Bauer Solar launches 480 W back-contact solar module
The German manufacturer said its new back-contact solar panel has a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.52%.
Copper, indium, selenium micro-islands pave the way for next-gen micro-concentrator solar cells
A German research team has developed CuInSe₂ micro-concentrator solar cells using laser-assisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition to grow indium islands directly on molybdenum-coated glass, forming absorber arrays without masks or patterning. The not-yet-optimized micro-modules achieved up to 0.65% efficiency under one sun, with gains of up to 250% under concentrated illumination.
Spin-flip emitters could control energy pathways in singlet fission solar cells
Japanese researchers developed a molybdenum-based spin-flip emitter that efficiently harvests triplet excitons from singlet-fission tetracene dimers, producing strong near-infrared emission. This approach could boost solar cell efficiency and enable new quantum technologies by converting otherwise “dark” excitons into usable light.
TNO unveils 12.4%-efficient perovksite solar tile
The Dutch research institute has presented what it describes as the world’s first perovskite-based roof tile, achieving up to 13.8% efficiency on standalone modules and 12.4% when installed on a curved surface. The flexible modules were produced using TNO’s experimental roll-to-roll platform,
France introduces cybersecurity, sustainability requirements in solar tenders
The French authorities announced they will assign 288 MW of PV in the 2026 tender for projects ranging from 100 kW to 500 kW in size and 925 MW in the procurement exercise for PV systems exceeding 500 kW. The tenders will include cybersecurity requirements as well as provisions to support European manufacturing.
UNSW study finds tracker-based PV systems experience higher UV degradation than fixed-tilt arrays
New research from the University of New South Wales shows that PV module degradation varies widely with system design and location, driven by UV exposure, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Tropical and desert regions face the highest stress, highlighting the need for climate-specific testing and system design.
Solar Fabrik launches 400 W red-brown module for heritage roofs
Solar Fabrik has introduced a 400 W red-brown glass-glass PV module designed to meet strict aesthetic requirements for historic and protected buildings, offering a 20.02% efficiency and compatibility with traditional tiled rooftops.
Solbian launches solar kit for boat davits
Available in 80 W and 108 W versions using high-efficiency SunPower Maxeon cells, the kit offers wind resistance up to 25 m/s and easy installation on unused boat surfaces, according to the manufacturer.
Tracker-based agrivoltaics turn fields into wind-safe zones
Cornell University researchers demonstrated that tracking solar panels in agrivoltaic systems can protect crops from wind damage while allowing airflow, outperforming traditional single-row tree windbreaks. They also proposed a new lowered-first-row panel design that improves wind protection, achieving up to 86% reduction in shelter-zone wind speeds under extreme conditions.
Ion beam technology offers pathway to low-defect silicon solar cells
Researchers in India demonstrated that ion beam implantation enables precise boron doping in silicon solar cells, reducing defects and improving charge transport. The proposed approach could support more efficient and reproducible p–n junctions, offering a pathway to higher-performance silicon photovoltaics.
