Cells & modules
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New framework prioritizes fire protection measures for BIPV façades
Researchers in China and Italy have developed a framework to assess fire risks in building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) façades, identifying electrical and material-related hazards as key factors. Their analysis highlights rapid shutdown, ignition prevention and fire-spread suppression as priority safety measures.
Oct 20, 2026
Non-destructive testing tracks polymer degradation in PV modules
German researchers have demonstrated the potential of compressive stress relaxation measurement (CSRM) as a non-destructive method for monitoring polymer degradation in aging PV modules. Their findings highlight how encapsulant cross-linking and backsheet degradation affect module reliability under accelerated weathering conditions.
Longi researchers reveal how edge masking reduces recombination losses in solar cells
Longi researchers found that edge masking improves the measured efficiency of heterojunction back-contact solar cells by suppressing edge recombination, with an optimal masking width of 5 mm. Their simulations suggest that selective metallization could further increase efficiency from 26.85% to a theoretical maximum of 27.39%.
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JinkoSolar unveils 28%-efficient back-contact TOPCon solar cell with amorphous silicon heterojunction passivation
JinkoSolar has unveiled its first back-contact solar cell technology, combining TOPCon and heterojunction passivation in a new architecture called TAC. The Chinese manufacturer reported a peak cell conversion efficiency of 28%.
Six-year testing highlights impact of reduced maintenance on PV plant operation during COVID-19 pandemic
A six-year study of a 12 MW solar plant in Algeria found an average performance ratio of 82.6%, with annual electricity generation ranging from 19.83 to 21.41 GWh. Performance declined significantly in 2020 due to COVID-19-related maintenance restrictions, highlighting the importance of regular cleaning and upkeep.
Scientists develop moth-eye-inspired antireflective surfaces for PV modules
Researchers in Portugal have investigated the mechanical durability of moth-eye-inspired antireflective silicon surfaces for photovoltaic applications. They found that repeated sliding causes nanopillar fracture and material compaction, with higher mechanical loads leading to increased friction and wear.
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Trina Solar researchers propose new classification of ultraviolet-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells
Trina Solar researchers have proposed a new classification distinguishing reversible and irreversible ultraviolet-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells. The framework aims to improve reliability testing, identify persistent performance losses, and provide more accurate assessments of long-term module performance under real-world conditions.
Three-molecule blend boosts inverted perovskite solar cell efficiency to 27.5%
Chinese researchers have developed high-entropy molecular contacts that enabled inverted perovskite solar cells to achieve a certified steady-state efficiency of 27.31%. The approach also improves thermal stability by preventing molecular contact degradation.
UV down-shifting layers could boost TOPCon solar module energy yield by over 4%
Researchers in Slovenia have developed a numerical model showing that luminescent UV down-shifting layers could improve the long-term performance of TOPCon solar modules. Simulations suggest the technology could increase cumulative energy yields by more than 4% over 10 years while also mitigating UV-induced degradation.
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