Solar budget of up to $180 million in next UK CfD auction
Seventh allocation round (AR7) budget for onshore technologies assigned by the government, with enough cash for solar to support 4 GW of capacity. Success for solar at the next two contracts for difference (CfD) seen as key to achieving UK government’s 2030 clean power targets.
Ciel & Terre unveils new floating solar solution
The new floating PV structure removes traditional maintenance walkways between module rows to enable more solar modules to be installed per hectare. Ciel & Terre has also developed a motorized trolley system capable of rolling over the structure.
Sunwafe secures land for 20 GW silicon wafer plant in Spain
Sunwafe says it has formally applied to reserve land in Asturias, Spain, for a 20 GW silicon wafer and ingot factory backed by Chinese capital, EIT InnoEnergy, and a €200 million ($232.6 million) Spanish government grant.
How to reduce ionic losses in tin-based perovskite solar cells
Researchers in Germany have developed a DMSO-free fabrication process for tin-based perovskite solar cells that dramatically reduces ion density – over tenfold lower than in lead-based devices – leading to improved stability.
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.
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.
France’s Solarpro launches steel deck mounting system for rooftop PV
Solarpro has developed a steel deck mounting structure with a drilling-free fixing system for rooftop solar panels.
European energy storage startups raise €2.14 billion in equity funding
European energy storage hardware startups have secured €2.14 billion ($2.5 billion) in equity funding for commercial, industrial, and grid-scale applications, says Avnet Silica. Nearly half of that funding was raised in the past three years, and more than 80% in the last five.
TNO offers mass customization line for integrated PV applications
The Dutch research institute’s highly automated research line offers customized, flexible solar semi-finished PV products to partners developing integrated PV applications.
‘Back contact will reach cost parity with TOPCon before end of decade’
During a pv magazine Week Europe 2025 webinar, panelists forecast back contact (BC) solar cells’ market share will draw level with TOPCon towards the end of the decade, before tandem technology begins large-scale momentum in the early 2030s.
