GCL, Cornex, TBEA to build solar manufacturing complex in Egypt
Egypt’s Kemet has signed three agreements with Chinese companies over the last week, covering plans for a 5 GW solar cell complex, a 5 GWh battery energy storage factory and Egypt’s first solar inverter factory.
European PV market faces potential 2026 price shock from China export tax
China’s PV manufacturing sector is operating at full capacity ahead of an April 1 export tax change, contributing to module price increases of 20% to 30% in parts of the supply chain and raising risks for price-sensitive European commercial and utility-scale projects in early 2026.
Masdar reaches financial close on 300 MW Uzbek solar project
The Abu Dhabi-based developer has secured $225 million ($193.6 million) for the development of a 300 MW solar plant linked to 75 MWh of energy storage in Uzbekistan, as part of its commitment to deploy 2 GW of renewables in the country.
TCL Zhonghuan aims for controlling stake in DAS Solar
TCL Zhonghuan has entered exclusive talks to acquire a controlling stake in module manufacturer DAS Solar, marking one of the most significant consolidation moves in China’s photovoltaic manufacturing sector as the industry faces continued financial pressure and overcapacity.
Czechia deploys 696 MW of solar in 2025
Czechia’s solar market slowed in 2025, largely due to a downturn in residential deployments. The country’s solar association says that while it remains to be seen if the rate of installations will pick up this year, significant growth is expected in the storage market.
New software identifies optimal rooftops for C&I solar
United Arab Emirates software specialist Planno has launched software to automate prospecting for roof surface sites with potential for solar PV generation.
Chinese scientists build 31.13%-efficient perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell via 2D seeding agent
Researchers in China developed a novel two dimensional (2D) seeding agent to regulate crystallization in a 1.80-eV wide-bandgap perovskite film. A perovskite-silicon tandem device made with the resulting optimized subcell achieved an efficiency of 31.13%, outperforming a control device.
Sodium-ion batteries gain momentum: Unigrid launches commercial deliveries as Altris, Draslovka forge Europe’s first supply chain
With lithium prices reaching a two-year high in early 2026, sodium-ion batteries are once again in the spotlight, as innovators on both sides of the Atlantic announce major milestones.
SoftBank pilots solar-wind-powered AI-controlled base station
SoftBank Group is piloting AI-controlled cellular base stations powered by solar panels and a 3 kW wind turbine to reduce energy use while maintaining service quality. The system stores excess power in batteries and can automatically switch to the grid when needed.
Vikram Solar moves entire module portfolio to G12R
Vikram Solar Ltd today announced the adoption of G12R format across its entire PV module portfolio. The company said the move reflects broader industry trends toward larger-format wafers, high-efficiency n-type technologies, and bifacial module designs aimed at improving energy yield and project economics.
