MIT scientists developing silicon solar cell based on singlet exciton fission
Scientists in the United States have designed a microwire solar cell that could reportedly enable the coupling of singlet fission with silicon. Key to their achievement was an interface that transfers the electrons and holes sequentially into silicon instead of both at once.
Vision-assisted robotics for space solar cell manufacturing
German automation specialist Acp systems developed an advanced robotics solution integrating image processing to handle a range of wafer sizes and tolerances within a vapor deposition process for a manufacturer of space solar cell technologies. The requirements included a compact design, precsion within 0.1 mm and automated wafer handling quality control.
EU introduces secondary legislation for Net-Zero Industry Act
The European Union has introduced secondary legislation under the Net-Zero Industry Act to support solar manufacturing. Member states must implement the new rules starting in 2026.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: January–April solar installations hit 105 GW
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says that China added 45.2 GW of new PV in April and more than 104.9 GW in the first four months of 2025.
Sinovoltaics updates solar module supply chain map for Europe
The latest report from the technical compliance and quality assurance company added several new producers but also noted several plant closures acorss the region. It said the current nameplate capacity for the region stands at 21 GW for modules, 3.2 GW for cells, and 1.5 GW for ingots.
Perovksite-TOPCon tandem solar cell based on self-assembled monolayer achieves 31.1% efficiency
Researchers in China have fabricated a perovskite-TOPCon solar cell with a top perovskite device utilizing a self-assembled monolayer aimed to improved cell stability. The tandem cell achieved a high fill factor and a certified efficiency of 30.9%.
SolarPower Europe calls for tough cyber rules following Danish import probe
The recent discovery of unexplained components in Danish energy equipment highlights the urgent need for stronger EU solar cybersecurity rules, according to SolarPower Europe.
Solar key to enable clean cooking in refugee camps
Scientists in Spain studied electricity demand data for the Kobe refugee camp in Ethiopia to optimize several minigrid scenarios, also integrating the use of electric pressure cookers. Their analysis showed that introduction of the cooker required an increase in PV capacity of up 68%.
Polysilicon market seeks strategic solutions amid persistent pessimism
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, reports that pessimism in the global polysilicon market has deepened, driven by a persistent oversupply that exceeds buyers’ total monthly purchasing volumes. Several global polysilicon buyers have confirmed maintaining substantial inventories, which has contributed to the current subdued trading activity.
Key takeaways from CleanPower 2025
More than 8,000 people attended the recent CleanPower 2025 clean energy event held by the American Clean Power Association (ACP) in Phoenix, Arizona.
