Articles written by James Frith

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Technology & Products
Solar streetlights with AI could solve data centre energy demand Putting Nvidia computer chips into solar-powered streetlamps to create a virtual power plant is a simple solution to the energy demand problems created by data centers, according to Edward Fitzpatrick. His company ConFlow Power Group is doing exactly that with its iLamp streetlamps, he told pv magazine.
Blathnaid O’Dea
Jun 05, 2026
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Research & Development
Researchers develop perovskite solar cells about 50 times thinner than conventional devices Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed ultra-thin perovskite solar cells about 50 times thinner than conventional designs using a vacuum-based thermal evaporation process.
Jose Pedrosa
May 20, 2026
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Applications & Installations
Malaysia restricts non-AI data centres, citing energy concerns Malaysia’s prime minister Anwar Ibrahim said future policy will ensure domestic consumers and the electricity grid are protected amid the country’s data centre expansion. This could include leveraging the ASEAN Power Grid project to cover any supply shortfalls.
Blathnaid O’Dea
Feb 25, 2026
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Markets & Policy
Driving on sunshine: Nissan wheels out solar-powered vehicle The Ariya demonstration vehicle features 3.8 m² of Lightyear’s custom solar panels integrated across the hood, roof, and tailgate. Testing showed that the car could generate 0.5 kWh of solar energy during a 2‑hour, 80 kilometer trip, delivering up to 3 kilometres of range at no extra cost or charging time.
Blathnaid O’Dea, Ev Foley
Jan 29, 2026
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Applications & Installations
Distributed PV employment globally outpaces utility-scale solar, says IEA The latest edition of the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) World Energy Employment report found employment in the PV sector surpassed 5 million in 2024, with distributed solar accounting for two-thirds of all solar employment globally, despite representing only 43% of installed capacity.
Blathnaid O’Dea
Dec 08, 2025
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Markets & Policy
Wärtsilä to build Australia’s largest DC-coupled hybrid BESS This newly announced project will be its ninth BESS site in Australia, bringing the company’s total Australian capacity to 1.5 GW/5.5 GWh.
Blathnaid O’Dea
Oct 29, 2025
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Research & Development
Sunport Power launches lightweight n-type glass module with 22.5% efficiency The Chinese manufacturer told pv magazine that high production costs and low module prices influenced its decision to change its well-known metal wrap through technology out for mass produced N-type technology for its latest product.
Blathnaid O’Dea
May 13, 2025
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Applications & Installations
Labour shortages and safety prompt developer interest in robot workers Robots on solar sites are not new; they have been deployed to automate everything from operations and maintenance to inspection and cleaning. In recent months, there has been an uptick in interest in robots for installation, particularly among utility-scale solar developers dealing with staff shortages, safety concerns, rising costs, and pressure to build.
Blathnaid O’Dea
Mar 28, 2025
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Applications & Installations
Philippines issues terms for renewables auction with storage Pairing solar plants with battery energy storage systems will be the main strategic focus for the Philippines’ upcoming renewable energy auction. Each project must have a minimum storage duration of four hours to ensure sufficient grid support and energy reliability.
Blathnaid O’Dea
Mar 16, 2025