CEA-INES, 3Sun achieve 30.8% efficiency for tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell
The 9 cm² cell consists of a top cell based on a perovskite absorber and a bottom cell with a heterojunction (HJT) structure. The results improve on the 29.8% efficiency CEA and 3Sun achieved for the same kind of cell in December.
The Hydrogen Stream: Luxcara advances 20 MW hydrogen project in Norway
Luxcara says preparatory work for its Bodø electrolysis plant is underway in Norway, with commercial operations set to begin in 2026, while ACWA Power and Snam have signed an agreement to deliver hydrogen from Saudi Arabia to Europe.
Swiss startup launches 400 W transparent BIPV panels
Climacy, a building integrated PV manufacturer, has launched a new semi-transparent 400 W glass-glass panel that is suitable for use in roofs or facades in residential, industrial and commercial buildings. When used as a roof or wall componentt, the 20% transparent panels reportedly allow more natural light into interior spaces than conventional PV designs.
Sunswap expands production of PV-driven transport refrigeration units
Sunswap brings manufacturing in-house at headquarters in Leatherhead, near London, following a successful fundraising round. Offering solar and battery-powered refrigeration for transport, the UK business has international ambitions.
EDF shuts down Photowatt solar manufacturing unit
EDF Renewables has decided to shut down all operations of French PV module manufacturer Photowatt, following the failure of its planned acquisition by Carbon.
Public opinion matters to the success of solar planning
New research from the UK finds institutional actors have greatest influence over planning consent, however, public support also has a statistically significant impact. Improved public engagement from developers could bolster solar planning applications in England.
Scientists build 23.2%-efficient lead tin perovskite solar cell with improved lifetime
The researchers built the cell with a hole transport layer (HTL) based on PEDOT:PSS and were reportedly able to reduce the losses caused by this compound with the utilization of a thiocyanate additive. The champion lab-sized device achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.875 V, a short circuit current density of 31.84 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 83.23%.
Enphase Energy, Octopus Energy announce smart tariff for UK customers
In an update to the two companies’ strategic partnership, Octopus customers with Enphase solar and battery systems can now benefit from a smart import and export tariff designed to save money on electricity bills.
Switzerland installs 1.78 GW of PV in 2024
Switzerland’s cumulative installed solar power reached around 8 GW at the end of December 2024, following 1.78 GW of new capacity additions for the year.
Finland’s solar additions fall to around 200 MW in 2024
The Finnish Solar Energy Association estimates that solar additions fell in 2024 compared to 2023, but utility-scale projects under construction are set to accelerate deployment in the coming years.
