Chinese PV Industry Brief: Polysilicon prices slide amid low operating rates
The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA) says oversupply continues as polysilicon production drops to 32%, while wafer prices fall on weak post-holiday demand.
UK grid software cuts MV solar connection quotes to 15 minutes
A new automated platform allows commercial and industrial rooftop solar developers to receive medium-voltage connection assessments from network operators in 15 minutes.
Malaysia’s TTVision enters India’s solar manufacturing market
TTVision Holdings Berhad plans to commission a joint venture manufacturing facility in India in the second half of 2026 to supply inspection and automation systems for solar production lines.
Vanadium flow and lithium-ion combine in world’s largest grid-forming hybrid storage plant in China
China brings online 300 MW/1,200 MWh grid-forming energy storage facility in Inner Mongolia, integrating lithium-ion and vanadium flow battery technologies.
Chinese Academy of Sciences achieves world record efficiency of 15.45% for kesterite solar cell
The cell was fabricated using a new interfacial phase equilibrium strategy that suppressed uncontrollable metal ion migration. The device achieved an exceptionally high open-circuit voltage of over 600 mV at a bandgap of 1.10 eV.
Batteries replace diesel backup at wastewater plant in New York
Viridi batteries have been deployed in New York to replace diesel generators, accelerating a trend where batteries replace and complement generators of all sizes.
Chinese scientists build ‘ultra-stable’ polymer solar cell with 19.1% efficiency
The polymer solar cell is able to retain 97% of its performance after 2,000 hours in air. By blending small-molecule acceptors into polymeric matrices, the research team improved molecular packing, enhancing both stability and charge transport for “ultra-stable” flexible devices.
Ideal Heating launches new monobloc propane heat pump for commercial buildings
The UK-based manufacturer has expanded its Ecomod 290HT range with a new 65 kW monobloc air-source heat pump using R290 refrigerant, offering flow temperatures up to 70 C, a COP of 4.6, and cascade capability of up to 7 units.
New model reveals pathway for land-efficient U.S. solar expansion
McGill University researchers used deep-learning computer vision to analyze 719 solar projects across the Western U.S. The study establishes a new “land-sparing” benchmark, providing developers with precise data to balance rapid capacity expansion with conservation and land-use priorities.
Australian startup scaling up printed solar technology
Kardinia Energy has secured AUD 2.15 million from the Australian government’s Industry Growth Program to scale up its flexible, low-cost printed solar technology from university proof-of-concept to pilot manufacturing.
