Reducing TOPCon solar cell degradation via copper plating
Researchers at the University of New South Wales have used a 1 µm copper plating layer on the front silver grid of a TOPCon solar cell to create a protective barrier that reportedly reduces corrosion susceptibility. The cell showed significantly lower contaminant-induced degradation that unprotected reference devices.
AusNet invests in solar and storage to support energy security
Victorian electricity and gas network company AusNet Services is turning to solar and battery energy storage systems to improve energy reliability in communities serviced by its electricity distribution network.
Solar gains across Australia defy seasonal cloud forecast
Solcast, a DNV company, reports that Australia’s summer has been much sunnier than expected so far, with localised weather events only bringing brief disruptions.
Wood Mackenzie tips solar growth to stagnate in 2025
Wood Mackenzie’s latest report forecasts that 493 GW (DC) of solar will be added throughout the world this year, compared to 495 GW in 2024. Solar module prices are expected to rise this year as manufacturers aim to recover profit losses from the past two years.
Ecovoltaics research aims to balance grid scale solar with wildlife and livestock
Ecovoltaics research being done at the University of New England aligns with global efforts to balance the need of large-scale solar with conservation of wildlife and combatibility to the needs of farming livestock.
Zenaji ready to ride future lithium titanate oxide battery wave
Australian manufacturer of lithium titanate oxide batteries Zenaji says the LTO battery market is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%, and its Eternity battery system is ready to catch that wave.
Maximising rooftop solar energy potential rests on battery rollout
Sydney-headquartered residential battery storage solutions company VoltX Energy is expanding into Adelaide, South Australia with 10,000 Neovolt units to meet a surging demand.
Pairing pumped hydro storage with floating solar is good economics: study
Researchers in Italy have analysed the techno-economic viability of enhancing three pumped hydro plants in Italy with floating solar on the lower basin. They say that, with their wide results, consequences could be extrapolated to similar regions.
JinkoSolar takes top spot on WoodMac’s list of PV module manufacturers
Wood Mackenzie says that JinkoSolar has taken first place on its list of solar panel manufacturers. The report confirms the dominance of the TOPCon technology but also notes that heterojunction and back contact panel manufacturers are increasing their production share.
Powerco trials power pole mounted batteries in first for New Zealand
Aotearoa New Zealand distributor Powerco is trialling five low-voltage pole-mounted battery energy storage systems on power poles in the North Island city of Tauranga.
