Flying with the sun
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) analyzed the trajectory of different solar plane technologies and prototypes and said that standards are currently under development to ensure appropriate safety and performance.
TWL unveils PVT panels for ground-source heat pumps
The German specialist for solar thermal energy and heat storage said its new PVT collectors rely on double-glass and monocrystalline TOPCon cells. The product has a power conversion efficiency of 22.5% and a maximal thermal ouput of 1,100 W.
New model to measure wave-induced loss in floating PV
Researchers have developed a three-step technique to estimate power generation loss in floating PV farms resulting from changes in tilt and mismatch losses. The new module was tested in an experimental setup and showed that electricity losses mainly depend both on system design and location.
Semi-translucent solar window based on concentrated photovoltaics
Researchers in Spain have designed a PV window that performs active daylighting management while producing electricity. The system can reportedly ensure high power density, as it harvests all the direct light incident on the aperture area.
Key takeaways from France’s BePositive trade show
Installers at France’s recent 2025 BePositive trade show embraced storage to boost self-consumption, as new PV tariffs and regulatory shifts are stirring concern among smaller companies.
European Solar Manufacturing Council urges Borussia Dortmund not to use JA Solar modules
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has criticized Borussia Dortmund’s decision to install 11,000 JA Solar panels on its stadium roof, citing the supplier’s exclusion from the US market over alleged links to forced labor. JA Solar responded to these accusations stating that SolarPower Europe’s Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) previously investigated its supply chain and found that it didn’t violate the SSI Principles
Fire damages PV system on school in Belgium
A fire damaged around 100 of the 160 solar panels on the roof of Don Bosco school in Halle, Belgium. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported.
Scientists propose manufacturing process to build perovskite solar cells on the Moon
German scientists believe that power generation for future habitats on the moon could be achieved by manufacturing halide perovskite cells locally, using regolith-based moonglass.
PV curtailment jumps 97% in Germany in 2024
Solar curtailment increased by 97% in Germany last year, driven by rapid growth in PV deployment and unusually high solar radiation in the summer, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
Switzerland unveils remuneration levels for C&I solar tenders
Switzerland’s government has outlined remuneration levels for its upcoming tenders on PV systems over 150 kW, set to open in mid-April.
