Japanese researchers achieve world record efficiency of 12.28% for copper gallium selenide solar cell
Researchers in Japan have achieved a 12.28% efficiency in a copper gallium selenide solar cell, the highest reported for indium-free wide-bandgap chalcogenide absorbers in the 1.65–1.75 eV range. The device uses aluminum-engineered films with a back-surface field and optimized cadmium sulfide buffer layers to enhance voltage, reduce recombination, and improve overall performance.
Open access solar set to drive next phase of India’s C&I growth
As India’s renewable ecosystem matures, open access solar is set to become a cornerstone of corporate energy strategy – delivering both cost savings and sustainability gains. Policy clarity, stronger transmission infrastructure, and incentives for storage integration will be key to unlocking the next phase of growth.
US solar generation reaches 385 TWh in 2025 as power demand rises
US solar generation rose nearly 25% in 2025 to 385 TWh, but rising electricity demand meant fossil generation and overall emissions also increased.
Japan establishes national benchmarks for agrivoltaics as sites expand
The Japanese government has defined new standards for agrivoltaics as regulators begin tightening oversight in response to nearly one-quarter of projects reporting reduced crop yields or sub-standard cultivation beneath solar panels.
Swift Solar acquires Meyer Burger assets to scale U.S. HJT and perovskite production
Solar manufacturer Swift Solar has acquired the heterojunction technology (HJT) intellectual property and manufacturing assets of Meyer Burger to establish domestic cell production.
Vikram Solar’s PowerHive unit launches VION lithium batteries in India
PowerHive, Vikram Solar’s energy storage subsidiary, has launched the VION lithium battery range for homes, e-rickshaws, and distributed energy projects, marking the company’s entry into electric mobility and residential backup storage.
GoodWe introduces low-noise all-in-one storage system for rooftop PV
The three phase energy storage system encompasses the inverter, battery and energy management into a single system, suited for residential customers and scalable to the small-scale commercial and industrial market.
Heat pumps are transforming domestic hot water production – How to avoid hygiene risks?
Heat pumps are increasingly used for domestic hot water in Europe due to their efficiency and compatibility with solar power, but their lower operating temperatures can create conditions where Legionella pneumophila may grow if systems are poorly designed. Proper hydraulic design, temperature control, and periodic thermal disinfection ensure both high efficiency and safe, hygienic operation.
Toshiba rolls out AI-powered solar plant portfolio management platform
Toshiba has unveiled a PV management platform within its Spinex for Energy portfolio that enables real-time monitoring and O&M of multiple solar plants.
The system uses AI to track plant performance, detect faults, calculate capacity and PR metrics, automate reporting, and support troubleshooting.
Research shows conventional solar arrays can support livestock grazing
Conventional solar parks can support sheep and cattle grazing because vegetation under and between PV modules provides adequate feed quality, according to a new research report that analyzes five installations in Germany.
