Research & Development
Solar R&D is focused on improving efficiency, reducing production costs, and extending system longevity. Key areas include tandem and perovskite cell development, advanced materials for encapsulation and contacts, and new concepts in system integration.
Simulation tools, AI-driven design, and accelerated testing methods are expanding research capabilities. Sustainability and circularity targets are increasingly embedded in innovation strategies.
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Latest News
Silicon evolution
China’s policy cracking down on oversupply and cheap, low-quality products, due to come into effect in 2027, sets higher minimum standards and is expected to push module manufacturers to advance their R&D efforts. Some manufacturers are already using their existing crystalline silicon lines to produce perovskite-silicon tandem cells, while others are exploring opportunities in back-contact production. InfoLink’s Hardy He tracks the emerging technological pathways to higher efficiencies and healthier competition.
Sep 21, 2026
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Modified consumer camera can measure solar cell open-circuit voltage
German researchers have modified and calibrated a low-cost consumer camera to quantitatively measure electroluminescence from silicon solar cells and modules. The method determines external luminescent quantum efficiency and uses it to derive the corresponding open-circuit voltage
Negative electricity prices could favor thermal storage over industrial heat pumps
Researchers compared the two technologies under varying negative-price frequencies, price levels and equipment costs. Their model found that the preferred option depended strongly on the required heat temperature, with storage gaining an advantage for steam production.
Augmented reality helps heat pump installers cut workload, installation time
Fraunhofer ISE has developed a manufacturer-neutral app that uses 3D scanning, augmented reality and automated planning to streamline heat pump installations. The software can optimize component placement and piping, estimate installation times, and generate bills of materials for installers.
East-west PV system orientation can help solve duck curve in Australia, say researchers
Orienting solar panels to the east and west instead of north can help Australian households optimise the use of locally generated renewable energy and increase electricity grid stability, according to a new study.
Cost-effective pathways for hybrid heat pump retrofits
German researchers have developed a framework for integrating the simulation of a hybrid heat pump system into the techno-economic assessment of sequencing and bundling of building retrofits. A case study shows that the timing of building retrofit measures can significantly affect heating demand and the economics of the overall retrofit.
Tests show cement-bonded particle board can reduce flame spread in rooftop PV systems
Researchers in Denmark found that a 12 mm cement-bonded particle board can reduce self-sustained flame spread beneath rooftop PV arrays by limiting heat transfer to the underlying insulation. The findings highlight the role of complete PV system design in determining fire behavior.
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All Research & Development news
Modified consumer camera can measure solar cell open-circuit voltage
German researchers have modified and calibrated a low-cost consumer camera to quantitatively measure electroluminescence from silicon solar cells and modules. The method determines external luminescent quantum efficiency and uses it to derive the corresponding open-circuit voltage
Negative electricity prices could favor thermal storage over industrial heat pumps
Researchers compared the two technologies under varying negative-price frequencies, price levels and equipment costs. Their model found that the preferred option depended strongly on the required heat temperature, with storage gaining an advantage for steam production.
Augmented reality helps heat pump installers cut workload, installation time
Fraunhofer ISE has developed a manufacturer-neutral app that uses 3D scanning, augmented reality and automated planning to streamline heat pump installations. The software can optimize component placement and piping, estimate installation times, and generate bills of materials for installers.
Advertisement
East-west PV system orientation can help solve duck curve in Australia, say researchers
Orienting solar panels to the east and west instead of north can help Australian households optimise the use of locally generated renewable energy and increase electricity grid stability, according to a new study.
Cost-effective pathways for hybrid heat pump retrofits
German researchers have developed a framework for integrating the simulation of a hybrid heat pump system into the techno-economic assessment of sequencing and bundling of building retrofits. A case study shows that the timing of building retrofit measures can significantly affect heating demand and the economics of the overall retrofit.
Tests show cement-bonded particle board can reduce flame spread in rooftop PV systems
Researchers in Denmark found that a 12 mm cement-bonded particle board can reduce self-sustained flame spread beneath rooftop PV arrays by limiting heat transfer to the underlying insulation. The findings highlight the role of complete PV system design in determining fire behavior.
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AI-assisted method maps PV module losses from a single luminescence image
An international research team has developed an AI-assisted method that quantifies PV module power losses from a single luminescence image. The approach achieved an overall error of around 0.5% in tests on 300 field-retrieved modules and was demonstrated using drone-based imaging at a 186 kW solar farm.
Grids, grids, grids, and more: EUPVSEC 2026
Now in its 43rd year, the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference (EUPVSEC) got underway this week in Rotterdam. Sessions on the first day point to a European solar industry becoming more conscious of its place in the wider energy world, and focussing on its connections and relationships with policymakers, the public and other industrial sectors.
How to make renewables auctions resilient to supply chain shocks
International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says renewable energy auctions can be designed to mitigate supply chain shocks but warns there are trade-offs to consider, with countries advised that local content requirements and procurement preferences should be used selectively.
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