A better understanding of UV degradation
Performance loss from ultraviolet (UV) light has become a concern for new PV cells, though earlier lab tests may have overstated the issue. Paul Gebhardt, photovoltaic module reliability scientist at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), outlines a mechanism that may have distorted earlier results.
PV module fault diagnosis uses convolutional neural network
Researchers in China have created a dataset of various PV faults and normalized it to accommodate different array sizes and typologies. After testing the new approach in combination with the 1D-CNN machine learning technique under different conditions, they found an accuracy of more than 99%.
Power Roll tests perovskite solar panels outdoors
Power Roll, a UK developer of perovskite solar technology, has begun outdoor testing of its 600 mm x 400 mm flexible modules.
Vending machine trial with chalcopyrite solar
PXP Corp. and Suntory Holdings, both based in Japan, have begun to test the practicality and performance of a vending machine equipped with PXP’s lightweight, glass-free solar panels in Sagamihara, Japan.
Mito Solar launches new range of colored modules for yachts, cars
Dutch specialty module manufacturer Mito Solar now offers PV modules in a wide range of colors for yachting and mobility applications. The colors are enabled by a front-side encapsulant made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO).
Using Sudoku to improve power yield in PV systems under partial shading
Indian researchers have developed a Sudoku-based technique to reduce power losses in PV systems operating under partial shading. They claim the method increases energy efficiency and revenue generation more than conventional reconfiguration techniques.
China’s PV output, profits fall in H1 despite record installations
China’s PV sector faced steep declines in upstream output and margins in the first half of 2025, as oversupply and price declines weighed on manufacturers, according to the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA).
Perovskite rollout gathers pace
Perovskite’s growing visibility at industry events in 2025 is a sign that perovskites have progressed beyond the small lab-made devices seen earlier this decade. The focus is now on developing materials, processes, and a supply chain ready for large-scale manufacturing and deployment.
Gallium arsenide solar cells radiation-resilient for space applications
A group led by Cambridge University has developed an adhesive-free method of bonding ultra-thin gallium arsenide solar cells to borosilicate glass. The proposed technique is reportedly compatible with standard planar device processing.
Solitek launches anti-glare black bifacial solar modules
Lithuania’s Solitek has launched full-black 425 W bifacial solar modules with matte, satin-textured glass for glare-sensitive sites such as airports, road barriers, and buildings.
