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
Spacebound silicon
Solar has a long history in powering satellites and space exploration, and high-powered devices based on multijunction PV cells made from “III-V” materials such as gallium arsenide or indium gallium phosphide have supplied this niche market as far back as the 1960s. But those devices are made with rare materials and complex processing, limited to small batches produced at high cost.
Oct 06, 2026
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New multi-modeling approach can predict rice yield in agrivoltaics
Researchers in Japan have developed a modeling approach to optimize rice yields and electricity generation in agrivoltaic systems. Their findings show that adjusting solar panel tilt angles can improve crop productivity and help meet regulatory yield requirements, with limited economic losses.
Researchers develop photovoltaic-thermal collector with wavy copper cooling tubes
Researchers in Iran have found that wavy copper cooling tubes can improve the electrical and thermal efficiency of photovoltaic-thermal collectors. The best-performing configuration achieved an electrical efficiency of 13.65% and a thermal efficiency of approximately 24%.
Glass-free European photovoltaic modules for vehicles, noise barriers and boats
A European research consortium is developing glass-free photovoltaic modules using fiber-reinforced polymer composites. The technology could enable lighter solar modules for curved and complex surfaces, including vehicles, ships and infrastructure. The project aims to demonstrate industrial feasibility by May 2029.
Hemispherical perovskite solar cell design reduces sensitivity to sunlight angle
Chinese researchers have designed a hemispherical perovskite solar cell with a textured surface to improve light absorption and reduce sensitivity to sunlight incidence angles. Simulations showed absorption exceeding 95% and an average maximum power output of 28.25 mW/cm² across incidence angles of 0° to 50°.
Panasonic begins sales of glass-based perovskite solar panels
Panasonic began commercial sales of its glass-based perovskite solar panels in September 2026, ahead of the planned launch of full-scale mass production in April 2029. The initial products are manufactured at the company’s development facility in Moriguchi, Osaka Prefecture.
Tin-modified nanotube gel reduces solar cell temperature by 9.5 C
Researchers in India have developed a reusable tin-modified carbon nanotube gel that reduces solar cell operating temperatures by 9.5 C and improves power conversion efficiency. The gel maintained its cooling performance after 40 days of testing and could be reused following a simple water-soaking process.
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All Research & Development news
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 years Intersolar North America, held in San Francisco, the U.S.
New world efficiency record set for thin film tandem junction silicon module, says Sunfilm
Sunfilm AG has announced it has set a world record of 9.6 percent total area efficiency for a thin film tandem junction silicon solar module of 2.6 meters x 2.2 meters. The record module, Model F, achieved a maximum stabilized output power of 546 Wp, says the company.
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Yingli and Innovalight to collaborate on silicon ink project
Yingli Green Energy Holding Company Limited has signed a technology, research and production collaboration agreement with Innovalight, Inc. under which they will attempt to raise the average efficiency of the multicrystalline cells produced on its commercial production lines.
U.S. researcher awarded grant to help build efficient organic solar cells
The National Science Foundation (NSF) has presented a South Dakota State University researcher with a grant of USD$400,000 USD$80,000 per year for the next five years, in order to build new high-performance organic solar cells with increased efficiency.
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Solar powered aircraft breaks number of world records as it prepares to land after two weeks in the air
QinetiQ will today bring Zephyr, its solar powered high-altitude long endurance (HALE) Unmanned Air System (UAS) back to earth after two weeks in the air. Celebrating, the company says it has smashed a number of long-standing official and unofficial world records.
Applied Materials announces restructuring due to negative impact on thin film market
Applied Materials, Inc. has announced its plans to restructure its Energy and Environmental Solutions (EES) segment, to put a primary emphasis on opportunities in crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar and advanced energy, including light emitting diode (LED) technology. As part of the restructuring, Applied says it will discontinue sales to new customers of its SunFab fully integrated lines for manufacturing thin film solar panels.
Dow Corning and University of Toledo to collaborate on solar research?
Researchers at Dow Corning and the University of Toledo (UT) have signed a memorandum of understanding to engage in collaborative discussions on photovoltaic (PV) solar research and development efforts to help reduce the cost of solar energy, in order to make it a viable and economically competitive energy option globally.
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