Technology and R&D

As off-grid solar systems expand to serve remote and underserved communities worldwide, digitalization has become a crucial need for efficient project development, implementation, and long-term sustainability. A new report from IEA PVPS Task 18 systematically explores digital tools across the entire off-grid energy project value chain, providing much-needed guidance for practitioners looking to optimize their operations.

The new product weighs 13 kg/m2 and is claimed to be particularly suitable for building facades. It features a power ouput of 75 W and a junction box with an IP-68 rating.

Scientists from Spain have developed a daylight electroluminescence method that uses other strings to supply current to the inspected string. It was simulated and then tested in two 50 MW PV plants. Comparative assessment against lab-electroluminescence resulted in acceptable diagnostic performance.

The fully textured tandem cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 2.01 V and an “extended” outdoor stability in the Red Sea coast, according to the researchers.

The Tiger Neo 3.0 panel features an 85% bifacility factor that translates into 553-570 W of rear side power output, according to the Chinese manufactuer. The new product is claimed to be the “world’s most powerful solar module.”

The evaluation process, developed in collaboration with four German transmission system operators, has been carried out on seven European companies whose inverters range from kW to MW in size. 

pv magazine is compiling a guide to home solar installations, aimed at those who are interested in installing but are new to the market and want to make an informed decision. We have spoken to associations, installers and industry specialists in major solar markets across the globe to compile best practice guidance and advice that aims to be applicable to home solar installations anywhere in the world. 

Flexell Space is planning to put its perovskite-copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) tandem solar cell technology in-orbit later this year. It has also raised venture capital and signed several collaboration agreements, including a technology transfer with the Korea Institute of Energy Research.

Experts from Fonte Solar, Huawei, and Greener have exchanged solar-plus-storage tips, insights, and case studies at the invitation of pv magazine. In a panel at Intersolar South America 2025, they highlighted the need to understand consumption profiles and customer needs, as well as the technology’s limitations and potential.

Researchers in Singapore have accelerated the weathering of PV backsheets and investigated their flame spread behavior at different intervals. After 6 weeks, they found that weathered PV backsheets show 46% faster flame spread than unwearthered ones. They have also highlighted that current safety standards fail to account for long-term degradation.