Technology and R&D

An international research team comprising scientists from Chinese module manufacturer Longi has investigated the resistivity distribution of antimony- and phosphorous-doped wafers used in solar cell manufacturing and have found that they offer comparable mechanical strenght. However, their work also showed that antimony-doped wafers have a more uniform resistivity, with a slight increase near the tail end.

A University of Cambridge-led team of researchers have demonstrated precisely controlled layer-by-layer epitaxial vapor growth of two-dimensional halide perovskite films in an industrially compatible process. Their findings could help develop more thermally stable perovskite solar cells.

Dongkuk CM has introduced an ultra-high-reflectivity color steel sheet designed to boost the performance of bifacial rooftop PV systems, increasing solar reflectance to 80–85. The new material also offers enhanced corrosion resistance, long-term durability, and added cooling benefits thanks to its advanced plating and dual-layer design, according to the manufacturer.

Indonesia’s Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) is seeking proposals by Dec. 3 for a preliminary feasibility study on offshore floating solar development in Sulawesi, including techno-economic assessments and regulatory analysis.

JinkoSolar says it has increased the efficiency rating for its perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells from 34.22% to 34.76%, confirmed by China’s National PV Metric & Testing Center (NPVM).

The Norwegian industrial heat pump specialist said its HoegTemp system has a heat supply capacity of 0.2 MW to 5 MW and a coefficient of performance above 2 at high lifts.

Researchers in China have developed a dipolar passivation method that reduces defects and improves charge transport in solar cells based on narrow-bandgap tin lead perovskite. The approach has enabled the fabrication of all-perovskite tandem solar cells with efficiencies of around 30% and enhanced stability,

Heritage buildings face mounting pressure to cut carbon emissions, but traditional solar panels often clash with their historic appearance and face public resistance. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offer a discreet alternative, blending solar technology into roofing materials and enabling wider adoption across protected sites. As UK policy increasingly supports solar on historic buildings, BIPV presents a scalable solution that reconciles climate action with architectural preservation.

South Korean solar inverter makers have jointly launched a new association of inverter manufacturers to coordinate domestic production, safeguard local expertise, and address import-driven market issues and grid stability challenges.

EWE says construction has started on its 320 MW hydrogen plant in Germany as it seeks regulatory reforms, while Japan Suiso Energy and Kawasaki Heavy Industries have broken ground on a commercial-scale liquefied hydrogen terminal set to begin operations in 2030.