Europe

An international research team has developed a new two-dimensional perovskite interlayer based on a co-crystal engineering strategy for more robust perovskite films. It demonstrated improved performance in small area perovskite solar cells and, in a 48 cm2 module, contributed to retain 95% of initial efficiency after 5,000 h.

Romania enjoyed another record year for solar deployment in 2025, taking cumulative capacity past the 7 GW threshold. Utility-scale installations almost doubled year-on-year, buoyed by a favourable regulatory framework.

The SLDBatt project brings together TRL 7 battery technologies – including molten sodium‑salt, saltwater acid–base flow, and hydrogen–iron flow batteries – to deliver an innovative and cost-effective long-duration energy storage solution.

French company Dal’Alu has developed a high-capacity aluminum gutter designed to efficiently collect and channel rainwater from large roofs and solar panels. Its on-site profiling, modular components, and durable construction reportedly ensure rapid installation, long-term performance, and compliance with current building standards.

At a major battery project, RTE and Neoen are trialing an inverter retrofit, marking a first for grid-forming services on France’s transmission network.

Norway’s solar market experienced a slowdown in 2025, particularly among residential installations. The outlook for 2026 looks more optimistic, thanks to policy reforms supporting larger projects and continued demand from commercial and industrial customers.

Luxembourg’s new subsidy scheme for solar installed on residential buildings by an approved installer deducts the financial aid from the installer’s invoice, meaning customers no longer have to wait for reimbursement.

A Swiss research team has developed a low-temperature sintering and interface-coating process that significantly improves the durability of argyrodite-based solid-state batteries. The approach delivers high ionic conductivity and long cycle life, retaining 75% of capacity after 1,500 cycles.

France’s fourth PV tender for non-interconnected areas allocated 40 MW across Corsica, Réunion, and French Guiana. The weighted average tariff fell to €92.04 ($107.59)/MWh, while overall subscription remained well below the 99 MW available.

Croatia’s solar capacity is on course to exceed its wind energy capacity for the first time in early 2026. With utility-scale projects facing regulatory deadlock and the end of net-metering for the residential market, growth is being led by commercial and industrial customers.