Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

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.

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.

Researchers at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have proposed combining the two high-temperature steps used in producing tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells into a single co-annealing process. Initial results show promising outcomes in boron concentration, passivation quality, and contact resistivity.

Solar modules are getting bigger, thinner, and more powerful. But from Texas to Thailand, the same problem is appearing: broken glass. Not from hail or mishandling, but from cracks that spider from frame edges, splinter near clamps, and web across modules. In cases seen by Jörg Althaus, director of engineering and quality assurance at Clean Energy Associates (CEA), it starts with a few panels – then dozens, hundreds, even thousands.

Scientists in Hungary have built an experimental rig that uses a 60 W polycrystalline solar panel with 152 holes drilled into its frame for air cooling, as well as high-conductivity copper alloy pipes and fins placed on its back for water cooling.

Scientists from the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) have used a dielectric additive in organic photovoltaic fabrication to produce uniform films in ambient humidity levels between 10% and 70%. The researchers said the approach improves process stability for organic solar cells.

SunCubes, a startup from Italy, is developing laser-based wireless power transfer technology to provide in-flight energy to drones for uninterrupted recharging. It has raised seed funding to finance a minimal viable product.

Researchers in Taiwan have developed an adjustable aluminum reflector system that boosts the performance of vertically mounted bifacial solar modules. The prototype delivered a 71.32% total power gain over a baseline system without reflectors.

China added 212.2 GW of new solar capacity in the first half of 2025, pushing total installed PV capacity past 1.1 TW, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA).

Next Energy Technologies has completed the first installation of its transparent organic photovoltaic glass facade. The 9.3 m2 installation is located at its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California.