended to provide significant information regarding their combined effects on the effectiveness of the treatment in relation to soil (dust) accumulation. The color gradients in each plot are indicative of the magnitude of the soil (dust) accumulation difference; lighter shades indicate a lower difference, and darker shades indicate a higher difference.
Interaction contour plots of the effects of environmental parameters on the soil accumulation difference: temperature and relative humidity (a), temperature and initial soil (dust) load (b), temperature and wind speed (c), relative humidity and initial soil (dust) load (d), relative humidity and wind speed (e), and initial soil (dust) load and wind speed (f).
The response variable in this analysis is the difference in soil (dust) accumulation obtained by subtracting the amount of soil (dust) retained on an uncoated (unmodified) surface from the amount retained on a surface modified with wettability-tuned Al₂O₃-based coatings. This difference is an indicator of the antifouling effectiveness of the coating under changing environmental conditions. Figure 6a shows the interaction between temperature, relative humidity, and the response variable. Under constant initial soil (dust) load (2.75 g) and wind speed (17.5 km/h), the soil (dust) accumulation difference decreases as temperature increases. The effect of relative humidity is relatively limited, but a slight increase in soil (dust) accumulation difference is observed with increasing humidity. This trend can be attributed to the decreased soil (dust) adhesion at higher temperatures due to drier surface conditions, which may increase the self-cleaning effect of the coating. Figure 6b shows the interaction between temperature, initial soil (dust) load, and soil (dust) accumulation difference. With constant relative humidity and wind speed, the soil accumulation difference decreases significantly with increasing temperature, while it increases with higher initial soil (dust) load. The highest soil (dust) accumulation difference occurs at low temperature and high soil (dust) load, indicating that the coating is particularly effective under intense soil (dust) exposure when the temperature is low. Figure 6c investigates the interaction between temperature, wind speed, and soil (dust) accumulation difference. At constant relative humidity and initial soil (dust) load, both increasing temperature and wind speed contribute to the reduction in soil (dust) accumulation difference. The effect of wind speed is particularly pronounced because lower wind speeds result in higher soil (dust) accumulation differences. This indicates that the contribution of the coating to soil (dust) reduction becomes more critical when there is insufficient airflow. Figure 6d shows the interaction between relative humidity, initial soil (dust) load, and soil (dust) accumulation difference. While temperature and wind speed are kept constant, an increase in initial soil (dust) load led to a significant increase in soil (dust) accumulation difference. In this case, the effect of relative humidity is relatively limited. These results indicate that the effectiveness of the coating becomes more pronounced under higher soil (dust) load conditions. Figure 6e shows the combined effects of relative humidity and wind speed. With constant temperature and soil (dust) load, the soil (dust) deposition difference decreases with increasing wind speed, while relative humidity has a relatively small effect. This finding reinforces the importance of wind in helping to remove soil (dust) from both surfaces, although the coating helps to a limited extent in maintaining lower deposition under calm conditions. Finally, Fig. 6f examines the interaction between the initial soil (dust) load and wind speed. As expected, the soil (dust) deposition difference increases with higher soil (dust) load and decreases with increasing wind speed. The maximum difference is observed under conditions of low wind speed and high soil (dust) load, clearly showing the opposing effects of these two parameters. This indicates that under harsh environmental conditions such as low wind speeds and high soil (dust) loads the application of a wettability-tuned coating surface treatment significantly mitigates soil (dust) deposition. When all effects are considered, the parameters where coating effectiveness stand out are high initial soil (dust) load and low wind speed. Conversely, higher wind speed and higher temperature reduce this difference, probably due to the natural cleaning effects acting on both surfaces. Relative humidity shows a less pronounced effect compared to the other factors. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into how surface coating performance varies under different environmental conditions and highlight the potential to reduce soil (dust) accumulation on solar panels.
In this study, two types of Mini-PV modules were prepared: the Reference Panel, incorporating standard glass without any surface treatment, and the Sample Panel, featuring glass coated with aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) and functionalized with oleic acid. Both panels were positioned within a specialized experimental setup that enabled precise control of environmental parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, initial soil (dust) concentration, and wind speed.
Prior to the initiation of each experiment, the system was allowed to reach thermal and environmental equilibrium. At the start of the experiment (t = 0 min), the power output of both the reference and sample panels was precisely measured and recorded by acquiring voltage and current data. To account for temporal variations in instantaneous power (calculated as Current × Voltage), the total energy produced over a fixed interval (1 min) was determined by integrating the area under the power–time curve. Following this initial measurement, a predetermined amount of soil (dust) defined by the experimental design was uniformly applied to the panel surfaces under equilibrium conditions. The system was then held under these conditions for a duration of 1 h (60 min). At the end of this period, the power output of both panels was re-measured using the same procedure. The percentage loss in power generation efficiency for each panel was subsequently calculated based on the initial and final measurements, using Eq. (3).
where E _initial represents the total energy produced at the beginning, and E _final represents the total energy produced after 1 h. Unlike the previous section, where treated and untreated glass surfaces were evaluated separately, a four-factor, three-level RSM was employed in this section. The response variable was defined as the difference in percentage efficiency loss between the untreated and surface-functionalized panels. The results obtained are summarized in Table 2. To investigate the influence of environmental parameters on this response, a quadratic polynomial regression model was developed using the Minitab statistical analysis software. The independent variables included temperature (°C), relative humidity (%), initial soil (dust) load (g) and wind speed (km/s). To simplify the model presentation, these variables were coded as follows: temperature = a, relative humidity = b, soil (dust) load = c and wind speed = d. The resulting regression model is expressed as follows:
The model yielded a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.837, indicating that approximately 83.7% of the variation in the difference in efficiency loss between panels was explained by the fitted regression model. However, the adjusted R² value was significantly lower at 0.694, indicating that although the model fits the available data well, some terms may not contribute significantly to the explanatory power of the model after accounting for the number of terms included. Moreover, the predicted R² was markedly lower at 25.1%, indicating potential limitations in the model’s ability to generalize to new data. This discrepancy may be attributed to factors such as multicollinearity, overfitting, or insufficient representation of the experimental space.
The results of ANOVA, summarized in Table 4, provide important data with which to evaluate the statistical significance of the model components. The obtained regression model was found to be statistically significant (F = 5.86, p = 0.00059), confirming that the independent variables have a significant collective effect on the difference in efficiency loss. This indicates that the effectiveness of the coating varies under different environmental conditions. Among the linear terms, initial soil (dust) load (p = 0.03234) and wind speed (p = 0.02366) were statistically significant. Among the square terms, (temperature)², relative (humidity)² and (wind speed)² was significant, indicating nonlinear effects. Several interaction terms exhibited highly significant effects, particularly temperature × wind speed (p = 0.00167) and relative humidity × soil (dust) load (p = 0.00083). The lack of fit test was insignificant (p = 0.62921), indicating a good fit between the model and the experimental data.
Interaction contour plots of the effects of environmental parameters on the Efficiency loss difference: temperature and relative humidity (a), temperature and initial soil (dust) load (b), temperature and wind speed (c), relative humidity and initial soil (dust) load (d), relative humidity and wind speed (e), and initial soil (dust) load and wind speed (f).
This study investigates the differential efficiency loss in Mini-PV modules fabricated with untreated glass versus those incorporating surface-functionalized glass (Al₂O₃-coated and oleic acid-functionalized), based on energy measurements collected over a one-hour period. The percentage efficiency loss was calculated using the initial and final energy output values for each panel type, and the difference between them served as an indicator of the effectiveness of the surface modification. Response surface contour plots were employed to visualize the influence of interactions among temperature, relative humidity, initial soil (dust) load, and wind speed on this efficiency loss difference (Fig. 7a–f). Figure 7a illustrates that the greatest performance enhancement resulting from surface functionalization occurs under two distinct environmental conditions: at moderate relative humidity (~ 60%) combined with high temperatures (> 35 °C), and at low temperatures (~ 25 °C) with elevated humidity levels (> 57%). This behavior is attributed to the functionalized panels’ superior ability to maintain optical clarity under such conditions, thereby resulting in a more pronounced efficiency difference compared to untreated panels. Similarly, Fig. 7b shows that the efficiency loss difference increases as the initial soil (dust) load increases above 1.5 g, especially at high temperatures. This may mean that the surface treatments are particularly effective in conditions of heavy fouling and prevent soil (dust) from adhering strongly to the panel. The reducing effect of wind speed on the efficiency loss differences is clearly reflected in Fig. 7c and f. Figure 7c shows that at high temperatures and low wind speeds, functionalized panels provide an efficiency advantage over untreated panels. However, when the wind speed increases above 15 km/h, this advantage decreases, probably because the wind helps soil (dust) removal on both types of surfaces. Figure 7d highlights that the combination of high humidity and high soil (dust) load results in the highest difference in efficiency loss, with humidity worsening the fouling on untreated panels, while functional coatings resist such effects. In Fig. 7e, increasing wind speed in humid conditions narrows the performance gap again, showing that airflow effectively reduces moisture-related sticking. Finally, the influence of wind speed and initial dust load under stagnant and dust-prone environmental conditions was demonstrated in Fig. 7f. The contour distribution indicated that the efficiency-loss difference was maximized when the dust load was high and the wind speed was low, showing that limited airflow allowed greater retention and accumulation of dust on the panel surface. As wind speed increased, a gradual reduction in the efficiency-loss difference was observed, which was attributed to the partial removal or redistribution of loosely attached particles. Overall, these trends indicated that measurable resistance to dust-induced performance degradation was provided by the functionalized glass surfaces, resulting in enhanced stability and reduced efficiency loss under hot, humid, and dust-rich environmental conditions.
In this section, it is aimed to assess the real-world operational performance of PV mini-modules equipped with the functionalized coatings, thereby determining the practical relevance and field effectiveness of the proposed anti-soiling surface.
A total of six laminated PV mini modules were employed in the outdoor experiments conducted under real-world conditions. Four of these mini-modules (PV1, PV2, PV3, and PV4) were laminated with functionalized glass surfaces, whereas the remaining two (PV5 and PV6) were laminated with standard uncoated glass. However, no reliable data were obtained from PV4 due to an electrical connection failure that occurred during the lamination and installation stage. The malfunction resulted in intermittent current transmission and ultimately prevented stable measurements, indicating that the PV cell was likely damaged or electrically disconnected. Consequently, PV4 was excluded from all graphical evaluations and statistical analyses.
Data collection was performed between July 15 and August 12, with measurements recorded daily between 07:00 and 18:00. During this period, current, voltage, and panel temperature were monitored at 20-second intervals. Each mini PV module consisted of a single 8 × 16 cm PV cell laminated with a 10 × 18 cm glass cover prepared with either functionalized or unfunctionalized surfaces. The experimentally measured operating parameters of the laminated PV mini modules are summarized in Table 5.
Tempered glass differs from regular (annealed) glass in its significantly higher mechanical strength, impact resistance, and thermal shock tolerance, which are achieved through controlled heat-treatment processes. Tempered glass also exhibits a characteristic residual compressive stress on its surface, which is introduced during the rapid quenching stage of heat treatment. This compressive stress layer not only increases fracture resistance but also ensures that, in the event of breakage, the glass fragments into small granular pieces rather than sharp shards, providing enhanced safety and durability under outdoor environmental loads. Although both glasses exhibit similar optical transmittance, their mechanical and thermal properties can influence coating adhesion, durability, and surface stress distribution. For this reason, both tempered and regular glass substrates were included in the preparation of the laminated PV mini-modules to evaluate whether the functionalized surfaces provide consistent anti-soiling performance across different glass types.
For performance evaluation, four representative days were randomly selected: July 17, July 21, July 30, and August 6. On these dates, the power outputs of the coated and uncoated Mini-PV modules were compared. Hourly average power values and total daily energy production were calculated and are graphically presented in Fig. 8. The corresponding numerical results are summarized in Table 6.
Average power output of coated (PV1, PV2, PV3) and uncoated (PV5, PV6) Mini-PV modules. The values represent hourly-averaged power measurements recorded during the outdoor tests. Hourly average power on July 17 (a), July 21 (b), July 30 (c), and August 6 (d).
According to the results, the coated mini-PV modules generated higher power output on July 17 and 21. On July 30, no significant performance difference was observed between the coated and uncoated mini-PV modules. Conversely, on August 6, the uncoated modules exhibited higher power output. This behaviour can be attributed to several environmental factors that are known to influence outdoor PV system performance. Several environmental and operational mechanisms are known to amplify power losses in PV modules under real-world outdoor exposure. First, dust accumulation not only obstructs incoming irradiance but also increases the operating temperature of PV modules by forming a thermally insulating layer. This dual mechanism has been experimentally shown to reduce PV output at increasing dust mass, particularly under high ambient temperatures. Second, high relative humidity promotes the cementation of dust particles, forming hardened or mud-like deposits that persist on the glass surface and cause more severe optical attenuation than dry dust alone³⁸. Third, long-term exposure to wind-driven particulates gradually abrades the glass surface; this abrasion increases surface roughness and decreases optical transmittance, resulting in irreversible efficiency degradation³⁹. Furthermore, non-uniform dust deposition can induce electrical mismatch and partial shading losses, which lead to highly non-linear reductions in power output. As summarized in the mismatch-loss literature, localized shading or soiling may produce disproportionately large power losses even when only a small portion of the surface is affected⁴⁰. Collectively, these factors indicate that the observed variations in power output during outdoor testing arise from the combined effects of soiling behavior, humidity-driven cementation, thermal impacts, surface abrasion, and mismatch phenomena rather than dust deposition alone.
Figure 9 presents the daily total power output of the mini-PV modules alongside the corresponding daily total solar irradiation measured between July 15 and August 12. Examination of the graph reveals a noticeable decline in the power output of the coated PV1, PV2, and PV3 mini-PV modules starting in early August, whereas the power output of the uncoated PV5 and PV6 mini-PV modules remained relatively stable throughout the same period.
Total power generated between July 15 and August 12.
This performance degradation is attributed to the interaction between elevated ambient temperatures and the oleic acid-based hydrophobic coating. It is hypothesized that airborne dust and organic particulates accumulated on the functionalized surface, increasing contamination, reducing light transmittance, and thereby negatively impacting overall energy efficiency.
To verify this hypothesis, the experimental setup was cleaned with water, and follow-up measurements were conducted on August 18, 2023. As shown in Fig. 10b, the hourly average current values indicate that, post-cleaning, the coated mini-PV modules produced higher current outputs than the uncoated ones. This confirms that surface contamination had a substantial adverse effect on the performance of coated mini-PV modules. Additionally, Fig. 10a, which presents current data recorded on July 17 under initially clean conditions, further supports this conclusion, demonstrating that the coated PV mini-PV modules initially outperformed the uncoated counterparts.
Hourly average current values. Average current on July 17 (mA) (a), average current on August 18 (mA) (b).
This study compared the performance of mini-PV modules with coated and uncoated glass surfaces under real outdoor conditions. Coated mini-PV modules generally produce higher power and current outputs, especially when they were clean. However, from early August, the performance of coated cells declined, likely due to environmental factors such as high temperatures, airborne dust, and organic particulates interacting with the coating. After cleaning, the coated cells regained their superior performance, highlighting the importance of surface cleanliness for maintaining efficiency. These results underscore the need to consider both environmental sensitivity and maintenance requirements when evaluating surface coating technologies for photovoltaic systems.
The comparative findings presented in Table 7 demonstrate clear differences among anti-soiling (AS) and surface-modified coating technologies in terms of wettability control, optical behaviour, environmental durability, and their resulting impact on outdoor PV performance. The hybrid Al₂O₃–oleic acid (OA) coating developed in this study exhibits a balanced performance profile, characterized by enhanced surface wettability rather than strong hydrophobicity combined with low optical loss and measurable outdoor power improvement. As shown in Table 1, the Al₂O₃–OA coating provides a moderate contact angle (~ 75°), effectively lowers dust accumulation in indoor soiling-chamber tests, and maintains optical transmittance above 80%, leading to a stable and reproducible outdoor power gain. This wettability-enhanced behavior distinguishes it from superhydrophobic fluoropolymer coatings, which achieve WCA values exceeding 150° but degrade rapidly under abrasion, UV exposure, and repeated environmental cycles. Table 7 additionally shows that PDMS/TiO₂–SnO₂ nano-ceramic coatings deliver strong short-term benefits, reporting efficiency gains above 5%, largely due to photocatalytic self-cleaning. Nevertheless, their long-term durability under combined stressors such as humidity, UV radiation, and abrasive forces remains uncertain. Likewise, commercial hydrophobic AS coatings demonstrate significant cleaning gains during wind and rain events but quickly lose performance in humid regions, where their water-repellent properties diminish. In contrast, silica-based AR/AS coatings maintain excellent long-term optical stability throughout multi-year outdoor testing, although their limited wettability control results in only moderate anti-soiling behavior. Chemically etched micro/nano-textured glass, based purely on morphological modification rather than surface chemistry, exhibits reduced dust adhesion and stable performance; however, the absence of controlled wettability limits their self-cleaning potential.
This study presents a novel approach for enhancing photovoltaic (PV) panel performance by employing oleic acid-functionalized Al₂O₃ nanoparticle coatings as a passive anti- soil (dust) strategy. Unlike conventional methods, the study explores multiple coating conditions by varying both the application duration (20, 40, and 80 s) and oleic acid concentration (0.5%, 1.5%, and 4.5%). The optimal combination was identified as a 40-second spray duration with a 1.5% oleic acid solution. Laboratory experiments demonstrated that the coated surfaces accumulated, on average, 6.9 mg/cm² less dust compared to uncoated surfaces, translating into a 0.6%–3.0% reduction in energy efficiency losses. Field tests conducted under real environmental conditions revealed that coated panels initially delivered higher daily energy output, producing 0.5–0.8 W more power per day than their uncoated counterparts during certain periods.
However, a decline in performance was observed in the coated panels starting in early August, attributed to environmental stressors such as elevated temperatures (> 35 °C), low wind speeds (< 10 km/h), and the presence of airborne hydrophobic pollutants (e.g., vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, and agricultural particles). These contaminants adhered to the hydrophobic surface, impairing optical transmittance and reducing power output. Notably, cleaning the panel surfaces restored their performance, confirming the reversible nature of the degradation caused by surface contamination.
In conclusion, oleic acid-modified Al₂O₃ coatings show potential as a passive anti-soiling solution, especially in arid and dust-prone regions with limited water resources. However, their long-term effectiveness is affected by both particulate dust and hydrophobic atmospheric pollutants. Thus, while these coatings are promising, sustainable and consistent performance will require periodic cleaning, enhanced coating durability, and the development of alternative or hybrid protective strategies.
In future studies, the performance of the proposed coating technique will be benchmarked against established nanoparticle-based coatings, including lotus-leaf-inspired hierarchical textured surfaces, grain-structured coatings, and systems modified with suitable surface-active agents, in order to more comprehensively evaluate its comparative advantages and potential application areas. It should be noted that this study was conducted under conditions representative of summer dust-loading, and winter-related environmental factors, including reduced temperatures, elevated humidity, and snow accumulation, were not assessed due to laboratory limitations. Future studies incorporating multi-seasonal and multi-location evaluations would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the coating’s environmental robustness.
No datasets were generated or used in this study. All analyses were performed using experimentally obtained measurements.
The original online version of this Article was revised: In the original version of this Article the Funding section was omitted. The Funding section now reads: “The present study received financial assistance from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under Grant No. 122E197. The authors express their gratitude to TUBITAK for financial support.”
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The present study received financial assistance from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under Grant No. 122E197. The authors express their gratitude to TUBITAK for financial support.
Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Department of Electricity and Energy Technologies, Konya Technical University, Konya, Türkiye
Mustafa Arslan
Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Processing Technologies, Konya Technical University, Konya, Türkiye
İlyas Deveci
Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Department of Electronics and Automation Technologies, Konya Technical University, Konya, Türkiye
Cemile Arslan
Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Selçuk University, Konya, Türkiye
Mehmet Çunkaş
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Arslan, M., Deveci, İ., Arslan, C. et al. A new anti-soiling approach based on oleic acid-modified Al₂O₃ nanocoatings for photovoltaic panels. Sci Rep 16, 7615 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-38041-5
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Premier Energies Ranked Among Top 25 Global Solar PV Module Manufacturers by Wood Mackenzie  SolarQuarter
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Will councils’ war on net zero change anything?  AOL.com
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New York residents would soon be able to hang small solar panels from their windows or balconies under a measure headed for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.
The state Legislature approved the so-called balcony solar bill late last week, paving the way for New Yorkers to be able to legally plug the portable power panels into a standard outlet without having to get approval from the local utility company beforehand.
The bill — titled the Solar Up Now NY Act, or SUNNY Act — would authorize plug-in solar panels that can put out up to 1,200 watts of power and shave money off utility bills, so long as they comply with fire codes and are approved by an accredited testing laboratory.
Assemblymember Emily Gallagher, a Democrat from Brooklyn, said balcony solar panels have taken off in some urban centers. She said it’s time for New York City to do the same.
“I know New York City’s itching to do it, as well as several of the other cities in the state,” said Gallagher, who sponsored the bill. “And it’s going to allow people to create just a small amount of green renewable energy themselves that they can use in their own house.”
The legislation, should Hochul sign it into law, would allow apartment dwellers to take advantage of solar power. As it stands, the state’s solar-power rules cater to larger-scale solar installations for multi-dwelling buildings or standalone homes.
Utility companies have fought similar bills that have popped up in more than two dozen other states, arguing that the plug-in panels should be subject to connection agreements if they’re hooked into the state’s power grid.
But ConEd issued a memo in support of the New York bill, saying the measure strikes an “appropriate balance.”
“The bill aligns with enabling greater customer access to small-scale clean energy solutions while continuing to uphold essential standards for safety and grid reliability,” according to ConEd’s memo, which was circulated to lawmakers. “Because these portable solar generation devices are very small, they pose minimal engineering or grid impact risk.”
The New York bill does not require plug-in panel owners to enter into such an agreement with their utility company, though it does require them to notify the utility within 30 days of installation. It also doesn’t require landlords or homeowner associations to permit the panels.
Hochul hasn’t taken a position on the bill. She has until the end of the year to sign it into law or veto it.
A spokesperson said she will review the legislation.
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Solar panels can still save you money when it’s cloudy — here’s how much of a difference the weather makes  Tom’s Guide
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A team of students from Delhi Technological University (DTU) secured second place at the prestigious Rajasthan Green Innovation Challenge, held at Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur, for developing an AI-powered bio-solar panel. The team received a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh and was felicitated by Bhajan Lal Sharma.

The team, led by students Shubhika and Pradeep Patel under the guidance of Jai Gopal Sharma from DTU’s Department of Biotechnology, developed the sustainable energy solution using organic waste-based technology. The innovation aims to enhance solar power generation while promoting environmental sustainability. Prateek Sharma, Vice-Chancellor of DTU, said, “The AI-powered bio-solar panel developed by our students is an inspiring example of how technology and environmental responsibility can come together to address global challenges. India must demonstrate to the world, particularly the Global South, that development goals can be achieved without compromising sustainability.”

The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising five eminent persons as trustees.

The Tribune, the largest selling English daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the newspaper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.

The Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).
Remembering Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia

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War in Iran and the energy transition
What was achieved in Santa Marta
Green transition in Latin America
Fighting climate change is becoming a legal obligation
In recent months, the global energy transition has encountered new difficulties. After the outbreak of the war in Iran, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz affected the delivery of nearly one-fifth of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.
Asian countries suffered the most, and to conserve fuel, governments across the continent shortened the workweek, introduced remote work policies, and temporarily shifted schools to remote learning.
In the long term, this crisis has only accelerated the transition to renewable energy. After all, solar, wind, and hydroelectric power plants do not require fuel in order to operate. In the short term, however, there is a risk that the energy transition could slow down as countries turn to coal as a temporary substitute.
The war disrupted supplies not only of fossil fuels but also of aluminum needed for solar panels. It also accelerated inflation and forced some countries to partially replace gas-fired power generation with more polluting coal-fired generation, since coal supplies generally do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, some fossil fuel producers that do not depend on the Strait were tempted to take advantage of high prices by increasing production.
Solar panels in Greece
EU
Because of the crisis in Iran, faint calls in support of coal could also be heard in Europe, although the continent has suffered far less from the current energy crisis than Asia has. For example, the Italian parliament approved postponing the country’s coal phaseout to 2038 (though coal accounts for only about 1.5% of electricity generation in the country).
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz did not rule out the possibility that some German coal-fired power plants would have to remain in operation for longer than planned but did not call into question the country’s target date of 2038 for phasing out coal entirely. Coal generation still makes up about one-fifth of electricity production in Germany.
At the global level, the statistics are far from alarming. In March and April 2026, coal-fired power generation worldwide was only 1% higher than during the same period in 2025. At the same time, wind and solar generated more electricity than gas for the first time ever. Gas-fired generation in March and April remained at the same level as during the corresponding periods last year, while wind and solar generation increased by nearly 8%.
In its report last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected that coal demand would peak before the end of this decade even if current energy policies remain unchanged. Additionally, according to the agency’s estimates, demand for oil and gas could begin to decline after 2030 and 2035, respectively, if countries implement their announced energy policy measures.
So far, there appears to be little reason so far to revise these expectations. Moreover, over the past month, two significant developments have occurred that could weaken the position of fossil fuels in the medium and long term and, consequently, bring forward peak demand: the world’s first global conference on phasing out fossil fuels, held in Santa Marta, Colombia, and the adoption of a UN resolution supporting countries’ obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions, appear to signal the the future course of global energy consumption.
At the end of April, Santa Marta hosted the first conference on phasing out fossil fuels. Representatives from 57 countries took part. The four largest polluters — China, the United States, India, and Russia,  which together accounted for more than 53% of all global greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 — were neither invited nor present at the conference. They are also the world’s largest producers and consumers of fossil fuels.
The four largest polluters – China, the United States, India, and Russia – did not attend the conference
However, using data from the Energy Institute, it is easy to calculate the significant role that the countries represented in Santa Marta collectively play when it comes to international energy policy and global energy consumption. Together, they consume more than a quarter of the world’s oil, more than one-fifth of its gas, and nearly one-tenth of its coal. These countries also carry considerable weight in the global economy, accounting for roughly one-third of global GDP. This is not surprising given that the participants included the UK, along with some of the largest economies of the EU. Some major fossil fuel producers were also represented, including Canada, Norway, Brazil, and Nigeria.
Ending the use of coal, oil, and gas is the most important condition for overcoming the climate crisis. In 2024, the burning of fossil fuels accounted for 74.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions (excluding land use, land-use change, and forestry).
Even before the official part of the conference began in Santa Marta, around 400 scientists from around the world discussed how countries could phase out fossil fuels by supporting and retraining workers in the fossil fuel sector during the transition, banning the construction of new coal and oil-and-gas infrastructure, and ending fossil fuel subsidies. The document also proposes imposing levies on fossil fuels in order to help finance the green energy transition.
The document places major emphasis on justice. For example, it notes that local communities should be involved in planning and that countries of the Global North should compensate countries of the Global South for the damage caused by emissions in previous decades. The measures it proposes include debt relief, the expansion of international climate financing, and technology transfers.
Countries of the Global South are especially important for the transition, as they are home to 78% of the world’s fossil fuel reserves. For many of them, the extraction of coal, oil, and gas remains an extremely attractive economic prospect.
The next conference on phasing out fossil fuels will take place in Tuvalu, one of the countries most at risk of flooding before the end of this century. When Australia launched a visa program in 2025 to relocate residents of Tuvalu to Australia, more than 3,000 people applied to move within the first four days. The country’s population is only around 10,000.
The first countries to organize the conference on phasing out fossil fuels were Colombia and the Netherlands. Colombia ranks 13th in the world in coal production and 5th in coal exports while also producing enough oil and gas for fossil fuels to account for 35% of the country’s exports and around 10% of fiscal revenues.
Nevertheless, Colombia’s fossil fuel industry is clearly in decline. Production in the country’s main coal-producing region, La Guajira, peaked in 2012, and buyers from Chile to the EU are already moving away from the fuel. Efforts to redirect Colombian coal exports toward Asia are constrained by high transportation costs. Without the discovery of new deposits, oil production is expected to cease in roughly 30 years, while gas reserves could be depleted in as little as 6.5 years.
Wind turbines
EU
Hydropower forms the backbone of electricity generation in Colombia. Since the year 2000, hydroelectric plants have consistently accounted for between 50% and 80% of generation. At the same time, the share of electricity generation from solar and wind energy rose from zero to 5% in less than five years.
In general, Latin America is rarely mentioned in discussions about the future of the energy sector, yet many countries in the region are demonstrating remarkable success in the green transition. For example, a little over a decade ago, Uruguay suffered from frequent power outages and was forced to ration electricity consumption due to the country’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power plants, which are highly dependent on El Niño – the periodic warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which brings abundant rainfall to Uruguay. In dry years, domestic generation is insufficient, while imported fuel is not always available in adequate quantities. However, this problem was resolved through the large-scale development of wind and solar generation. Today, these renewable sources account for 46% of all electricity production in the country, while the remainder comes from hydropower and biofuels.
Chile is not far behind, with solar and wind power already generating 38% of the country’s electricity. Coal mining has almost completely ceased, and many coal-fired power plants have shut down. The remaining plants are scheduled to close by 2040 under voluntary agreements between the Chilean government and plant owners.
The reason for these changes is purely economic: domestically produced coal has become too expensive, while imported Colombian coal is increasingly unable to compete on price with solar and wind. Electric transport is also expanding rapidly in the country. Nearly two-thirds of Santiago’s buses are now electric. With oil prices remaining high, as they did after the outbreak of the war in Iran, each electric bus in Santiago saves about $26,000 per year on fuel costs.
With oil prices high, each electric bus in Santiago saves about $26,000 per year on fuel costs
In the region’s larger economies, solar and wind generation also account for significant shares of electricity production — for example, 27% in Brazil and 13% in Mexico. It is worth noting that all of these countries – Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, and Mexico – took part in the conference in Santa Marta.
At the global level, however, the green transition depends less on Latin America than on developments in Asia, which has become the world’s leading region for both the production and consumption of fossil fuels. At the same time, China not only produces and consumes more coal than any other country, but also leads the world in installed renewable energy capacity, electricity generation from solar and wind power, and the manufacturing of renewable energy equipment. Until now, renewables have not fundamentally altered the structure of China’s energy system but have instead largely helped meet growing energy demand.
However, signs of coming changes are now beginning to emerge. In 2025, China and India jointly recorded a decline in coal-fired electricity generation for the first time in decades amid record growth in renewable energy capacity. At the same time, every fifth kilowatt-hour in China is already generated either by solar or wind power. For comparison, in 2010 these energy sources accounted for only 1% of electricity generation. In India, the corresponding figures are 14% and 2%, respectively.
On May 20, the UN General Assembly published a resolution that endorsed the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice last July stating that countries have an obligation to protect the environment from greenhouse gas emissions. According to the same opinion, if countries violate these obligations, they bear legal responsibility and may be required to cease unlawful actions, provide guarantees that such violations will not recur, and pay compensation for damages.
The debate surrounding the resolution was intense. A total of 141 countries voted in favor, while 8 voted against (including the United States and Russia, which rank second and fourth in the world respectively in greenhouse gas emissions). Another 28 countries abstained, including India, which ranks third in emissions.
Of course, the opinion from the International Court of Justice is not legally binding. However, it is already being used in climate-related lawsuits around the world. The resolution also sends an additional signal: combating the climate crisis is becoming a legal obligation for countries rather than a matter of political preference.
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JARRETTSVILLE, Md. — A scenic 122-acre field in rural Jarrettsville would become home to 34 football fields’ worth of solar panels and chain-link fence for the next 40 years if developers get their way within sight of Jody and John Varvaris’ backyard.

Opposing solar farm in Jarrettsville

The land is part of a multigenerational family farm with a rich past, and at least for one family member, an even richer future.

“Then when the surveyors showed up, we found out it was… the farmer, my brother, who was doing solar panels,” Jody told us.

“So he inherited the land? That’s how he has the right to do this?” we asked.

“He did,” she responded. “Yes.”

“And how many siblings are on his side in this matter?”

“None. There’s five of us total counting my brother, and nobody’s on his side.”

Signs have gone up surrounding the site in opposition to the solar farm, and an online petition has taken off.

“We have over 800 people signing. I haven’t checked in the last half hour, but it’s been going up, and that’s in three days,” said Jody’s husband, John Varvaris. “We had a community last Thursday, had 90 people there, all of which are opposed to this development.”

Varvaris says county zoning would not allow what amounts to an industrial use on agricultural land, but state lawmakers passed the Renewable Energy Certainty Act last year, which bypasses that authority and leaves it up to the Maryland Public Service Commission.

The controversial law allows solar farms on up to five percent of all of the agricultural land in any given county before local zoning has to be consulted.

Now, opponents will have to argue the potential negative impacts such a project could have on local water bodies, wildlife, and the environment in hopes that Big Brother doesn’t rubber-stamp a project enabled by Jody Varvaris’ younger brother, who stands to profit at the rest of the family’s expense.

“I grew up in the house next door,” said Jody. “My sister lives there now. We’re here. My daughter lives next door, and these neighbors I’ve known for 65 years, so it’s just hard.”
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Solar is helping to rescue Europe from the crippling costs of fossil fuel imports, as the war on Iran continues to keep oil and gas prices sky-high.
Brent crude, which is used as the worldwide benchmark for oil prices, remains particularly volatile due to Iran’s stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage which usually carries around one-fifth of global oil supplies.
Yesterday (Thursday 4 June) Brent crude was trading at $95 (€81) per barrel – a €20 increase compared to the day before the war began (27 February). The benchmark Dutch TTF natural gas price has also surged since conflict began, spiking by almost 50 per cent during parts of March.
However, new analysis by SolarPower Europe reveals that harnessing sunlight for energy has saved Europe €12.8 billion as of 2 June – averaging out at €136 million per day.
“Citizens in Europe are turning to solar in this moment of crisis,” says Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe.
“Lessons from the past 100 days [of war] should sharpen the focus on delivering the non-fossil fuel flexibility, such as battery storage, that can amplify the benefits of Europe’s renewable power generation.”
Hemetsberger argues this can help reduce Europeans’ energy bills and deliver a “more secure and competitive” Europe – but warns that concrete measures and financing tools from the bloc are needed to keep momentum.
Several European nations have already demonstrated the benefits of revolutionising their energy systems by focusing on green technology prior to the war on Iran.
Since 2019, Spain has doubled its wind and solar capacity, adding more than 40GW to its energy mix. To put that into perspective, a power plant with a capacity of 1 GW could power approximately 876,000 households for one year, if they consume the average of 10,000 kWh of electricity per year.
“Spain’s wind and solar growth has reduced the influence of expensive fossil generators on the electricity price by 75 per cent since 2019,” energy think tank Ember said in a report published last year.
“This decline in the hours where the electricity price was tied to gas power cost was faster than in other gas-reliant countries, such as Italy and Germany.”
In European power markets, the most expensive generator operating to meet demand, which is typically fossil fuels, sets the hourly wholesale electricity price. However, as generation from lower-cost technologies like wind and solar grows, it displaces gas and coal, meaning fossil fuels determine the price less often.
Record wind has also helped the UK break a new renewable record, despite “fantasy” claims that the country needs to drill the North Sea for oil.
On 26 March, British wind energy generation hit a new high of 23,880 megawatts, enough power to cover 23 million homes.
“Wind provided more than half of Britain’s electricity during this record period, and it’s highly significant that earlier in the day low-cost wind and solar squeezed expensive gas off our energy system – with gas falling to its lowest level of generation for nearly two years, providing just 2.3 per cent of our electricity,” says RenewableUK’s Tara Singh.
“That’s what the energy transition looks like in practice, and it shows why we need to continue to build out an ambitious pipeline of new clean energy projects now and in the years ahead.”
In 2025, wind and solar generated more EU electricity than fossil fuels for the first time ever, marking what experts described as a “major milestone” in the transition to clean power.
A report from Ember found that wind and solar accounted for a record 30 per cent of EU electricity, overtaking fossil fuels by just one per cent.
In 2024, Austria led the way as the country with the highest green electricity use rate (90 per cent) – spearheaded by its 16 hydroelectric power plants.
Sweden came a close second at 88 per cent, powered mainly by wind and water, while Denmark was ranked third with 80 per cent of its energy coming from renewable sources.
This was followed by Georgia (68.4 per cent), Portugal (65.8 per cent), Spain (69.7 per cent) and Croatia (58 per cent). Malta was ranked last, with just 10.7 per cent of renewable energy use.


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Solar farm in Virginia puts landfill to use  NBC4 Washington
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Watch Five Myths About Solar Panels Debunked  Bloomberg
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Developer considers 150-megawatt solar project in Florida  The Daily Gazette
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EU Plans Lower Taxes on Clean Energy in Drive to Cut Power Bills  Bloomberg
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Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2026-06-07 08:10:18
In Xinjiang, northwest China, a photovoltaic installation robot has been deployed at a solar power project, significantly improving construction efficiency.■

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The 166MWdc Tower Solar project, which features more than 250,000 US-assembled panels, will supply power to PGE and support QTS.
Iberdrola Group subsidiary Avangrid has completed construction of the Tower Solar project in Morrow County, Oregon, US, and connected it to the local power grid.
The solar energy facility, which has a generation capacity of 166MW-direct current (120MW-alternating current), is expected to begin commercial operations later this summer.
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The Tower Solar project uses more than 250,000 solar panels manufactured by SEG Solar at its facility in Houston, Texas.
After commissioning, the facility will supply renewable energy to Portland General Electric (PGE) and will also support QTS data centre operations in the region.
Avangrid said that the plant’s completion comes amid rising electricity demand in the US, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.
Avangrid CEO Jose Antonio Miranda said: “As demand for electricity continues to grow across the US and in the Pacific Northwest, projects like Tower Solar are essential to delivering new generation at scale.
“Furthermore, this project demonstrates how investment in America’s electrical infrastructure contributes to our domestic economy, supports union workers and delivers reliable electricity to support the region’s growth.”
Located west of Boardman on approximately 900 acres zoned for industrial use and owned by the Port of Morrow, the construction of Tower Solar generated around 200 jobs, most of which went to regional union workers.
SEG Solar CEO Jim Wood said: “As a leading American solar manufacturer, SEG Solar is proud to support Tower Solar with high-performance, US-manufactured modules. This project aligns with our mission to strengthen the domestic energy supply chain.
“By providing fully compliant, traceable and reliable solar solutions, we are meeting energy demands while driving American manufacturing and creating local jobs.”
The project is expected to contribute roughly $20m in combined payments in lieu of taxes and property taxes.
Electricity from the site will enter PGE’s grid via the Green Future Impact programme. This voluntary initiative allows municipal, commercial and industrial users to select renewable power sources, supporting the creation of new clean energy installations in the region.
Avangrid manages more than 11GW of capacity through nearly 100 energy projects across 25 states.
Last month, Avangrid entered into a power purchase agreement with Puget Sound Energy for the 199.5MW Big Horn I wind project in Klickitat County, Washington.
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India’s ReNew Energy Trims Solar Output Due to Grid Constraints  Bloomberg
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Arizona rancher has beef with state’s solar farm push | Katie Pavlich Tonight  NewsNation
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Plug-in solar panels are simple, convenient, and transportable machines that connect to a home’s outlet, converting the energy into electricity for appliances. They include an inverter box and a battery that, when plugged in, provide power to connected devices. Whatever you have hooked up -– like these 7 devices you can power with portable solar panels -– will receive electricity from the solar panel using this energy first before using grid power.
Bright Saver — is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing affordable and portable plug-in solar energy — has created a free savings calculator tool to show users how much money plug-in solar panels can save them annually. To calculate your savings, first enter your zip code for an automated rate search or enter your current electricity rate in kilowatt-hours (kWh) and then choose an option for your expected electricity price growth, which ranges from a conservative 4% increase to a “worst case” 15% increase. The calculator then shows savings in the first year, annual savings, and money saved over a 20-year period. With the average U.S. electricity rate close to 18 cents per kWh and a current 7% annual growth trend (according to Bright Saver), the site’s savings calculator shows a total 20-year savings of up to $8,560.
Plug-in solar systems are a DIY method to get solar-powered electricity to your home, garage, or campsite. They’ve been implemented in Europe, and the devices are coming to the US as a far less expensive alternative to roof-mounted solar panels, which may set you back tens of thousands of dollars. Plus, they don’t have to be professionally installed as they just plug right into a wall outlet.
It takes years for solar panels to pay for themselves, but the savings calculator on Bright Saver suggests that these portable, lower-cost solar panels — ranging from $499 for a single panel to $699 for two panels — can return savings in just the first year. Not only does a plug-in system have the potential to slash your electricity payment by hundreds of dollars each year, but they can also provide a sense of relief in case of a power outage. They’re a backup plan that can improve your quality of life, so you’re not left in the dark, your food in the fridge doesn’t go bad, or your devices don’t die.
Plug-in solar panels can be purchased at a number of places such as Amazon and Bright Saver. Amazon offers this Plug and Play Solar Panel Power with 800-Watt Solar Panels and 800-Watt Inverter for $1,395, which connects directly into a wall outlet, transferring the energy into electricity for your home. Bright Saver features its 180-watt plug-in balcony solar kit starting at $499 that also connects to a wall socket and easily attaches to a balcony railing.
If you’re thinking about installing solar panels like a plug-in device, you’ll need to make sure they are legal to use in your state before making the investment. In addition to its savings calculator, Bright Saver also provides a legislation tracker to make this easier, but you can also check other resources such as Solar United Neighbors Action to see which states have passed laws regarding plug-in solar panels. They’re a less expensive option over rooftop panels and can potentially help users save some money in their utility bills.

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Can batteries halt India’s coal power growth?  Financial Times
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A regulatory overhaul of India’s grid has sparked fears in the solar power industry that they may suffer a negative impact on profitability. The overhaul includes a stipulation regarding penalties for solar generators if they fail to deliver the electricity that they have committed to supply to the grid, Reuters reported.
India’s electricity grid is expanding at a slower pace than the boom in solar energy installations, leading to an increased share of solar curtailments and threatening to slow the solar and wind boom in the world’s most populous country. In the first quarter of this year, curtailments due to grid and transmission line constraints reached 300 GWh, climate think tank Ember reported last month, adding this represented two-thirds of total curtailments in the three-month period.
However, the government in New Delhi has seen fit to make provisions for the security of electricity supply amid the surge in solar capacity, which affects grid reliability, as demonstrated in other countries with substantial solar generation, where curtailment has become the only way to avoid grid overload, essentially wasting electricity—and money.
According to India’s solar industry, the new regulations could reduce operators’ revenues by 11%, with the percentage much higher for wind operators, estimated at 48%. This would affect investor appetite for one of the world’s fastest-growing wind and solar markets, lobby groups warned. India has committed to having 500 GW of wind and solar generation capacity installed by 2030.
India expects to nearly quadruple its solar power capacity and triple wind power-generating assets within ten years, according to the new Generation Adequacy Plan published by the country’s Central Electricity Authority earlier this year. In 2025, the country boasted achieving five years ahead of schedule its target to have 50% of its installed electricity capacity coming from non-fossil fuel sources. With the new regulation, this pace of growth may well change considerably.
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MetLife Bangladesh has installed a 104-kilowatt on-grid solar panel system at its Motijheel head office, enabling the company to generate up to 10 per cent of its electricity needs from solar power.
The initiative strengthens MetLife’s commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable operations, said a press release.
MetLife has been serving Bangladesh for over 74 years, and it continues to upgrade the workplace with modern, sustainable improvements.
This solar installation aligns with Bangladesh’s national drive toward renewable energy, where commercial rooftop solar projects can play an important role in accelerating clean power adoption.
‘Sustainability is integral to how we operate and how we serve Bangladesh,’ said Ala Ahmad, chief executive officer, MetLife Bangladesh. ‘By generating up to 10 per cent of our energy needs through solar power at our historic head office, we are demonstrating that progress and preservation can go hand in hand. As the number one life insurance company in Bangladesh, we believe it is our responsibility to support national priorities while creating a more resilient future for our customers, employees, and communities.’
The technical implementation was executed by Business Division 4 of Sena Kalyan Sangstha, ensuring strict compliance with national grid connection standards.
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North Central Ohio's Independent Local News
MANSFIELD — A solar farm is greenlit for closed landfills on Mansfield’s north side.
Now all officials need is a local consumer(s) for the electrical power the site will produce.
Mansfield City Council on Tuesday approved a development agreement with CEP Renewables that would see the company build a solar field. The facility could generate between 25 and 35 megawatts.
CEP will lease land used for the solar farm for $2,000 per acre per year and will also take over responsibility for mowing and maintenance, lightening the load on the Richland County Solid Waste District.
Lawmakers approved the agreement after meeting with Barrett Thomas from the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and Kurt Prinzick, a senior development manager for the company and former district chief of the Ohio EPA Northeast District Office.
(Below is a PDF of the agreement approved by Mansfield City Council on Tuesday evening with CEP Renewables to construct a solar farm atop closed landfills in the city.)
A solar farm generating electricity is the best possible use…
Prinzick said the company could have the solar farm producing within a year of finding larger local commercial user(s) to purchase the power. Under the agreement, CEP would lease up to 196 acres for the project, using the former city landfill and the former county landfill near Cairns Road.
“Before we can start working on this project, we need a guarantee that someone’s going to be able to take this electricity. From the moment we have a (power purchase agreement), we will need about 12 months,” Prinzick said.
Thomas said last week the project will not need approval from the Ohio Power Siting Board since it will not connect into the PJM Interconnection grid, which coordinates and moves electrical power in all or parts of 13 states, including Ohio.
“It’s kind of the micro-grid system that everybody’s talking about. Generate power locally and use it locally. That’s the best way to do this,” Thomas told Richland Source last week.
“The most efficient way with the least regulation is to get companies that buy power and need power, stick them together, they make an agreement, they buy the power. That’s by far the most efficient way to do this,” Thomas said.
The solar panels would rest on concrete ballast since digging into the old landfill is prohibited by the Ohio EPA. Thomas said they would stand around 10 feet tall at the highest point.
Prinzick said former landfills, such as the location where CEP built one in Cuyahoga County eight years ago, are prime locations for solar farms.
“In brownfields, we’re always looking for our highest and best use. But when it comes to landfills, quite frankly there isn’t a lot you can do with them,” said Prinzick, who worked for the EPA for 31 years.
“We were excited when the (request for proposals) came out (in 2024) and we were just delighted that we were the selected vendor. I’m really looking forward to moving this project forward,” he said.
He said it would be a large solar farm, depending on what the eventual customers need in terms of power.
“When we design that … when we maximize that site … (on the) Richland County landfill we can get about 25 megawatts and on the Mansfield landfill we can get around 10. So a total of 35 between the two, but again, it will depend on what we can do with the (customers),” Prinzick said.
In addition to the funds from the lease, and reduced costs for maintaining the closed landfill sites, he said the community would benefit from increased tax revenue.
He said CEP would pay $9,000 per megawatt produced annually.
“If we can get to 20 megawatts AC, that’s $180,000 annually that comes into the local taxable jurisdiction. I know that’s not generational money, but it’s money you can rely on for the life of the project, which is 20 years, plus three, five-year extensions,” Prinzick said.
“It’s money you can rely on and budget for the foreseeable future,” he said.
CEP must also prepare a decommissioning plan to be submitted and approved prior to construction.
The decommissioning plan shall describe how CEP intends to remove the solar project and any support structures at the end of commercial operations and also describe how CEP intends to protect the landfill caps during such decommissioning.
The project will include land occupied by the former county landfill, which closed in 1990, and the former city landfill, which shut down in 1970. It would include land south and north of Cairns Road near Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport.
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Years of emergency prep taught me how to storm-proof my solar generators  ZDNET
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The dedication ceremony comes less than two years after President Boakai broke ground for the project on October 11, 2024, demonstrating steady progress in the Government’s efforts to strengthen the country’s energy infrastructure.
The project includes the newly constructed 20-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility and supports plans for the expansion of the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant by 42 megawatts.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, President Boakai described the solar facility as a major addition to Liberia’s energy infrastructure and a significant step toward increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.
The President noted that the project supports his Administration’s efforts to expand infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Liberians.
He explained that inadequate and expensive electricity has long hindered economic growth, discouraged investment, and limited the delivery of essential services. He emphasized that reliable electricity is vital for hospitals, schools, businesses, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other productive sectors of the economy.
President Boakai also announced that his Administration secured an additional US$57 million in World Bank financing in March 2026 to further strengthen Liberia’s energy sector. The funding will support the expansion of solar generation capacity from 20 to 30 megawatts, the installation of a 12-megawatt battery energy storage system, and additional upgrades at the Mount Coffee facility.
The President disclosed that 22 megawatts of lost generation capacity at Mount Coffee have already been restored and revealed plans to further expand the hydropower facility by an additional 42 megawatts.
Highlighting the broader impact of expanded electricity access, President Boakai said the solar farm represents an investment in economic growth, job creation, improved public safety, and a more resilient future. He added that efforts are underway to strengthen transmission and distribution systems so that more communities across Liberia can benefit from reliable electricity services.
President Boakai further noted that, under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Government is investing in energy, roads, ports, digital connectivity, and water systems. He stressed that increased electricity generation is essential for industrialization, value addition, private-sector growth, and the development of a vibrant 24-hour economy capable of creating opportunities for young Liberians.
The project is part of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE), an initiative launched in April 2022 by the World Bank and the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone to address electricity shortages and accelerate renewable energy development across West Africa.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of Liberia: Executive Mansion.
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Why isn’t India’s solar boom delivering better results?  Deccan Herald
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Despite the Trump administration’s pivot away from renewable energies, solar continues to dominate new energy additions in the United States. Newly released data from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) shows that at the close of last year, solar energy additions were the single largest form of new energy capacity installations for the 28th straight month, starting in September of 2023. In fact, in spite of a broad rollback of Biden-era clean energy incentives since Trump resumed office in January of last year, renewables represented a whopping 88 percent of energy additions in 2025, with utility-scale solar alone counting for 72.6 percent of U.S. electricity additions.
This massive growth trend has caused solar power’s share of the United States energy mix to surpass that of wind power, nuclear power, and hydropower. And while many if not most of these renewable projects were greenlit and funded before Trump took office and rolled back tax cuts and subsidies for solar and wind projects, experts say not to expect a major cooldown any time soon.
In fact, FERC projections show that solar energy installations will continue to grow by 86 gigawatts over the next three years, at which point the sector will surpass coal as well, Trump’s $700 million plan to revive coal production notwithstanding. And, by 2029, if FERC’s projections hold true, solar will become the second-largest energy source in the national energy mix, behind natural gas.

And natural gas is currently facing headwinds that are further boosting clean energy adoption. A shortage of gas-fired turbines is slowing additions of gas-fired power to the grid, and incentivizing investing into renewables and energy storage in its stead. “Renewables and storage continue to be the fastest way to get new electrons on the grid until additional gas-fired generation can be built,” NextEra Energy CEO John Ketchum was recently quoted by Reuters.
Despite a policy climate that is considerably cooler for solar photovoltaics, political factors are simply overshadowed by broader economic realities that are continuing to drive clean energy investing and adoption forward. The massive energy demand coming from the tech sector has spurred massive investment into all kinds of energy projects, with a noted emphasis on renewables and next-gen clean energy technologies like nuclear fusion, enhanced geothermal, and space-based solar power.
Indeed, we are currently “living in what arguably is one of the best periods to invest in renewables in the US over the last 20 years” – at least according to Miguel Stilwell d’Andrade, chief executive officer of Portuguese electric utilities company EDP, who recently sat down with Tim McDonnell, climate and energy editor for the nonpartisan news outlet Semafor. And d’Andrade is putting his money where his mouth is: EDP is directing more than half of its capital expenditures, approximately USD $5.3 billion, toward United States renewables projects over the next three years.
d’Andrade opined that when it comes to clean energy investing, the United States is a better market than Europe. But European energy markets are strangled by red tape, and markets there are still struggling to recover from the energy crisis caused by Russia’s war in Ukraine, not to mention the current energy crisis spurred by the United States’ and Israel’s war in Iran. Comparatively, according to d’Andrade, U.S. energy and tech markets are better poised for growth.
The conceptualization of the United States, and not Europe, as the cradle of clean energy growth is rich in irony due to the divergent and counterintuitive stances of Washington and Brussels. As the United States attempts to revive the dominance of the petro-state under the Trump administration, the European Union has continued to push a decarbonization agenda. “Try as he might to the contrary, Trump will likely preside over the biggest clean-energy buildout in US history,” concludes McDonnell.
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UK Space-based solar power (SBSP) startup Space Solar has signed a letter of Intent with US space data storage company Lonestar to cooperate on hosting Lonestar’s StarVault data storage modules aboard Space Solar’s OSPREYBuilder demonstrator spacecraft planned for 2028.

– Lonestar

“At Lonestar, we are building the future of resilient, sovereign data storage in space,” Chris Stott, chair and founder of Lonestar, said in a statement. “Having already tested data storage from the lunar surface and in cislunar space, we are now scaling toward constellations of connected vaults across every orbit, and doing that at scale needs power.”
He continued: “Space Solar’s in-space assembly capability is key. [Its] platforms could one day host hundreds, even thousands, of our systems as a single connected fabric in space. Teaming up with Sam (Adlen), Martin (Soltau), and the Space Solar team is a significant step forward for both companies, and for the orbital data economy as a whole.”
Lonestar has successfully demonstrated data operations on the lunar surface, including storing a DCD article in February 2025.
Like many in the space startup space, Space Solar and Lonestar have begun speaking to their ability to complement the orbital data center (ODC) trend that has seized attention across the sector in recent months. The companies hope to “pull together two of the most talked-about ideas in space: putting data and AI compute beyond Earth, and harvesting power in orbit to make it possible,” according to a statement.
Space Solar aims to position itself as both host and customer to Lonestar with its space energy aspirations.
Founded in 2022, Space Solar was originally conceived to create a network of 1,400m, 800-ton “CASSIOPeiA” solar power stations in orbit capable of beaming 600MW+ of power to ground stations on Earth to address critical energy demands of humanity, targeting a demonstration in 2028.
In 2025, Space Solar completed CASSiDi, an 18-month £1.7 million ($2.27m) project to “accelerate SBSP to a new level of maturity,” financed by the UK Space Agency and the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The company was also selected for the NATO Diana cohort in 2026 from a pool of 3,600 applications. In a December 2025 blog post, the company reported it was “now focused on raising funding for our seed round.”
The two companies target a multi-orbit deployment, hoping to orbit StarVault modules across low Earth orbit (LEO), medium Earth orbit (MEO), and geostationary planes, but do not specify why.
From 2030 onward, the companies plan to scale to larger, higher-power hosted structures, in pursuit of “sovereign orbital data infrastructure at scale.”

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The Colorado Sun
Telling stories that matter in a dynamic, evolving state.
Holy Cross Energy in Glenwood Springs delivered 100% clean energy to its 45,000-plus members in March, a renewable power landmark for the Colorado cooperative and a signal that the federal turn back toward fossil fuels has not impeded all climate change initiatives in the state. 
It’s a new clean peak for Holy Cross, which announced last year that it achieved 96% solar and wind power for May 2025. In noting the 2026 carbon-neutral mark for March, Holy Cross Energy said the success was in part by the relatively mild temperatures that reduced the draw for some power sources. But another reason reflects a main point of renewables — Holy Cross has shares of major solar farms that took advantage of the same weather and produced at high levels. 
The power cooperative says it is on track for its “100×30” goal of producing 100% of its power needs with clean sources by 2030. Holy Cross Energy said it has averaged 92% clean power delivered to members so far in 2026. 
Holy Cross Energy will continue to pursue more renewable projects to round out its supply in months that see higher demand and lower power production, President and CEO Bryan Hannegan said Tuesday. Economics of future large projects, though, have changed for all utilities, he added. 
“Increased demand for energy, permitting delays and costs, labor shortages, tariffs, insurance premiums, the end of the incentive tax credit, and supply chain issues and the war all have had a big impact on prices,” Hannegan said. “It wouldn’t be economic for us even if we had room.” 
Power purchase contracts for large new projects are often double or triple what Holy Cross Energy locked in during its most recent building phase. 
“Our focus has shifted away from larger, utility-scale renewable energy projects towards smaller, more flexible projects that are directly connected to the Holy Cross electric distribution system, particularly solar paired with battery storage,” Hannegan said in an email. “Holy Cross is also leaning heavily into programs and incentives that encourage our members to shift their electricity demands to times when renewable energy is abundant, helping us use more of the renewable energy our contracted projects are generating instead of selling it to the market.”

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Home – Energy – Germany covers an artificial lake with solar panels without harming the ecosystem, and the experiment hints at a future where water becomes a rooftop for power
Germany has turned part of an artificial lake in Bavaria into a new kind of solar power plant, using upright panels that float instead of spreading across fields or forests. At first glance, it sounds like a risky bet for a lake ecosystem. The early results point to a more careful story, one in which the water still gets light and an industrial site becomes useful again.
The project sits at the Jais gravel pit in the Starnberg district, where a former extraction site now hosts what has been described as the world’s first vertical floating photovoltaic system. The plant has 1.87 megawatts of installed capacity, is expected to produce about 2 gigawatt hours of electricity a year, and covers only 4.65% of the lake surface. That is the real hook here, not just solar on water, but solar that leaves most of the water alone.
Floating solar, often called floating PV, means solar panels mounted on rafts or other floating structures on water. The idea is not to turn every lake into a power plant, but to use artificial waters such as gravel pits, quarry lakes, reservoirs, or former mining sites that already carry an industrial footprint.
That matters because solar power needs space. Large renewable projects can face pushback when they compete with crops, forests, or open views. A flooded gravel pit can become a second-use energy site instead of just a leftover scar from extraction.
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE says floating PV can expand renewable energy on artificial lakes without taking scarce land. Its PV2FLOAT project also studies costs, permits, public acceptance, and ecological effects.
Most solar panels are tilted toward the sun, the familiar setup seen on roofs and open fields. At Jais, the panels stand vertically in rows, with their broad sides facing east and west. This helps them catch sunlight in the morning and evening, when standard systems often produce less.
That timing matters. Solar power usually peaks around midday, but homes, factories, and offices often need electricity before and after that window. The issue is not only how much energy is made, but when it arrives.
The system uses about 2,600 vertical bifacial modules, meaning the panels can collect light from both sides. Rows are separated by open water corridors of at least about 13 ft., while a keel-like stabilizer reaches about 5.2 ft. below the surface to handle wind and changing water levels.
The environmental question is the heart of the story. Cover too much water and a solar plant could shade the surface, change temperature, reduce plant growth, or affect oxygen levels. That is why the share of covered water matters so much.
Germany’s rules are strict. A floating solar plant may generally be built only on artificial or heavily altered water bodies, and it must not cover more than 15% of the water surface or sit closer than about 131 ft. from the shore. The Jais project remains far below that coverage ceiling.
Early observations from the site say the structure still allows sunlight and oxygen exchange at the surface, while floating parts have been used by breeding water birds and fish. That does not mean every lake will respond the same way, but this first case gives regulators something concrete to watch.
The most practical benefit is close by. During its early phase, the gravel operation connected to the system cut its grid electricity use by about 60%, with savings expected to reach up to 70% once production stabilizes. For an industrial user, that can mean less exposure to energy price swings.
This is not a replacement for the wider grid. It is a local add-on that produces power near the place where it is used. That can ease pressure on transmission lines, especially where clean energy projects face land constraints.
A second phase of 1.7 megawatts is already planned, while total lake coverage is expected to stay below 10%. People will not judge floating solar only by its output, but by whether the lake still behaves like a lake.
Germany is not short on possible sites. A separate analysis with RWE found 6,043 artificial lakes of at least 2.47 acres across the country, covering more than 222,000 acres in total. Around 70% of those sites are gravel pits, which makes Jais look more like a test case than a one-off trick.
The same work estimated that Germany could install up to 2,500 megawatts of floating solar on artificial waters under current practical and ecological limits if the panels use an east-west setup. At the end of the day, the question is not just where Europe can build solar, it is where solar can fit without creating a new land fight.
SolarPower Europe has described floating PV as a growing solar solution installed on inland or marine waters, with best-practice guidance meant to help developers avoid poor design and weak environmental planning. The technology is moving beyond novelty.
The design has been presented as suitable for artificial water bodies deeper than about 5.2 ft., including quarry lakes and gravel pits. Developers are also looking beyond inland waters, with marine uses under study.
For now, the lesson is modest but still important. A flooded industrial pit in Bavaria is producing clean power without taking farmland and without covering most of the lake. If monitoring keeps backing up the early results, floating solar could become one more tool in Europe’s crowded renewable energy toolbox.
The official project announcement, which names Dr. Philipp Sinn among the project partners, has been published by SINN Power.

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