Internet-of-Things could bring solar module water cooling closer to commercial viability
A Czech team developed an IoT system using MQTT to autonomously cool PV panels, boosting daily energy yield by 7.38% with a positive net energy balance.
U.S. scientists build copper-contacted TOPCon solar cell with 24.3% efficiency
The TOPCon solar cells with fabricated with screen-printed, fire-through copper rear contacts and silver front contacts, using laser-enhanced contact optimization (LECO) to significantly reduce contact resistivity. Optimized copper cells achieved 24.3% efficiency, comparable to Ag-contacted cells, with excellent stability.
New tech reduces silver use in TOPCon solar cells by a factor of 10
Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have reduced silver consumption in solar cell metallization to 1.1 mg/Wp using an electrodeposition-based process, down from current levels of 10–12 mg/Wp.
Envision unveils 12.5 MWh BESS, begins 790 Ah cell output
China’s Envision has launched a 12.5 MWh battery storage system and started production of a 790 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cell, as it advances an AI-driven storage strategy.
Anker Solix launches 7 kWh plug-in battery targeting rooftop solar retrofits
The new Anker Solix Solarbank Max AC steps up from balcony-scale storage with a 3.5 kW inverter, plug-in capabilities for do-it-yourself (DIY) ease of installation, and expandability to 42 kWh, priced from €2,229.
Data center energy spend rivals global solar investment
Rystad Energy says capital expenditure on data centers reached USD 770 billion in 2025, matching investment levels in photovoltaic infrastructure and surpassing upstream oil and gas.
How to delaminate end-of-life solar modules with ultrasonic cavitation
A research team has developed a solvent-free method using ultrasonic cavitation to delaminate end-of-life crystalline-silicon PV modules, fully separating the glass and front EVA layer while partially releasing c-Si fragments. The proposed approach achieved an 82.2% mass-based delamination efficiency, highlighting ultrasonic cavitation as a sustainable alternative for PV module recycling.
Aggreko to deliver ‘Australia’s largest’ off-grid renewable hybrid power plant
Aggreko has unveiled plans to build what it says will be Australia’s biggest off-grid renewable hybrid power facility after signing a long-term power purchase agreement with the owner of Queensland’s largest proposed copper mine.
How LECO process could push TOPCon solar cell efficiency beyond 26%
A new UNSW study shows that laser-enhanced contact optimization (LECO) can boost industrial TOPCon solar cell efficiency by improving contact properties and reducing recombination losses. By combining optimized firing conditions with LECO “repair” of contacts, the approach balances recombination and resistance, offering a practical path for conventional TOPCon cells to compete with PV technologies offering higher efficiencies.
Singapore installs 504 MW of solar in 2025
Figures from Singapore’s Energy Market Authority indicate that the country had a record year for solar deployment in 2025. Cumulative capacity surpassed 2 GW, leading to Singapore’s 2030 solar target being increased to 3 GW.
