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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Research community reaches consensus on testing indoor photovoltaics
An international team of 73 researchers has developed standardized best practices for measuring the performance, reliability and stability of indoor photovoltaic devices. The guidelines aim to improve measurement consistency across laboratories and accelerate the transition of indoor PV technologies from research to commercial applications.
How to integrate air-source steam-generating heat pumps with PV, battery storage
Researchers in Italy developed an air-source steam-generating heat pump integrating PV, battery storage and the grid, with the electricity supply optimized to minimize heat-production costs. Results show that higher electricity prices favor greater PV-BESS integration, while strong solar resources significantly improve self-sufficiency and economic performance.
Plant diversity under PV modules rivals grassland at Japanese solar park
Researchers surveying a 55 MW solar plant on a former golf course in central Japan found that plant diversity under the panels was statistically indistinguishable from open grassland, with communities resembling forest edges, after five years of only twice-yearly mowing.
Heterojunction solar cell built with biomass lignin-based silver paste achieves 25.96% efficiency
Chinese researchers have developed a biomass lignin-based silver paste for HJT solar cells that reduces reliance on petroleum-based resins and improves electrical performance. The optimized paste increased solar cell efficiency from 25.01% to 25.96% while improving printability, adhesion, and conductivity.
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All Research & Development news
Solexant's nanocrystal solar technology receives USD$41.5 million
Third generation thin film developer Solexant Corp. has secured USD$41.5 million during the first close of a Series C financing round, following the successful completion of a two megawatt (MW) pilot line operating at the company’s headquarters.
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1.2 billion urgently needed to boost European PV industry
Over a billion euros must urgently be invested into research and development (R&D) for the photovoltaics (PV) industry, says the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA), so that it can compete with traditional power generation.
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