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Hysolar moves to take control of Suntech

Hongyuan Green Energy (Hysolar) says it plans to take control of Wuxi Suntech Solar Power through a court-led restructuring that transfers core assets into a new entity while isolating legacy debt.

SMA Solar Technology confirms wider loss for 2025 on weak PV market

SMA Solar Technology AG says revenue declined slightly and losses widened significantly in 2025 due to weak demand and one-off effects from its restructuring program.

JinkoSolar achieves 32.76% efficiency in perovskite-TOPCon tandem solar cell

The result was certified by China’s National Photovoltaic Industry Metrology Test Center (NPVM). The cell utilizes a perovskite top device with MBT-ligand-controlled crystallization on a TOPCon silicon bottom cell, achieving a void-free, high-efficiency tandem structure.

Perovskite solar cells can be made without expensive cleanrooms

Swansea University researchers found that perovskite solar cells can tolerate dusty fabrication environments, performing almost as well as those made in cleanrooms. The findings suggest low-cost, scalable production may be possible without ultra-sterile conditions, potentially accelerating cell and module manufacturing.

SolaX Power validates system level safety through extreme testing

Under controlled conditions, the SolaX ORI 5 MWh system’s battery cells were intentionally driven into thermal runaway, with the emergency ventilation system kept closed throughout. The system’s pressure relief structure activated as designed to guarantee no additional risks to surrounding personnel or the environment.

Scientists build high temperature-resistant perovskite solar cell with 26% efficiency

LMU researchers have developed a dual molecular reinforcement strategy for perovskite solar cells that strengthens grain boundaries, improving both durability and performance.

Growatt debuts high-voltage battery for residential, small C&I solar

The APX HV Battery 2.0 supports 5–30 kWh capacities and up to 15 kW of output. The IP66-rated system features a stacked, cable-free design.

Chinese scientists build ‘ultra-stable’ polymer solar cell with 19.1% efficiency

The polymer solar cell is able to retain 97% of its performance after 2,000 hours in air. By blending small-molecule acceptors into polymeric matrices, the research team improved molecular packing, enhancing both stability and charge transport for “ultra-stable” flexible devices.

JinkoSolar achieves record-breaking 26.66% efficiency for TOPCon solar cell based on M10-size wafer

The Chinese manufacturer claims the new efficiency result sets a world record for industrial-scale TOPCon solar cells on M10-size wafers. The achievement was verified by an undisclosed independent third-party organization in China.

Pakistan blocks retroactive export rate cut in net billing shift

Late amendment put forward to halt sudden retroactive change to export rates for net metering contract holders in Pakistan. It follows strong criticism from local solar industry leaders over sudden change in export rates under new net billing structure.

World’s first 628 Ah grid-scale battery enters operation

EVE Energy says a 200 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage project in China has entered operation, which it describes as the world’s first utility-scale deployment of 628 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.

Comparing safety profiles of lithium-ion, sodium-ion and solid-state batteries

New research finds that battery safety rankings are not universal but highly dependent on application scenarios, and shows that LFP batteries can emit high levels of hydrogen fluoride, challenging their reputation as the “safest” chemistry.

Silver prices forecast to strengthen further this year

The Silver Institute has said the amount of silver used for manufacturing is set to fall this year, driven by developments in the solar sector. The institute also says the silver market will remain in deficit for the sixth consecutive year. Philip Newman, Managing Director of independent research consultancy Metals Focus, told pv magazine the fact prices have recovered quite well after the end-January correction demonstrates the underlying strength of investor interest in silver.

Chemitek offers solution for drone-based cleaning of agrivoltaics

The Portuguese company said its new Drone AgroPV Cleaning Agent is scheduled for release in June. It has a safe formulation for crops and soil.

Deye releases new off-grid inverter series

The Chinese manufacturer said its new OG02 series includes IP-65-rated inverters with an AC output power of 3 kW to 6 kW. The new products also feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency of 96.5%.

DAS Solar unveils new method to identify hot-spots in TOPCon back-contact solar modules

The Chinese manufacturer said it developed a new circuit-model–based method to accurately detect hot-spot risks in TOPCon back-contact modules, overcoming limitations of the IEC 61215 approach caused by low shunt resistance. Validated through indoor and outdoor tests, the method predicts temperature rise under shading and reportedly enables faster, more accurate hot-spot risk assessment.

China TOPCon solar module prices ease after 4-week rally on silver pullback, holiday slowdown

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

China PV module prices expected to hit $0.12/W in H2

China’s PV module prices are expected to hover around $0.12/W in the second half of 2026 as the removal of export VAT rebates, front-loaded demand, and persistent oversupply keep market sentiment volatile.

China switches on 1 GW of solar at 4,600 m above sea level

China’s SDIC subsidiary commissioned a 1 GW photovoltaic plant on the Yalong River in Sichuan, making it the world’s third-highest-altitude PV facility at 4,600 m. The project integrates with hydro assets to optimize energy output in the challenging plateau environment.

Scientists build tin lead perovskite solar cell with 24.07% efficiency

A Chinese-Swedish research team has boosted the performance of tin-lead perovskite solar cells by modifying additives and post-treatment processes. The device also demonstrated improved stability, retaining 60% of its initial efficiency after 550 hours at 85 °C under maximum power point conditions.

Hybrid inverters set to drive next phase of Indian rooftop solar

Energy storage for homes — anchored by hybrid inverter systems — will lead the next phase of solar growth in India. Not as an upgrade, but as a necessity for a nation building toward energy independence by 2047.

Chinese PV Industry Brief: Longi, Tongwei announce losses for fiscal 2025

Longi, and Tongwei have predicted steep losses for fully fiscal year 2025, as persistent oversupply and falling solar module prices continue to pressure margins across China’s PV manufacturing sector.

EGbatt releases 15 kWh storage solution for residential use

The Chinese firm has unveiled its latest energy storage solution, the ENERpro-LFP48300, equipped with a 48V, 300 Ah lithium battery. The company boasts a lifespan of over 9,500 cycles at a high 95% depth of discharge.

Nextpower, Abunayyan to build 12 GW solar tracker factory in Saudi Arabia

The factory will be located in Jeddah and supply solar trackers across Saudi Arabia and the MENA region.

Why sodium-ion can’t yet challenge lithium-ion’s reign

A new generation of sodium-ion (Na-ion) battery cells has been launched as an alternative to the virtual monopoly of lithium-ion (Li-ion). Although the technology is unlikely to displace significant Li-ion market share, recent improvements make Na-ion a viable solution for certain niche applications, with potential for wider usage if cost becomes competitive.

Researchers achieve record perovskite solar module stability under light, heat, and UV stress

An international research team has developed a new two-dimensional perovskite interlayer based on a co-crystal engineering strategy for more robust perovskite films. It demonstrated improved performance in small area perovskite solar cells and, in a 48 cm2 module, contributed to retain 95% of initial efficiency after 5,000 h.

Solar accounted for 7.24 million jobs in 2024

The International Renewable Energy Agency’s annual review into employment finds solar held over 43% of global jobs in the renewable energy sector in 2024.

Tongwei unveils 770 W TOPCon PV module with 24.8% efficiency

The Chinese manufacturer unveiled its new TOPCon bifacial TNC3.0 module at WFES 2025. The 1,500 V, IP68-rated panel offers over 85% bifaciality, a 0.26%/C temperature coefficient, and a 30-year warranty guaranteeing 88.85% output.

China commissions world’s largest 1 GW open-sea offshore solar project

China has brought a 1 GW offshore solar power plant online off the coast of Dongying, Shandong province, combining PV with energy storage and aquaculture in what is now the world’s largest open-sea solar project in commercial operation.

Trina Solar completes sale of 5 GW U.S. module plant to T1 Energy

Trina Solar has completed the sale of its 5 GW US solar module factory to T1 Energy, exiting direct manufacturing while retaining a minority equity stake.

Aiko achieves 34.76% efficiency for 2-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell

The Chinese manufacturer said its 2-terminal 34.76%-efficient perovskite-silicon tandem lab-scale cell is based on heterojunction technology and developed by a collaboration of Solarlab Aiko Europe, Aiko headquarters, and its R&D in Yuwi, China.

Pakistan unveils new net metering rules for rooftop PV

Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has initiated a public consultation on proposed revisions to solar net-metering regulations. A key change under consideration is a reduction in the tariff for surplus solar power, which could be cut by half from PKR 26 ($0.093) per kWh to PKR 13 per kWh.

Geon launches new inverter battery for residential, commercial use

The Indian manufacturer said its new Geon Gelithium series is an efficient back-up solution for homes, clinics, small retail outlets, offices, and light commercial applications. The system is available in two versions with an inverter rated capacity of 1,250 VA and 2,500 VA, respectively.

French testing body flags durability risks in TOPCon solar modules

Accelerated testing by French certification body Certisolis finds wide performance divergence and design vulnerabilities in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar modules that current international standards do not capture.

Solinteg releases new hybrid inverter series

The M2HT series has an output range of 75–125 kW and is the company’s first product in the 125 kW power class.

How technology is changing modern solar O&M

The speed at which Europe’s PV buildout has taken place over the last few decades is creating challenges for the solar industry around utility-scale O&M, as attendees of pv magazine’s Week Europe virtual conference session on leveraging technology for O&M heard.

Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with steric complementary design achieves 32.3% efficiency

Researchers in China developed a monolithic perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell using a steric-complementary interface design, achieving a certified efficiency of 32.12% and enhanced long-term stability. This strategy optimizes molecular fit in the perovskite lattice, improving both charge transport and device longevity.

World’s first high-power aluminum-ion battery system for energy storage

For the first time, a complete aluminum-graphite-dual-ion battery system has been built and tested, showing that lithium-free, high-power batteries can deliver stability, fast response, and recyclability for next-generation grid applications.

Perovskite solar cell based on Mxene achieves record-breaking efficiency of 25.75%

A research team in Spain has built what it claims to be the world’s most efficient perovskite solar cell using MXenes or any other type of 2D-materials. The device relies on a Mxene interlayer that suppresses non-radiative recombination and improved charge extraction at the interface between the perovskite absorber and the electron transport layer.

Solar sidewalks cut urban emissions 98%, claim scientists

A Concordia University modeling study in Canada finds that photovoltaic sidewalks could power local electric mobility, reduce urban emissions by 98%, and shift rooftop use toward agriculture under a 15-minute-city framework.

Chinese PV Industry Brief: Cybrid Technologies ships first optical conversion films for perovskite tandem solar modules

Cybrid Technologies announced the first mass delivery of optical conversion films for perovskite tandem solar modules, marking what it described as the world’s first commercial application of this technology.

Efficient solar PV cooking with sand-based thermal energy storage

Scientists in Ghana have developed a device that combines a conventional solar PV-powered steam cooker with sand-based thermal energy storage. The system can achieve a thermal efficiency of 38.9% and has a payback period of 4.5 years.

Longi reveals details of world’s most efficient silicon solar cell

In a new scientific paper, the Chinese solar manufacturer explained that the 27.81%-efficient hybrid interdigitated back-contact cell it unveiled in April is based on passivated tunneling contacts and dielectric passivation layers, while also incorporating both n-type and p-type contacts.

Chinese scientists build 18%-efficient organic solar cells with enhanced stability

Chinese researchers have demonstrated organic solar cells with novel encapsulation and a protective interfacial layer for enhanced stability and efficiency. The best performing cell based on the new approach retained 94% of its initial power conversion efficiency after standards-based damp heat testing for 1,032 hours damp heat and across 200 thermal cycles.

MIT researchers develop polymer film that could prevent solar panel corrosion

Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say their polymer coating could be used to protect photovoltaic modules, due to its impermeability to gases. The team has demonstrated that a 60-nanometer-thick film can extend the lifetime of a perovskite crystal by several weeks.

S-5! launches new clamp for solar carports

The US mounting system provider said its new product is designed to fit both Cee and Zee purlin-framed structures. It features a bottom-oriented setscrew.

Inverted perovskite solar cell based on self-assembled monolayer achieves 26.92% efficiency

Researchers in China have developed an inverted perovskite solar cell approaching the 27% efficiency threshold. The device incorporates a specially designed self-assembled monolayer that passivates perovskite defects and enhances efficiency.

Sensorless approach for PV panel temperature monitoring

Researchers in United Arab Emirates have developed a novel model that relies on either the open-circuit voltage or the maximum power point voltage to estimate PV module operating temperature without using sensors

Waaree unveils 645 W back contact solar module with 23.88% efficiency

Waaree Energies has entered the back contact module business with a TOPCon dual-glass module. The new product is based on cells with G12R format.

Voltec Solar unveils hail-resistant PV module

French manufacturer Voltec Solar has designed a solar module capable of withstanding impacts from 55 mm hailstones. Its RG5 certification is the highest level of resistance listed by the European hail index.

Nigeria, Longi sign deal to build solar panel factory

China’s Longi will support the development of a solar panel production factory up to 1 GW in size in Nigeria, after finalizing a strategic partnership with the country’s energy commission.

China module prices climb 1.14%, industry awaits polysilicon consolidation plan

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

Mercedes unveils car with 20% efficient ultra-thin solar coating

Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first car prototype with a silicon-free, 20%-efficient nanoparticle solar coating that powers the vehicle even when off and uses modules thinner than a human hair.

The impact of solar minigrids in rural Pakistan

A research team assessing the social embeddedness of solar minigrids in rural Pakistan found the technology responds to energy poverty while fostering empowerment in communities, leading the team to conclude a minigrid can foster broader societal change while providing a technological solution.

Solar accounted for 70% of new global power capacity in 2024

A new IEEE report shows solar dominated new generation in 2024, with 70% of added global capacity from PV and record installations in China and the United States.

Solis unveils 75–125 kW hybrid inverter for C&I solar

The Chinese manufacturer said its new inverters can deliver 160% overload for 200 ms in off-grid mode, ensuring stable startup of heavy loads. The IP66-rated products feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency of 97.2%.

Scientists hit 9% efficiency record for antimony trisulfide solar cell

Developed by an international research team, the cell features a cadmium sulfide electron transport layer produced using a novel ozone-doping strategy. This treatment enhances material purity and stability while widening the energy bandgap of cadmium sulfide.

Low-cost, inverter-based dust monitoring method for rooftop solar

Researchers in China have developed a dust monitoring technique that relies solely on the existing hardware resources of inverters, without requiring extra sensors or meteorological data. Tests on real rooftop PV arrays demonstrated an accuracy exceeding 96%.

Saatvik Green unveils inverter series for residential, C&I solar

The U.S. manufacturer has launched the UDAY on-grid solar inverters series including single-phase inverters (1.1 kW–6 kW) for residential and small commercial rooftops and three-phase inverters (6 kW–50 kW) for residential, commercial and industrial applications.

Transparent amorphous-silicon solar cell lets in more than 60% of visible light

Scientists in Spain have developed an amorphous-silicon solar cell that could be used in both transparent photovoltaics and tandem applications. The device reportedly achieves notable efficiency levels and may offer an alternative to transparent organic photovoltaics.

Women hold 32% of full-time jobs in the renewable energy sector, IRENA report finds

New data from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) shows women account for only 19% of renewable energy senior leadership positions globally and almost half of the women surveyed report some form of gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

Australian researchers hit 27.06% with triple-junction perovskite cell

A team of researchers led by the University of Sydney has fabricated a triple-junction perovskite-perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell that achieved a power conversion efficiency of up to 27.06% and set new standards for thermal stability.

Solis launches 16 kW residential and 60 kW commercial hybrid inverters

The Chinese manufacturer released two new hybrid string inverters that range from 9.6 kW to 16 kW for the residential market, and from 30 kW to 60 kW for the commercial market.

Perovskite solar cells with laminated carbon electrodes reach 20.4% efficiency

Scientists in Germany report a method to boost performance of perovskite solar cells made with laminated carbon electrodes that are compatible with typical hole transport layers.

One-year testing shows ground-mounted PV achieves ‘superior’ performance ratio in Sahara

A 12-month testing of a 1.1 MW pilot PV facility built in 2016 in Algeria’s desert has shown that tracking-equipped ground-mounted PV can reach high performance ratio values under Saharan conditions. The plant was built with a variety of PV module technologies.

Enhancing dual-axis solar tracker performance with new optimization techniques

Researchers in India have developed two solar tracker optimization techniques can purportedly increase power generation by up to 54.36% when combined. One uses a light sensor and the other relies on data from GPS and a real-time clock.

Gautam Solar unveils 630 W TOPCon module for utility-scale solar projects

Gautam Solar has introduced 630 W R-Series tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules for utility-scale PV projects, approved under India’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

JinkoSolar, Longi settle global patent dispute with cross-licensing deal

China’s two largest solar manufacturers have ended a protracted global patent battle, agreeing to cross-license core technologies in a move that could reshape the industry’s innovation landscape.

Chinese PV Industry Brief: Inverter manufacturers report solid H1 results

Sungrow, Ginlong Solis, GoodWe and Deye all posted higher first-half revenue in 2025, with Sungrow leading on storage growth and Deye delivering the strongest margins.

BYD unveils 14.5 MWh storage system, world’s largest yet

China’s EV giant has unveiled the 14.5 MWh DC “Haohan” single-unit DC block with record-breaking capacity to challenge next-generation energy storage market.

Chinese scientists build 10.48 cm2 kesterite solar module with 10.1% efficiency

The efficiency result was confirmed by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The module was fabricated with 13.4%-efficient kesterite cells designed with high film porosity and uniformity.

Polycab launches 350 kW string inverter for utility-scale solar projects

Polycab has launched its UT Series 350 kW three-phase string inverter for utility-scale solar projects in southern India. The series offers 15/12 maximum power point trackers (MPPTs) and supports bifacial 182 mm/210 mm modules with a maximum 15 A/20 A DC input current per string.

China’s TOPCon cell prices rise on tighter downstream oversight

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

S&P Global unveils 2025 Tier 1 module, inverter, battery supplier list

S&P Global’s first 2025 Tier 1 Cleantech Companies list ranks 63 solar, wind, inverter, and battery suppliers by technology, financial health, and sustainability to guide investors and developers.

PV industry could account for 40% of global silver demand by 2030

New research from Europe shows that the global PV industry may require up to 14,000 tonnes of silver per year in 2030, with global supply being only 34,000 tonnes. The scientists said more efforts should be made to reduce silver content in TOPCon and heterojunction solar cells.

Chinese scientists develop colorless solar concentrator for PV windows

The research team’s semi-transparent solar concentrator can be directly coated onto standard window glass. It uses liquid crystal films to reflect and guide circularly-polarized sunlight to solar cells installed toward the edge of a window. A 1-inch diameter prototype was found capable of directly powering a 10 mW fan under sunlight.

Sungrow unveils 4.8 MW modular inverter

Sungrow has introduced a 4.8 MW modular inverter and new utility-scale and commercial storage systems at the RE+ trade show in Las Vegas. The products include advanced grid-forming capabilities and efficiency improvements.

Renshine Solar hits 27.5% efficiency for flexible all-perovskite solar cell

Renshine Solar says it has achieved a record 27.5% efficiency for a flexible all-perovskite cell and 23.0% on a 20.26 cm² panel.

Solar panel cleaning drones for rooftop, ground-mounted PV systems

French uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) manufacturer Objectif Drone has developed a drone-based solar panel spray cleaning system for solar plant maintenance teams. It can be used on either rooftop PV or ground-mounted systems.

Solar Organic to build PV, battery factory in Spain

Solar Organic Centro España S.L. plans a solar panel and battery factory in south-central Spain with 10 GW of annual capacity for passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) and tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules.

pv magazine Homeowner Guide: Sharing information with a solar installer

pv magazine is compiling a guide to home solar installations, aimed at those who are interested in installing but are new to the market and want to make an informed decision. We have spoken to associations, installers and industry specialists in major solar markets across the globe to compile best practice guidance and advice that aims to be applicable to home solar installations anywhere in the world.

New object detection algorithm for solar cleaning robots

A Chinese research team at Tarim University have developed a lightweight object detection and pose recognition solution for solar panel cleaning robots.

Tongwei’s TNC 2.0 module series achieves high-performance verification

The modules have been verified by TÜV Rheinland as having 91.7% bifaciality. Tongwei is also one of only two companies in the global top 10 to earn maximum ratings across all categories of the 2025 Kiwa PVEL PV Module Reliability Scorecard.

Tindo presents new 475 W full-black residential solar panel

Tindo Solar, Australia’s lone producer of PV modules, has officially released a new generation of TOPCon N-type solar panels, including an all-black version featuring an output of 475 W and conversion efficiency of 21.9%.

Tindo presents new 475 W full-black residential solar panel

Insurer flags rising home fire costs as lithium-ion battery incidents increase

Battery fires double in high-value claims, pushing premiums up.

The impact of soldering flux on TOPCon solar cell degradation

UNSW researchers have investigated the impact of two types of soldering fluxes on TOPCon solar modules under damp heat conditions and have found that “no-clean” soldering fluxes can cause severe corrosion of front silver-aluminum contacts. The researchers have also found that denser metallisation structures and lower aluminium content improve corrosion resistance.

Anker Solix launches modular home energy storage system with 4.8 kW AC output

Chinese manufacturer Anker Solix has introduced the Solarbank Multisystem, along with a Power Dock control unit enabling parallel operation of up to four battery storage units.

Nature’s Generator releases 6.8 kW / 3.8 kWh compact home backup battery

The Lithium 6000 is a portable solar generator with an optional automatic transfer switch that can backup home power during an outage.

Solar cell, wafer exports from China rise as panel exports fall

Ember Energy says China’s solar export market is shifting as more diverse global supply chains drive higher cell and wafer shipments, lifting combined solar product capacity 11% this year despite lower panel exports.

Thermal batteries offer alternative to lithium-ion storage

Jaicky Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Voltanova – a deep-tech firm incubated by the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) – speaks to pv magazine about the company’s thermal battery system and how it compares to lithium-based energy storage.

China’s polysilicon rally enters fourth week, defying market fundamentals

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

Non-stop solar innovation despite module oversupply

It’s no secret that prices throughout the solar supply chain have been at rock bottom over the past 18 months. Alex Barrows and Molly Morgan of CRU Group explore how the market reached the imbalance that caused PV prices to crash, what this has meant for innovation, and how it might affect future technology transitions.

Cooling PV inverters with skived fin heat sink

Researchers in Turkey tested a novel heat sink design to cool insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) arrays in solar inverters. They found that it reduced module temperatures by more than 6 C in lab experiments.

Solar on the tracks

Swiss startup Sun-Ways inaugurated its railway PV project in April in Neuchatel, Switzerland, after more than two years of planning. Joseph Scuderi, founder of Sun-Ways, tells pv magazine that the pilot is attracting international attention.

Qcells tandem solar module passes critical stress tests

Qcells says its perovskite/silicon tandem solar modules have passed several independently verified stress tests. The South Korean module maker claims the results meet benchmarks for commercial acceptance of its tandem tech.

Beyond the hype: Why PERC still powers a stronger solar future

New doesn’t always mean better: Passivated emitter and rear contact solar cells have earned their place through real-world reliability and cost-effective manufacturability.

New method to optimize bifacial PV system performance in residential applications

Scientists in Qatar have outlined a new approach to optimize residential bifacial PV systems by combining south-facing and vertically mounted east-facing configurations. The novel methodology reportedly results in a 21.6% increase in a system’s net present value.

Sunport Power unveils 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 (MWT) technology out for mass produced n-type technology for its latest product.

TCL SunPower launches back contact solar modules

The SunPower M Class product portfolio offers solar panels for the residential and commercial markets featuring the company’s latest back contact solar technology. The panels are expected to reach 25% efficiency for residential applications up to 500 W and 24.4% for commercial applications up to 660 W.

Amazon buying big on solar

For the past five consecutive years, tech and retail giant Amazon has been the world’s largest procurer of renewable energy, investing in projects and signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) all over the world. pv magazine spoke with representatives of the company about its ambitious energy plans.

Solis launches new hybrid inverters for C&I solar

The Chinese manufacturer said its new product is the world’s largest wall-mounted hybrid inverter. The series includes three models, with AC outputs of 80 kW, 100 kW, or 125 kW.

Vikram Solar launches 630 W n-type bifacial modules

The Indian solar manufacturer has launched its Hypersol series panel series with power output from 605 W to 630 W and efficiency between 22.38% and 23.30%.

IBC Solar launches mounting systems for rooftop, facade PV systems

Germany’s IBC Solar has developed two new mounting systems for rooftop and facade PV installations: the WallFix system, made of aluminum and stainless steel, and the AeroFix G3.1, designed for modules up to 3 square meters.

Tigo Energy releases off-grid solar package

The off-grid solution includes module optimizers, an inverter, a battery, and an automatic transfer switch.

Solex Energy to open 2 GW TOPCon cell plant in 2027

India’s Solex Energy has started working on its new 2 GW n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell factory, with operations set to begin in early 2027.

GoodWe unveils new solar carport

GoodWe BIPV has identified new applications for its Vela residential solar carport. The modular unit is gaining traction in rural and small commercial settings in Australia as an alternative to ground-mounted and rooftop PV systems.

Home batteries have same probability of catching fire as other appliances

New research from Germany shows that home batteries have much lower chances of being hit by fire than electric vehicles and most home appliances. The researchers warned, however, that fires in residential storage systems can be more dangerous than those of burning tumble dryers.

Gautam Solar presents 23.69%-efficient 640 W TOPCon solar module

The Indian manufacturer said its new TOPCon solar panel is based on rectangular bifacial solar cells and is certified by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Longi achieves 34.85% efficiency for two-terminal tandem perovskite solar cell

The result was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Solar wafer price outlook turns pessimistic, global flows shift with evolving trade policies

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

Average silver price up 21% in 2024, says Silver Institute

Demand for silver in the PV industry hit 197.6 million ounces in 2024, according to a new report from the Silver Institute. It says the average silver price stood at $28.27 per troy ounce last year, up from $23.35 in 2023.

Sungrow releases modular inverter for utility-scale solar

The Chinese manufacturer said its new product uses inverter units with an output of 800 kW, of which 12 can be connected in parallel. It can work in weather of up to 52 C.

Solar panel glare temporarily cancels air traffic at Amsterdam Airport

On March 4, Schiphol’s Polderbaan Runway has been unavailable to landing traffic between 10 am and 12 pm in sunny weather due to glare from solar panels.

Fraunhofer ISE research finds solar module output ‘often overstated’

A longitudinal research project from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE reveals that since 2017, the institute has measured less power on average in a solar module than promised by the manufacturer.

Growatt releases all-in-one 8 kWh balcony storage system

The battery features four MPPTs and can take up to 2,600 W of PV input. It also has an AC nominal output power of 800 W.

China’s power reform could boost solar module demand, prices, says S&P Global

Analysis by S&P Global suggests new power pricing measures in China could bring a rush of new installations in the country during the first half of the year and lead to an increase in solar module prices first domestically, then internationally.

AE Solar releases bifacial solar modules for vertical projects

AE Solar has launched bifacial solar modules with 560 W to 580 W of power output, designed for vertical installations and agrivoltaic projects. The German company says the modules offer up to 10% backside power gain.

‘The solar industry can offer unique opportunities for women to take on leadership, technical roles’

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Letizia Coradeschi, Investments at Switzerland’s SUSI Partners AG. She says that normalizing parental leave and flexible work schedules that support work-life balance would further help retain female talent past junior and mid-level positions. “Despite the hurdles, my personal experience led me to believe that, coupled with persistence and resilience, this is a space where women can thrive and lead,” she states.

Polyshine Solar unveils ultralight, flexible rooftop solar panels

The Chinese manufacturer said its new flexible modules have an efficiency of up to 20.1% and a weight of only 7.5 kg, or 2.92 kg/m2. The new products have purportedly a light transmittance of over 91% and “ultra-high” UV blocking ability.

Austrian startup presents vertical bifacial PV systems for garden fences

Sunbooster GmbH is offering 372 W flexible solar systems including inverters and cabling. The price for the smallest version is €500 ($524).

Indian scientists design 31.16%-efficient 2D-3D perovskite solar cell

Scientists in India have simulated a novel perovskite solar cell that combinies a Dion-Jacobson 2D layer with a 3D halide perovskite. The design showed improved stability compared to reference cells without the DJ-2D layer.

Risen claims 30.99% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell

The result was confirmed by China’s National Solar Photovoltaic Product Quality Supervision and Inspection Center. The tandem device is relying on a bottom cell based on a heterojunction design.

Daytime charging of electric vehicles further expands adoption of photovoltaics

Photovoltaics continues adding capacity at a rapid pace, and 2024 was another record year for solar PV deployment. In the meantime, despite recent hurdles to widespread adoption in some countries, electric vehicle uptake grew 25% last year. Assuming a 10 kWh/day energy requirement for every new EV, the 17 million new EVs sold in 2024 would have added another 50-70 GW of new PV generation worldwide.

GivEnergy launches Gen 3 hybrid inverters for pairing with stackable storage

The new single phase hybrid range includes 8 kW and 10 kW models.

Chinese PV Industry Brief: CGN New Energy awards 10.5 GW of panel deals

China General Nuclear (CGN) New Energy has awarded contracts for 10.5 GW of solar modules under its 2025 procurement framework. The winning companies, including JinkoSolar, Longi, and GCL SI, will supply high-capacity n-type bifacial and monofacial panels.

JinkoSolar sues Waaree Energies for alleged TOPCon patent infringement

JinkoSolar has filed a lawsuit in Texas against Waaree Energies and its US subsidiary for the alleged infringement of one of its n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patents, marking another move in its aggressive patent defense strategy.

Trina Solar sues Canadian Solar over patents in $147 million lawsuit

Trina Solar has filed a lawsuit against Canadian Solar and its subsidiary, seeking $147 million in damages for alleged infringement of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell patents. The case, accepted by the Jiangsu High Court, underscores the rise of intellectual property disputes in China’s competitive solar sector.

Mitrex launches solar PV railing systems

The Canadian building-integrated PV manufacturer has launched semi-transparent and opaque solar PV railing systems for balconies or walkways, for retrofit or new buildings. The products are delivered with support bars, concealed cabling and a choice of mounting systems.

LCOE of grid-scale solar expected to drop 2% globally in 2025

A report from BloombergNEF said fixed-axis solar levelized cost of energy is expected to fall to $0.035/kWh, while battery energy storage LCOE is expected to decrease 11%.

What’s cooking in PV?

Scientists have conducted an analysis of 20 years of academic publications about PV-powered electric cooking and have found interest in the field peaked in 2021-2022 in both developing and developed countries. They have also outlined some potential future developments.

Fuzzy reconfiguration scheme to reduce power losses in PV systems under fault conditions

Scientists in Pakistan have developed a fuzzy reconfiguration method that can reportedly mitigate power losses due to shading and hotspot faults by up to 23.5% compared to conventional techniques. The proposed scheme is said to be suitable for both square and rectangular PV arrays of different sizes.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin hits 24.6% efficiency for perovskite-CIGS cell

Germany’s Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has achieved a world-record 24.6% efficiency rating for a perovskite-copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) tandem solar cell. Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has confirmed the result.

Solax presents scalable 215 kWh C&I battery

Solax demonstrated its industrial energy storage solution, with peak load management and electricity cost optimization, in front of around 50 installers. The live presentation focused on efficiency, safety, and weather resistance.

India’s Solex Energy commissions 800 MW TOPCon solar module production line

India’s Solex Energy says it has commissioned an 800 MW solar module production line for n-type, rectangular-cell tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules ranging from 585 W to 625 W.

Chinese researchers build 4T perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cell with 29.36% efficiency

Scientists in China built a four-terminal perovskite-CIGS tandem solar cell based on a top semi-transparent perovskite device with an efficiency of 21.26% and a high bifaciality factor of 92.2%. They used a solvent-annealing strategy to produce a perovskite film with full coverage, larger grains, superior crystallinity and free of detectable lead iodide impurity.

How much can I expect to save by installing solar?

The average cost of an 11 kW rooftop solar installation after federal tax credits is $20,552 in the United States, said marketplace operator EnergySage. What will your utility-provided electricity cost over the next 25 years?

Fronius presents new inverters for C&I projects

The Austrian manufacturer said its new Argeno inverter features an efficiency of 99.1%, a European efficiency of 98.7%, and a rated AC power output of 125 kW.

Perovskite solar cell based on 3D/2D heterostructures achieves 26.05% efficiency

Developed by an international team including Saudi Arabia’s KAUST and the Chinese Academy of Science, the solar cell is claimed to be one of the most efficient perovskite PV devices based on 3D/2D heterostructures built to date.

Scientists build 23.2%-efficient lead tin perovskite solar cell with improved lifetime

The researchers built the cell with a hole transport layer (HTL) based on PEDOT:PSS and were reportedly able to reduce the losses caused by this compound with the utilization of a thiocyanate additive. The champion lab-sized device achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.875 V, a short circuit current density of 31.84 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 83.23%.

📢 Solis unveils generator-compatible hybrid inverters

Solis has introduced its Solarator series hybrid inverters in India, targeting the residential and commercial solar storage markets.

China installed 8 GW of solar in ‘Belt and Road’ countries in 2024

Wood Mackenzie says Chinese companies installed 24 GW of power projects throughout the world under China’s “Belt and Road” development initiative in 2024. This marked a record for a calendar year, with solar projects accounting for about one-third of the newly installed capacity.

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.

Trump’s $500 billion AI data-center project expected to be powered by solar

US President Donald Trump’s $500 billion AI data-center project, Stargate, could be powered in part by solar and energy storage from Softbank’s SB Energy, says Bloomberg.

JinkoSolar’s patent lawsuit against Longi extends to Japan

The patent lawsuit, filed at Japan’s Tokyo District Court, is JinkoSolar’s second case of legal action against Longi this year, following a filing in China earlier this month.

JinkoSolar’s patent lawsuit against Longi extends to Japan

The patent lawsuit, filed at Japan’s Tokyo District Court, is JinkoSolar’s second case of legal action against Longi this year, following a filing in China earlier this month.

Higher demand, gas prices drive up European electricity prices

Average weekly electricity prices surpassed €130 ($135.12)/MWh in most major European markets during the third week of January as electricity demand and gas prices rose and wind energy production fell, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting.

📢 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.

PV module prices at crossroads

Martin Schachinger, founder of pvXchange.com, said PV module prices will depend on national and international demand trends in the coming months, with outcomes ranging from increases to stagnation or further declines. Almost anything is possible, but nothing is certain.

JinkoSolar’s TOPCon modules offer 8.82% yield gain in Japan field test

JinkoSolar’s latest n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules delivered higher energy yield per watt than a competitor’s n-type back contact (BC) modules in a three-month field test in Kagoshima, Japan, under varying irradiance levels.

Saudi Arabia commissions its largest battery energy storage system

The 2 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) features 122 prefabricated storage units, designed and supplied by China’s BYD.

Solar corporate funding falls 24% to $26.3 billion in 2024

Mercom Capital Group says inflation, high interest rates, trade disputes and policy ambiguity all contributed to a drop in corporate funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the solar sector last year.

Chinese PV Industry Brief: Longi issues net loss warning for 2024

Longi has issued a profit warning for 2024, forecasting a net loss of up to $1.11 billion – a sharp decline from last year’s profit of $1.42 billion.

🔥 Fire at California’s Moss Landing battery plant triggers evacuation

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but an investigation will begin once the fire is extinguished.