Packaging solar cells via glass-glass welding
A Chinese-Japanese research team has developed a new laser technology for the micro-welding of transparent and hard materials for solar cell packaging. The process is based on a silver ion solution that can reportedly achieve high-quality connections.
Researchers use solar to turn human waste into fertilizer
Stanford University researchers have built a photovoltaic-thermal electrochemical stripping system that extracts fertilizer nutrients from human urine. They say the system could provide a cost-effective alternative in regions with limited access to conventional fertilizers.
pv magazine Homeowner Guide: Finding the right solar installer
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.
Uncovering UV degradation risks in solar panels
An interview with Fraunhofer ISE on new discoveries of ultraviolet degradation risks.
Feasibility assessment for deploying PV panels on tram tracks
New research from Poland has suggested installing 891 PV panels along the entire tram platform and inter-track spaces of four major transportation hubs. The analysis showed that the PV system could power all of the city’s tram stops, the passenger information system, and meet 10% of demand from service depots.
The International Solar Energy Society’s Solar World Congress 2025 in Brazil
The International Solar Energy Society’s (ISES) Solar World Congress (SWC) has been held biennially since the 1970s, and in November 2025 will take place in Brazil. With the sharp and continuous drop in PV costs, photovoltaics has become the lowest-cost solution in Brazil and worldwide, and this is reflected in the number of articles accepted for presentation at the SWC. The Solar World Congress program has traditionally been dominated by presentations on solar radiation and solar thermal applications, but this year, photovoltaics is the focus of most of the accepted papers. In Brazil, where large-scale hydropower plants have traditionally dominated the electricity generation mix, PV is now the second-largest generating source, and the country is adding every year the equivalent of its largest hydropower plant Itaipu, which took more than 10 years to build and reach installed capacity.
Scientists see 33.56% efficiency potential for kesterite solar cells
A research team in Egypt has proposed a new architecture for kesterite solar cells using a copper oxide hole transport layer and optimized configuration. The simulated device had a maximum efficiency of 33.56%.
Ocean-going saildrones tap solar, wind for long-duration monitoring
The U.S.-based ocean technology company has developed a range of data-collecting uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) powered by solar and wind. They are designed to operate in harsh maritime conditions, above and below the sea surface, to carry out science, commercial, and defense missions.
Agrivoltaics for sugarcane
Brazilian scientists have investigated the potential of agrivoltaics on sugarcane fields and have found this combination may provide benefits in terms of both agricultural and electricity yield. Their results showed that under certain conditions the sugarcane yield below the panels can be higher than that of plots without PV.
AGC Automotive’s solar roof for passenger cars is ready for mass production
The Belgium-based company announced that its panorama-style solar roof for passenger cars is ready for mass production. The glass-glass design features high-efficiency back contact solar cells and a uniform full black appearance.
