Improving solar cell performance with narrower contact fingers
Fraunhofer ISE researchers have developed a new metallization process that can produce ultra-fine line contacts for solar cells. The proposed technique is based on the so-called LIDE technology and can reportedly help increase overall PV device efficiency.
Huadian, PowerChina switch on 1 GW of solar on salt-alkali tidal flats
Huadian Group and PowerChina have activated a 1 GW solar project on salt-alkali tidal flats in China’s Shandong province, paired with 200 MW/400 MWh of storage. The facility features PV modules installed above brine pools.
Waaree’s 1.6 GW solar factory in Texas starts commercial production
Waaree Solar Americas has started commercial production at its 1.6 GW solar module factory in Brookshire, Texas. It plans to expand the facility’s capacity to 3 GW by fiscal 2026 and 5 GW by fiscal 2027.
US state-level solar policy moving away from traditional net metering
The NC Clean Energy Technology Center’s (NCCETC) 2024 annual review and fourth-quarter edition of “The 50 States of Solar” finds that most states enacted distributed solar policy measures in 2024. The majority of actions focused on net metering policies, residential fixed charge increases, and community solar programs.
Balcony PV systems for cruise ships
Scientists have simulated the installment of PV modules on the balconies of cruise ship cabins. They tested the systems with three DC configurations and simulated them while cruising in the Caribbean and along the Norwegian and Danish coasts.
Solar wafer price rebound nears its limit
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.
Roofit.Solar releases new BIPV panels with narrow roof coverage
Estonia’s Roofit.Solar has developed new building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels with an effective width of 470 mm, offering power outputs of 120 W or 180 W.
Floating solar could reach LCOE of $0.053/kWh in Saudi Arabia
Scientists in Saudi Arabia have assessed the techno-economical feasibility of floating PV plants at three different dams and have found that such projects could have a return on investment of 12 to 13 years.
Algeria’s Sonelgaz relaunches 520 MW solar tender
Sonelgaz has re-tendered three PV projects in Algeria totaling 520 MW, with sites in Kenadsa, Touggourt, and Tamacine, where initial earthworks have begun. The projects were previously awarded to a consortium of Italy’s Fimer and Algeria’s Cosider.
ACWA Power, Solarabic among winners at 2025 MESIA Solar Awards
The Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA) honored several of the region’s most significant contributors at the 2025 edition of its annual MESIA Solar Awards. Solarabic, ACWA Power, Yellow Door Energy and Meteocontrol were among the awardees.
