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
End-of-life is just the beginning
After decommissioning, a used solar module can take hundreds of different pathways. Different policies, technologies, and capabilities make each recycling process one of a kind. And the optimal route can differ greatly depending on regional issues and other factors.
Nov 02, 2026
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Planar heat pipes reduce peak temperatures by up to 32 C in PV cooling tests
An international research team has tested five planar heat pipe designs for PV module cooling, achieving peak surface temperature reductions of 8 C to 32 C. The researchers estimated that active water cooling could increase annual electricity generation by 2.2% to 3.6% under conditions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fraunhofer ISE spin-off repurposes used e-scooter batteries for C&I storage
German startup Eden Energy has delivered its first 70 kWh commercial storage system using 112 retired e-scooter batteries. The Fraunhofer ISE spin-off aims to scale the technology to 300 kWh while extending the useful life of micromobility batteries.
Grid-forming vs. grid-following in residential solar-plus-storage
Romanian researchers have found that grid-forming inverters improve grid stability, voltage and frequency recovery, and backup capabilities in residential solar-plus-storage systems. Their analysis shows that the technology can also deliver higher economic returns, with a payback period of 2.85 years for the additional investment.
The impact of dust and shading on pole-mounted PV
A year-long comparison of five PV configurations highlights how maintenance access, shading, and structural limits influence off-grid system selection. The researchers combined field measurements with analytical models to quantify these constraints and guide configuration choices.
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All Research & Development news
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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