Perovskite solar testing field commissioned in Japan
Kanazawa University has begun long-term outdoor testing of tandem perovskite solar cells in collaboration with Toshiba. The research project aligns with Japan’s broader push to scale perovskite PV technologies toward large deployment by 2040.
Japan’s 26th solar auction concludes with average final price of $0.046/kWh
Japan has allocated 75.3 MW of PV capacity in its latest procurement exercise. The lowest price in the auction was JPY 4.97 ($0.032) /kWh.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Aiko, Skyworth PV plan 5 GW back-contact solar module factory in Guangxi
The two companies will invest approximately CNY 2 billion ($282.8 million) in the new facility, which will host two production lines, each with a capacity of 2.5 GW. The project has already passed environmental review.
The Hydrogen Stream: EU endorses 100 cross-border hydrogen projects
The selected projects will be eligible for EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility and will benefit from streamlined approval and regulatory processes.
Cooling PV modules with seawater
A research team in India developed a passive solar-panel cooling method using a thin, still layer of seawater placed over the module surface. Tests showed that while a thick water layer sharply reduced energy output, a thin 5 mm layer lowered module temperatures and increased daily energy generation by up to 8.86%.
Panasonic testing PV-driven hydrogen platform in Germany
The Japanese conglomerate has deployed its Panasonic HX hydrogen solution at its facility in Munich. The system uses an AI-based energy management system that reportedly makes battery storage unnecessary.
Chinese researchers build 31.71%-efficient perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell based on new interfacial engineering
The two-terminal perovskite–silicon tandem solar cell was fabricated through a chemical polishing method that selectively removes residual lead(II)iodide from the perorvskite film in the top cell. This targeted interfacial engineering improved uniformity and stability, enabling a certified 31.71% efficiency and enhanced long-term performance.
How to build giant solar plants in mountainous areas
Chinese researchers have proposed a new methodology for designing utility-scale solar power projects in mountainous regions. They simulated a 386.4 MW solar farm near Pu’er, a city in southern China located 1,037 meters above sea level.
Japan launches call for road-surface solar technologies
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has started accepting submissions for new road-surface PV technologies, with field verification planned in pedestrian areas at roadside stations to test performance and electricity use ahead of societal implementation.
Vertical PV system at Japanese parking lot operating under PPA
AirWater and Suichoku Solar K. K. have launched a 178 kW vertical PV system at a Tottori parking lot, operating under an on-site PPA. The Verpa-based system, a first for the San’in region, maximizes space, avoids snow damage, and reportedly delivers power equivalent to rooftop solar installations.
