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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Scientists explain unexpected hotspot formation in half-cell heterojunction modules
Researchers in Japan have identified the circuit-level mechanism behind hotspot mirroring in half-cell HJT modules, showing that current mismatch can drive localized overheating in unshaded cells. The study combines outdoor measurements and simulations to reveal key design factors influencing hotspot severity, offering guidance for improving half-cell module reliability.
Distributed solar supplied 27% of Pakistan’s electricity in 2025
Analysis by the Pakistan Solar Association finds roughly 51 TWh of generation that never appears on grid-side data, as rooftop and off-grid solar spreads faster than official statistics. The association claims unseen generation can be inferred from a deepening midday demand trough, with network design suffering as a result.
Researchers design PVT heat pump with single integrated evaporator
The dual-source photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) heat pump combines solar and ambient-air heat collection in a single finned evaporator, eliminating the need for separate heat exchangers. The researchers say the simplified design could reduce installation costs.
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All Research & Development news
UNSW PV Center of Excellence will not close its doors pv magazine learns
pv magazine has learned from Professor Martin Green that Australia’s University of New South WalesÂ’ (UNSW) Photovoltaic Centre of Excellence will not be closing its doors, despite losing financial support from the ARC Centre of Excellence program from the end of this year.
UNSW Photovoltaic Centre of Excellence to close after losing government funding to car scheme
The University of New South WalesÂ’ (UNSW) Photovoltaic Centre of Excellence is reportedly being forced to close its doors after AustraliaÂ’s Labor government stopped its funding, as part of the partyÂ’s proposed cuts to finance a “cash-for-clunkers” low-emissions car program, the Greens say.
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Manz Automation outlines strategy to pv magazine for positioning CIGS as lowest cost module available
Speaking to pv magazine, Manz Automation AG CFO, Martin Hipp underlined four strategic aims the company intends to achieve in the next few years under its new partnership with Würth Solar GmbH & Co. KG and the Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW – Center for solar energy and hydrogen research).
Emergence of new PV products enables widespread use of solar power, says Frost & Sullivan
Propelled by aggressive research and development (R&D) activities, third generation photovoltaics (PVs) are poised to take a huge leap forward, says Frost & Sullivan in a new analysis. The exploratory mass production of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC)-powered consumer durables is likely to alter the future course of research in this segment, says the company.
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PBEC begins permitting process for Arizona solar project; company on track to get first phase approved within months
Pacific Blue Energy Corp. (PBEC) has announced it is preparing to begin the permitting process for 100 acres in Gila Bend, Arizona, the U.S., the purchase of which should be completed in the near future. As a result of the town’s solar overlay policy and strong support from town officials and staff, the company says it is on track to have the first phase of its 150 megawatt (MW) solar farm approved in two to four months, as opposed to the typical time frame of two years.
Purdue University to lead new PV solar cell research center
Purdue University, based in the U.S. is to lead a new research center to improve photovoltaic (PV) solar cells as part of a national effort to bring alternative energy technologies to the marketplace. Boosted by USD$5 million in funding from the Semiconductor Research Corporation (SRC), a university-research consortium for semiconductors and related technologies, the research initiative is set to team companies with university research centers to work on alternative energy technologies.
Microsemi and Spelsberg create strategic alliance for disruptive solar bypass technology
Microsemi Corporation and Germany-based Spelsberg, in conjunction with its partner, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, have announced the development of a disruptive new technology for photovoltaic (PV) solar modules. The technology was demonstrated at this yearÂ’s Intersolar North America, held in San Francisco, the U.S.
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