New research warns of unexpected UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells from invisible light
Researchers from UNSW have found that invisible light accelerates UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells, producing the same degradation effects as visible light but at a much faster rate. This can lead to significant open-circuit voltage losses and reduce cell efficiency.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Government targets energy use at polysilicon plants
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has launched a 2025 inspection program targeting energy consumption at 41 major polysilicon producers to curb output.
US opens next round of solar import probes targeting India, Indonesia, Laos
The US Department of Commerce has initiated full investigations into anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases against solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos filed in July. These investigations, conducted alongside the US International Trade Commission (ITC), are expected to continue into next spring.
India’s PLI scheme drives 18.5 GW of solar module capacity up to June
India’s Production Linked Incentive Scheme for High Efficiency Solar PV Modules (PLI) has led to 18.5 GW of module capacity, 9.7 GW of solar cell capacity and 2.2 GW of ingot-wafer capacity being established as of June 30 2025. The program has awarded a total of 48 GW of module manufacturing capacity.
China wafer, polysilicon prices climb 33% since early July
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.
Scientists build bifacial CIS solar cell with record efficiency, power density
Researchers in South Korea have demonstrated a lower temperature process for bifacial copper, indium, selenium (CuInSe₂) solar cells with a rear-side efficiency of 8.44% and 15.30% on the front. The device has been developed for applications in tandem solar cells.
Glass-free PV modules tested on bulk cargo ships
Japan’s Eco Marine Power announced a trial of an integrated solar PV system aboard a bulk cargo ship to demonstrate both practicality and performance. It features glass-free monocrystalline silicon modules from U.S.-based Merlin Solar Technologies.
Photovoltaic-thermal solar air heater based on PCM cylinders, air convection
Researchers in Malaysia designed a photovoltaic-thermal system that can be used in solar drying, space heating, rooftop systems, and off-grid thermal applications. It relies on a double-pass cooling technique based on air convection and phase change material that can reportedly increase PV efficiency from 7% to 9% and thermal efficiency by 31.45%.
Agrivoltaics on rice fields, not a lost cause
Researchers in Japan have made another attempt to make agrivoltaics on rice fields technically and economically feasible, despite well-known productivity issues when rice is grown below solar modules. They used double-axis tracking, finding potential with careful management of shading and tilt angles.
Qcells confirms US customs detained solar cell imports from South Korea
Qcells has confirmed that US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has detained an unspecified volume of its solar cell imports from South Korea. The company claims the cells do not contain components from Xinjiang, China and says it is working with CBP to resolve the issue.
