Peru adds 454 MW of large-scale PV in 2025
Peru commissioned about 454 MW of utility-scale solar capacity in 2025, taking cumulative installed PV capacity to roughly 952 MW, according to the government.
Thicker alumunium oxide layers can reduce ultraviolet-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells
UNSW researchers developed an experimentally validated model linking UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells to hydrogen transport, charge trapping, and permanent structural changes in the passivation stack. They show that thicker aluminum oxide layers significantly improve UV resilience by limiting hydrogen migration, offering clear guidance for more robust TOPCon designs.
Semi-transparent photovoltaics cost-competitive only up to 50% transparency
Researchers from Spain found that semi-transparent PV systems are commercially viable only up to about 50% transparency, as higher transparency sharply reduces efficiency and increases system costs. Their analysis shows that declining power density, and not balance-of-system or financing factors, is the main driver of higher LCOE, even in high-irradiation regions.
Rising silver prices drive China’s Longi shift to copper-metallized solar cells
China’s Longi says it will begin mass production of base-metal PV modules in the second quarter of 2026 as rising silver prices intensify pressure to reduce metallization costs.
Germany adds 17.5 GW of solar in 2025
Germany installed about 17.5 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, taking cumulative installations past 117 GW by year end, according to preliminary data from the German Solar Association.
EPFL researchers enhance perovskite solar cell performance via rubidium
Researchers led by Michael Grätzel at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne in Switzerland have recently led efforts to improve perovskite optoelectronic properties using small-radius rubidium ion chemistry to enable more stable and efficient perovskite solar cells.
ML System unveils solar facade panels, roof-integrated PV tiles
The Poland-based module manufacturer has developed Photonwall, a building integrated solution for ventilated façades. It also offers Photonroof, a ceramic PV roof tile solution. Both BIPV products are available in colors and finishes that match the aesthetics of modern and historic buildings.
Mibet releases mounting system for flat-roof PV installations
The Chinese company said its novel Z-type mounting supports installation angles of 5°, 10°, and 15° and withstands wind speeds up to 45 m/s. It claims a lifespan of more than 25 years.
Singapore forecast to reach 5.3 GW of solar by 2035
UK consultants GlobalData say Singapore could add between 300 MW and 400 MW of solar annually through to 2035, taking cumulative capacity from around 1.9 GW today to the 5 GW threshold.
New research sheds light on defect regions in perovskite solar films
A Chinese research group has demonstrated an electrical imaging technique using 3D tomographic conductive atomic force microscopy to investigate passivation strategies of perovskite films to improve stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells.
