Wafer producers scramble to stay afloat despite hydropower advantage
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, reports that FOB China wafer prices remained stable this week amid weak demand and low production. It says manufacturers continue to face margin pressure despite seasonal hydropower cost relief and traceability documentation premiums.
New device could pave way for magnetic controllable photovoltaic devices
Scientists in Japan have developed a device that enables external magnetic field control of magnetic injection current in the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE), a phenomenon not yet used in commercial solar cells. The research suggests a potential path toward regulating photocurrent in next-generation photovoltaic applications.
Photovoltaics vs. photovoltaic-thermal
Researchers in India say that photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems offer greater performance stability than conventional PV systems in hot climates. Using irradiance and temperature data, the team applied a Random Forest model that predicted efficiency classes with 97% accuracy.
Premier Energies commissions 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell line in India
Premier Energies has commissioned a 1.2 GW tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell line at Fab City in Hyderabad, India, increasing its total cell manufacturing capacity to 3.2 GW.
Suntex integrates organic PV into sturdy textiles for outdoor use
A European team from industry and academia is integrating organic solar cells into woven polyester textiles for outdoor use, such as in tents or canopies. The Suntex project also focuses on improving the durability and efficiency of organic photovoltaics.
Sinovoltaics tracks 86.5 GW of module output capacity for Southeast Asia
PV module manufacturing capacity in Southeast Asia has reached 86.5 GW across 61 active sites, according to Hong Kong-based quality assurance firm Sinovoltaics. The figures come from the company’s latest “Southeast Asia Solar Supply Chain Map” report.
GCL Optoelectronics finishes 1 GW perovskite PV module factory in China
GCL Optoelectronics has commissioned a 1 GW perovskite solar module facility in China, and says it may increase capacity to 2 GW per year depending on market demand.
The best tilt angle to improve PV system performance on low-cost buildings
Researchers have demonstrated that the theoretical optimal tilt for rooftop solar energy production in low-cost buildings in Nigeria is approximately 5.67°. Their modeling suggests to adopt south-facing roofs for PV generation in the Global South.
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%.
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.
