Bauer Solar launches 480 W back-contact solar module
The German manufacturer said its new back-contact solar panel has a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.52%.
Copper, indium, selenium micro-islands pave the way for next-gen micro-concentrator solar cells
A German research team has developed CuInSe₂ micro-concentrator solar cells using laser-assisted metal-organic chemical vapor deposition to grow indium islands directly on molybdenum-coated glass, forming absorber arrays without masks or patterning. The not-yet-optimized micro-modules achieved up to 0.65% efficiency under one sun, with gains of up to 250% under concentrated illumination.
Spin-flip emitters could control energy pathways in singlet fission solar cells
Japanese researchers developed a molybdenum-based spin-flip emitter that efficiently harvests triplet excitons from singlet-fission tetracene dimers, producing strong near-infrared emission. This approach could boost solar cell efficiency and enable new quantum technologies by converting otherwise “dark” excitons into usable light.
TNO unveils 12.4%-efficient perovksite solar tile
The Dutch research institute has presented what it describes as the world’s first perovskite-based roof tile, achieving up to 13.8% efficiency on standalone modules and 12.4% when installed on a curved surface. The flexible modules were produced using TNO’s experimental roll-to-roll platform,
UNSW study finds tracker-based PV systems experience higher UV degradation than fixed-tilt arrays
New research from the University of New South Wales shows that PV module degradation varies widely with system design and location, driven by UV exposure, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Tropical and desert regions face the highest stress, highlighting the need for climate-specific testing and system design.
Solbian launches solar kit for boat davits
Available in 80 W and 108 W versions using high-efficiency SunPower Maxeon cells, the kit offers wind resistance up to 25 m/s and easy installation on unused boat surfaces, according to the manufacturer.
Tracker-based agrivoltaics turn fields into wind-safe zones
Cornell University researchers demonstrated that tracking solar panels in agrivoltaic systems can protect crops from wind damage while allowing airflow, outperforming traditional single-row tree windbreaks. They also proposed a new lowered-first-row panel design that improves wind protection, achieving up to 86% reduction in shelter-zone wind speeds under extreme conditions.
Solar parks reshape soil biodiversity, plant traits
A study of 20 solar parks in southern France found that soil biodiversity and respiration drop significantly under panels, especially in mown areas, while plant traits like height and leaf area can increase under grazing. The researchers highlighted that climate, management type, and solar shading all shape soil and plant responses.
UNSW unveils new ageing method to assess TOPCon solar module degradation
UNSW researchers developed a chemically selective, nitrate-based, single-sided accelerated ageing method for TOPCon solar cells that replicates the mildly acidic environment inside EVA-encapsulated modules. The proposed approach enables rapid, physically meaningful screening of front-side metallisation stability, reliably predicting module-level degradation and reducing development time and costs, according to its creators.
Extensive testing validates reuse of 23-year-old second-life polycrystalline solar modules
Researchers in Brazil tested second-life polycrystalline PV modules for two years and found they retained 87–88% of their original power, with minimal degradation and stable performance. Despite strong sustainability and circular economy benefits, economic incentives remain limited due to the declining cost and short warranties of new state-of-the-art silicon PV modules.
