Western Europe

Ireland’s national solar capacity has risen to 2.1 GW as buildout has accelerated since the first utility-scale project came online in April 2022.

Using the mask-and-plate copper metallization technique, scientists at the German research center fabricated a 1.21 cm² perovskite–silicon tandem solar cell featuring a heterojunction bottom device. The cell achieved an efficiency of 19.35%, reportedly the highest value reached to date for this cell type using galvanic front metallization.

Swissolar’s “Solar Monitor 2025” report projects annual PV additions of about 1.5 GW through 2027 and urges policymakers to sustain steady growth amid policy uncertainty and lower tariffs.

Previous record from 2011 broken in early November as number of certified solar installations surpasses 203,125 in 2025. New-build properties driving growth with further gains expected when Future Homes Standard comes into force. UK energy secretary describes solar as a “slam dunk” way of cutting household electricity bills.

The Italian specialty module manufacturer has launched a new lightweight, semi-rigid, glass-free silicon solar panel reinforced with a thin aluminum sheet for marine, mobility, and other offgrid applications. The series includes products with a power range of 145 W to 205 W.

New research from Finland shows how spacing between solar modules plays a key role in determing power and crop yield. The scientists found that, at a separation of 8 m, crops received at least 75% of irradiation, which is expected to result in minimal impact compared with an unshaded scenario.

Loose connections, damaged or faulty wiring among leading causes of solar panel fires, according to new analysis from insurer QBE. Freedom of information requests to UK fire services find increase in number of solar installation fires, with incidents recorded on residential properties.

Last year, German network operators received 9,710 connection requests for battery storage systems planned for commissioning at the medium-voltage level. These requests correspond to a total of 400 GW/661 GWh. At the transmission network level, large-scale battery storage projects with a combined capacity of 51 GW have already been approved for development in the coming years.

Swedish heat pump maker Aira unveils new battery energy storage system and inverter range for the residential market. Aira Power Hub inverters and Aira Power Store batteries are marketed as part of a whole home energy management system, initially launching in the United Kingdom and Italy with a German rollout to follow.