Photonic curing could accelerate transition to copper-metallized solar cells
Researchers in the United States have developed a photonic curing technique using laser sintering to rapidly heat and cure copper pastes on temperature-sensitive solar cell substrates without causing thermal stress. The process purportedly produces dense, low-porosity copper layers with strong adhesion to indium tin oxide, achieving low bulk and contact resistivity.
India posts record 4.9 GW of rooftop solar additions in first nine months of 2025
India installed 4.9 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first nine months of 2025, including 2.1 GW in the third quarter, with cumulative capacity reaching 18.6 GW, according to Mercom India.
Somalia launches tender for solar-storage systems at health facilities
A tender is open in Somalia for the installation of off-grid solar-plus-storage systems at 22 selected healthcare facilities in the country’s North Eastern State. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2026.
Indian state sets record low battery storage tariff
Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd. (RRVUNL) has concluded its tender for a 500 MW/2,000 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) at a price of INR 285,000 ($3,195)/MW per month, the nation’s lowest to date for a four-hour, single-cycle system.
California sees sustained decline in natural gas use as solar output rises
California’s electricity mix is shifting as utility-scale solar generation nearly doubles its 2020 output and battery storage increasingly displaces natural gas during evening peaks, according to new data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
Hungary opens $151 million grant scheme for business energy storage
Hungary’s National Energy Agency has launched a HUF 50 billion ($151.34 million) grant program for businesses to install energy storage systems, including options paired with onsite renewable generation.
China dominates global polysilicon capacity, says Bernreuter Research
Bernreuter Research says nine of the world’s ten largest polysilicon manufacturers are based in China, with Tongwei, GCL Technology, Daqo New Energy and Xinte Energy holding a combined 65 percent share of global output in 2024.
Naturgy, BlueNewables build 1 MW offshore solar plant in Spain
Naturgy and BlueNewables are developing a 1 MW floating solar installation off Spain’s Mediterranean coast, with two 500 kW units designed for open-sea operation and scheduled to begin testing in 2026.
Community-based energy trading system for home solar-plus-storage
A research team led by Washington State University has developed a cloud-based system for trading and sharing energy from solar panels and batteries within a neighbourhood. The concept displayed potential energy cost savings of around 12% over a five-day test period.
Kyrgyzstan, Hungary sign $300 million solar development deal
Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency and Hungary’s Electron Holding have agreed to develop up to 300 MW of solar capacity in Kyrgyzstan with planned investments of $300 million.
