Bert Thin Films launches copper paste for backside solar cell metallization
The U.S. startup has introduced a screen-printable copper paste for backside solar cell metallization that can be fired in air and co-fired with standard silver frontside pastes using conventional manufacturing processes. Tested on TOPCon cells, the paste contributed to achieve a 25% efficiency and passed 2,000-hour damp heat testing.
Pay-as-you-go solar often underutilized in Sub-Saharan Africa
A study of 1,000 sub-Saharan African households using off-grid PAYG solar systems found that 77% reduce their electricity use after the first year, leading to underused, often oversized systems. This persistent decline is driven by behavioural changes as well as economic constraints and highlights the need for solar designs and pricing that better match actual household energy needs.
Luxembourg launches new tender for C&I solar
Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Economy has launched a €3 million ($3.54 million) tender to support commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects between 30 kW and 200 kW, with applications open until April 17.
Burundi switches on solar at five health facilities
A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-led initiative has installed hybrid solar-plus-storage systems at five health facilities in Burundi. A second phase of the scheme, due for completion this year, will power an additional nine district hospitals.
Mexico could become data center hub, but clean power lags behind
Mexico is attracting US data centers seeking faster power connections, but these facilities will initially rely on firm gas generation from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), with renewables as a potential future option, Mexican energy expert Santiago Barcón told pv magazine.
MENA region to add 860 GW of solar by 2040, says DNV
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is projected to install 860 GW of solar capacity by 2040, led by utility-scale projects, with a further 2.2 TW of solar and wind expected between 2040 and 2060.
Long-term trade-offs of agrivoltaics on pear farming
A four-year study found that overhead solar panels in an Australian pear orchard reduced sun and hail damage but decreased fruit yield and blush coloration. While energy production and tree stress resilience improved, the findings highlight trade-offs for agrivoltaic systems, with potential applicability to other fruit crops like apples and cherries.
North Macedonia adds 210 MW of solar in 2025
North Macedonia’s cumulative solar capacity passed the 1 GW milestone in 2025, with the market currently led by utility-scale and C&I installations. Looking ahead, all market segments are anticipated to move towards hybrid solar-plus-storage solutions following the introduction of a new energy law last year.
Global-warming-induced degradation could raise rooftop solar LCOE by up to 20%
A global study finds climate change will sharply increase high-temperature risks, accelerate degradation, and raise costs for rooftop PV, with economically disadvantaged regions hit hardest. Researchers warn current IEC standards underestimate future risks, urging urgent updates to avoid stranded assets and rising electricity costs.
One-year perovskite solar module testing shows promising outdoor stability
Scientists at the European Commission Joint Research Centre tested two single-junction perovskite modules outdoors for one year and reported overall stable performance, supported by a new light-soaking preconditioning method to improve measurement reliability. While one module degraded significantly, the other maintained relatively stable efficiency with seasonal variations, highlighting the need for longer-term outdoor studies.
