SERIS achieves world record efficiency of 26.7% for perovskite-organic tandem solar cell
The tandem device is based on a bottom organic cell that can achieve a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 17.9% and a high short-circuit current density of 28.60 mA cm2. Furthermore, it uses a top perovskite solar cell with an open-circuit voltage of 1.37 V and a fill factor of 85.5%.
Spain approves legislation to encourage energy storage, flexibility
The Spanish government has approved legislation to strengthen its electricity system following the major power outage the country experienced in April.
The Hydrogen Stream: FAW Hongqi advances fuel cell vehicle development
FAW Group’s Hongqi hydrogen fuel cell vehicle program has passed official range and hydrogen consumption tests, achieving 15% lower hydrogen use than competitors, according to the China State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC).
Ikea begins offering balcony solar kits
Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is selling plug-in solar kits in Germany, with storage-inclusive systems starting at €1,229 ($1,425) and reaching €2,800 for versions featuring four 520 W panels. The kits are designed for residential self-consumption and vary by capacity and configuration.
EU adopts state aid framework for cleantech industry
The European Commission has developed a new state aid framework under the Clean Industrial Solutions Act for Europe (CISAF) to support clean technology manufacturing across the European Union.
Q Energy switches on Europe’s largest floating PV plant
Q Energy and partners recently inaugurated a 74.3 MW floating PV plant in France – the largest of its kind in Europe. pv magazine visited the site to examine the technologies and innovations behind the project.
WHES releases new C&I storage system series
WHES has launched a new series of commercial and industrial (C&I) storage systems with integrated hybrid inverters, offering capacities from 57 kWh to 100 kWh and PV input up to 96 kW. The China-based manufacturer claims the systems support 200% PV overloading.
JinkoSolar achieves world record efficiency of 27.02% for TOPCon solar cell
The Chinese manufacturer said the result was certified by China’s National Photovoltaic Industry Measurement and Testing Center (NPVM).
Ireland’s solar capacity hits 1.76 GW
Ireland’s total installed solar capacity reached 1.76 GW as of May 31, 2025, according to Solar Ireland’s new “Scale of Solar 2025” report. Based on data from distribution system operator ESB Networks, the report shows Ireland has advanced from a poor PV performer to a mid-tier solar market in Europe within a few years.
Researchers demonstrate technical feasibility of retrofitting PV-driven heat pumps in multi-family buildings
A research group led by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE has conducted what it describes as the first empirical study on PV-assisted two-stage HP systems in existing multi-family buildings. Its findings show that substantial PV electricity exports result in greater avoided non-renewable primary energy use.
