Centrotherm launches new high-volume TOPCon PECVD tool
The Germany-based PV thermal process equipment and technology provider has launched c.Plasma Q Max to process up to 10,000 wafers per hour in high-volume TOPCon solar cell manufacturing lines.
MENA region to add 860 GW of solar by 2040, says DNV
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to install 860 GW of solar capacity by 2040, led by utility-scale projects, with a further 2.2 TW of solar and wind expected between 2040 and 2060.
Long-term trade-offs of agrivoltaics on pear farming
A four-year study found that overhead solar panels in an Australian pear orchard reduced sun and hail damage but decreased fruit yield and blush coloration. While energy production and tree stress resilience improved, the findings highlight trade-offs for agrivoltaic systems, with potential applicability to other fruit crops like apples and cherries.
Adani to invest $100 billion in AI data centers in India
Adani Group plans to invest $100 billion by 2035 to build hyperscale, renewable-powered data centers across India, targeting 5 GW of capacity. The company says the program could catalyse a further $150 billion in related industries, creating a $250 billion AI infrastructure ecosystem over the next decade.
North Macedonia adds 210 MW of solar in 2025
North Macedonia’s cumulative solar capacity passed the 1 GW milestone in 2025, with the market currently led by utility-scale and C&I installations. Looking ahead, all market segments are anticipated to move towards hybrid solar-plus-storage solutions following the introduction of a new energy law last year.
Global-warming-induced degradation could raise rooftop solar LCOE by up to 20%
A global study finds climate change will sharply increase high-temperature risks, accelerate degradation, and raise costs for rooftop PV, with economically disadvantaged regions hit hardest. Researchers warn current IEC standards underestimate future risks, urging urgent updates to avoid stranded assets and rising electricity costs.
Investment rally coincides with renewables records in Australia’s NEM
A record five large-scale renewable energy generation projects totaling 1.2 GW reached financial close across Australia’s National Electricity Market (NEM) in the last quarter, but industry figures say more needs to be done to ensure investment momentum continues.
One-year perovskite solar module testing shows promising outdoor stability
Scientists at the European Commission Joint Research Centre tested two single-junction perovskite modules outdoors for one year and reported overall stable performance, supported by a new light-soaking preconditioning method to improve measurement reliability. While one module degraded significantly, the other maintained relatively stable efficiency with seasonal variations, highlighting the need for longer-term outdoor studies.
California batteries sustain near 24-hour solar run
On Feb. 1, California’s batteries bridged the solar gap with seamless precision. After discharging through the night until sunrise, they spent the daylight hours charging, then pivoted back to exporting power well past midnight – effectively sustaining the state on solar energy for a full 24-hour cycle.
Pexapark records 12 European PPAs for 724 MW in January
Swiss analytics firm Pexapark finds January recorded roughly half the deal count and volume in new European power purchase agreements than the month prior.
