The thermomechanical impact of plated copper contacts on heterojunction solar cells
UNSW researchers have found that annealing copper-plated contacts in heterojunction solar cells creates only localized stress. Their analysis also showed that, at typical annealing temperatures around 200 C, the probability of silicon fracture is very low.
Industry addresses UV degradation, hail risk in European solar modules
Industry leaders at pv magazine Week Europe 2025 said manufacturers are implementing measures to limit ultraviolet-induced degradation in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar modules and strengthen resilience to hail damage to protect performance and reduce financial risk.
Oscal launches 1,024 Wh portable storage system
The Chinese company said its Power Max 1800 SE has a rated power of 1.8 kW and a surge power of 2.4 kW. It weighs 15.5 kg and measures 39 cm x 23 cm x 25.4 cm.
Calefa Oy releases waste heat-powered steam heat pump
The Finnish company said its novel AmbiSteam system can produce process steam above 5 bar. It is based on the company’s SteamLevel heat pump technology.
Three US states drive community solar growth in Q3
A new report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance says non-utility community solar expanded meaningfully in only three US states in the third quarter of 2025 amid uneven policy support.
Solar powers the warfighter
2026 Defense authorizations highlight the need for U.S.-made photovoltaics in satellites to compete with foreign adversaries, writes Rob Gardner, vice president, congressional and regulatory affairs, for the SEMA Coalition.
Toshiba ESS tests hybrid wind-solar project with storage in Saudi Arabia
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corp. (Toshiba ESS) has started testing batteries and energy management solutions to stabilize electricity in remote Saudi Arabia through a hybrid wind-solar pilot project. The project will run until May 2028 to evaluate power- and energy-oriented batteries and optimize battery use.
EDF Power Solutions to take 20% stake in Scatec solar-storage project in Egypt
Oslo-based Scatec ASA says it will retain majority ownership in Egypt’s 1.1 GW solar and 100 MW/200 MWh Obelisk project, with EDF Power Solutions taking 20% and Norfund 25%.
Solar Stewardship Initiative publishes guide for solar supply chain
The Solar Stewardship Initiative’s (SSI) new buyers guide targets forced labor risk, supply-chain transparency, and compliance readiness in global solar procurement.
Global lithium-ion battery pack prices fall to $108/kWh, says BNEF
Battery pack prices for stationary storage fell to $70/kWh in 2025, a 45% drop from 2024, making it the cheapest lithium-ion category for the first time, according to BloombergNEF (BNEF).
