The impact of laser-assisted firing on TOPCon solar cell performance
UNSW and Jolywood studied the thermal stability of laser-assisted fired TOPCon solar cells during module fabrication and high-temperature stress, identifying hydrogen-related defect dynamics as the key factor behind degradation and recovery. They found lamination causes temporary efficiency losses that self-recover under light exposure, while optimized LAF can restore degraded contacts, providing practical guidance for reliable module manufacturing and testing.
Eswatini starts 20 MW solar project
Eswatini has launched a 20 MW solar project, the first in a series of five expected to add 75 MW of new capacity.
Wood Mackenzie predicts 2-year decline in global solar inverter demand
Wood Mackenzie’s latest analysis expects market uncertainty in China, Europe and the U.S. to cause two consecutive years of contraction in the global solar inverter market, forecasting a fall to 577 GWac this year and 523 GWac in 2026.
GoodWe launches new hybrid inverters for C&I solar
The Chinese manufacturer has launched a new series of three-phase hybrid inverters ranging from 80 kW to 100 kW. They new products feature eight MPPTs with up to 42 A input current.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: PowerChina launches 31 GW solar procurement
China Power Construction Corp. (PowerChina) has launched a 31 GW solar module tender for 2026 projects, split across n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), heterojunction (HJT) and back-contact (BC) technologies as part of a wider 97 GW renewables and grid equipment program.
Italy clears 710 MW of solar in Puglia, challenges regional PV rules
The italian government says it is fast-tracking utility-scale solar, approving about 710 MW of mainly agrivoltaic projects in Puglia while moving to curb regional limits on where PV plants can be built, sharpening tensions over land use and energy policy.
Gokin Solar launches new back-contact solar module series
Gokin has launched back-contact solar modules ranging from 480 W to 780 W for residential, C&I and utility-scale projects. The series supports 1,500 V systems and reaches efficiencies of up to 24.8%.
Mauritius opens 2 MW hybrid solar tender
Mauritius’ Central Electricity Board is running a tender for the supply, installation, testing and commissioning of rooftop solar systems, with an added option to procure battery energy storage systems. The deadline for applications is Feb. 2, 2026.
Germany brings world’s first supercapacitor STATCOM online
Germany has connected the world’s first supercapacitor-based STATCOM to the grid, with Siemens Energy and transmission system operator TenneT positioning it as a blueprint to replace fossil-fuel generators in providing instantaneous reserve and reactive power.
Maxeon expands legal action against Aiko and its distributors in Germany
Maxeon has filed a lawsuit in Germany claiming Aiko Solar, and four of its German product distributors, breached a patent related to its back contact solar technology. It is the third such lawsuit Maxeon has opened against Aiko.
