Articles written by Susan Taylor

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Research & Development
ISC Konstanz study highlights atomic layer deposition as a superior approach for TOPCon UV stability Researchers at ISC Konstanz found that ALD-based aluminum oxide (AlOx) passivation layers provide better UV stability for TOPCon solar cells than PECVD-deposited layers, with thicker AlOx films and a thermally grown SiOx interlayer further improving resistance to UV-induced degradation. Testing laboratory and commercial TOPCon cells showed 2–3% average efficiency losses after high UV exposure, while process variations and layer non-uniformities were identified as key factors influencing long-term UV susceptibility.
Emiliano Bellini
1 hour ago
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Research & Development
Chinese scientists achieve world record efficiency of 28.04% for perovksite-organic tandem solar cell Researchers at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have reported a perovskite–organic tandem solar cell with a claimed record efficiency of 28.04%, using a photo-transformable TDB molecule to improve perovskite film quality and device stability.
Emiliano Bellini
3 hours ago
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Research & Development
Sungrow, TÜV Rheinland release long-term inverter reliability testing standards Sungrow and TÜV Rheinland have introduced corporate standards for long-term PV inverter reliability testing, establishing quantitative methodologies to assess component and system durability while expanding their collaboration on technical standards for renewable energy equipment.
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 14, 2026
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Markets & Policy
U.S. solar LCOE on the rise, says Lazard Utility-scale solar PV remains one of the lowest-cost sources of new electricity despite an 18% year-on-year increase in unsubsidized LCOE to $40–98/MWh, driven by higher capital costs, interest rates, tariffs, and supply chain pressures. Over the long term, however, utility-scale solar maintains a strong cost advantage over most conventional and alternative generation technologies.
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 13, 2026
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Research & Development
Triple-junction all-perovskite solar cell based on graphene oxide bilayer achieves 27.3% efficiency An international research team developed a triple-junction all-perovskite solar cell using a graphene oxide (GO)/self-assembled monolayer (SAM) bilayer contact strategy to overcome SAM-related charge extraction losses and improve interface quality.
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 13, 2026
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Technology & Products
Daikin unveils inverter-driven rooftop heat pump for light commercial buildings Daikin has unveiled an inverter-driven rooftop heat pump offering 7.5-ton to 10-ton capacities. The system uses difluoromethane refrigerant and reportedly achieves a coefficient of performance of up to 3.85 at 8.3 C
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 13, 2026
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Technology & Products
Canadian Solar unveils new EP Cube systems featuring higher power, scalable storage Canadian Solar has launched upgraded EP Cube Single-Phase 2.0 and Three-Phase Pro energy storage systems, combining hybrid inverters with modular LFP batteries for residential, C&I, and scalable backup applications. The new systems deliver higher output, expanded MPPT flexibility, and storage capacities up 200 kWh.
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 10, 2026
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Markets & Policy
EU publishes draft terms of 4th hydrogen auction The European Commission has published draft terms and conditions for the fourth European Hydrogen Bank auction, planned for end-2026 with a €500 million budget. The procurement exercise will maintain competitive bidding and fixed-premium support while introducing strengthened eligibility requirements, including electrolyzer supply-chain resilience, cybersecurity, ans state aid compliance.
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 10, 2026
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Research & Development
Laser-patterned poly-Si finger contacts reduce parasitic absorption, improve efficiency in TOPCon solar cells Researchers in China developed a laser-assisted poly-Si finger contact fabrication method combining picosecond laser modification and potassium hydroxide wet etching to reduce parasitic absorption in industrial TOPCon solar cells. The optimized process achieved a certified efficiency of 26.08% by improving optical performance while maintaining effective passivation and carrier transport.
Emiliano Bellini
Jul 10, 2026