#solar energy

Wind and solar generated 760,000 GWh of US electricity in 2025 — a record 17% share — with utility-scale solar surging 34% year-over-year, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Researchers at LMU Munich have engineered a perovskite solar cell that retains 84% of its efficiency after extreme thermal cycling between -80°C and 80°C, achieving 26% conversion efficiency and opening a path to space-based solar power.

EIA data shows the US electric power sector burned 3% less natural gas in 2025, driven by rapid utility-scale solar and battery storage deployment displacing gas generation across multiple regions.

Ashtrom Renewable Energy has closed a $200 million financing agreement for its El Patrimonio solar project in Texas, adding significant utility-scale capacity to the state's growing clean energy grid.

Polysilicon and wafer prices continue falling in China, with n-type materials down over 6% this week as weak downstream demand pressures the solar supply chain.

Japan has established new national benchmarks for agrivoltaic installations after audits found nearly a quarter of projects reported reduced crop yields.

Swift Solar has acquired Meyer Burger's heterojunction technology IP and manufacturing assets to establish domestic perovskite-silicon tandem solar production.

Researchers developed a transparent superhydrophobic coating that keeps solar panels clean and boosts energy output by 4.75 percent without maintenance.

Research shows TOPCon modules recover from UV-induced degradation through light soaking, with no impact on real-world energy yield.

Longi's new Hi-MO X10 module adds fire-safety features for rooftop solar, addressing hot spot and DC arcing risks.

Italian energy giant Enel has announced a massive €53 billion investment plan spanning 2026 to 2028, with a primary focus on expanding its renewable energy and grid infrastructure activities across Europe and the United States. The company also formalized an 830MW US wind and solar portfolio acquisition.

The cost of long-term renewable energy contracts rose 9% in 2025 and is expected to continue climbing as data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and electrification drive unprecedented electricity demand. Energy storage agreements have emerged as the fastest-growing segment of the clean energy market.

A study of more than 5,000 home sales found that properties with owned solar panels sold for 5-10% more than comparable homes without them. The premium translates to $39,500 to $79,000 in added value, though leased systems showed no consistent benefit.