Study finds much lower-than-expected degradation in 1980s and 1990s solar modules
Researchers at SUPSI found that six Swiss PV systems installed in the late 1980s and early 1990s show exceptionally low degradation rates of just 0.16% to 0.24% per year after more than 30 years of operation. The study shows that thermal stress, ventilation, and material design play a greater role in long-term module reliability than altitude or irradiance alone.
Sweden deploys 652 MW of solar in 2025
Sweden deployed less solar in 2025 than the year prior despite record growth in the large-scale segment. Solar association Svensk Solenergi predicts last year was likely the bottom of Sweden’s installation curve.
Behind-the meter generation is scaling up to meet “hyperscale” US demand
Pacifico Energy Chief Operating Officer Kevin Pratt says projects such as the planned 7 GW GW Ranch microgrid in Texas highlight a shift toward private grids as developers seek faster, more reliable ways to meet surging power demand from data centers and industry.
Australia’s National Electricity Market adds 1.8 GW in Q4 2025
Nine generation and battery projects totaling 1.8 GW reached full output in Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) during the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the Australian Energy Market Operator.
TOPCon cell prices rise for fourth week amid elevated silver costs and export rebate uncertainty
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Dutch utility testing ‘silent’ residential heat pumps
Dutch utility Eneco is testing low-noise air-to-water heat pumps from startup Whspr in around 20 homes, aiming to ease installation constraints near property boundaries. The systems reportedly achieve coefficients of performance of up to 5 and show up to 80% noise reduction in laboratory testing.
US firefighters favor microinverter-based rooftop solar for safety
Survey data from the US-based Solar and Fire Education training program show that 98% of participating firefighters would recommend microinverter-based rooftop solar systems, citing safety advantages linked to all-AC system design.
Power Roll testing new metrology for perovskite solar
The UK-based perovskite solar PV specialist has announced a new metrology research project with Swansea University and a new development agreement with Renolit, a German plastic films, sheets and polymer solutions company.
Korean scientists boost performance of tin monosulfide cells with new post-treatment
Researchers in South Korea improved the performance of tin monosulfide (SnS) solar cells with a potassium fluoride-assisted post-treatment and a vapor transport deposition process. The treated solar cells had a power conversion efficiency of 4.10% and reduced recombination sites, compared to 3.42% for untreated devices.
A closer look at Tesla’s new residential solar panels
The new Tesla Solar Panel and mounting system pairs with the company’s inverter, Powerwall battery, EV charging and vehicles, creating an all-Tesla residential solar offering for the first time.
