Nexwafe secures cash injection from EU scale up funding
German solar wafer manufacturer Nexwafe is one of eight companies receiving investment in the latest round of the European Commission’s Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Scale Up call, an initiative addressing a market gap in deep tech funding in Europe.
Longi achieves 33.35% efficiency for flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The Chinese manufacturer said the tandem device was developed through a dual-buffer layer strategy that improves interfacial adhesion while preserving efficient charge extraction. The efficiency result was certified by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
South Korea sets 2030 goal for perovskite-silicon tandem solar panels
South Korea has allocated KRW 33.6 billion ($22.8 million) for R&D on perovskite-silicon tandem solar technology with a goal of commercializing 28%-efficient modules by 2030, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
ChasingLight Technology launches indoor organic PV modules
The China-based organic photovoltaics manufacturer has launched a line of indoor PV modules suitable for integration into digital office products and electronic devices.
Photonic curing could accelerate transition to copper-metallized solar cells
Researchers in the United States have developed a photonic curing technique using laser sintering to rapidly heat and cure copper pastes on temperature-sensitive solar cell substrates without causing thermal stress. The process purportedly produces dense, low-porosity copper layers with strong adhesion to indium tin oxide, achieving low bulk and contact resistivity.
Somalia launches tender for solar-storage systems at health facilities
A tender is open in Somalia for the installation of off-grid solar-plus-storage systems at 22 selected healthcare facilities in the country’s North Eastern State. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2026.
China dominates global polysilicon capacity, says Bernreuter Research
Bernreuter Research says nine of the world’s ten largest polysilicon manufacturers are based in China, with Tongwei, GCL Technology, Daqo New Energy and Xinte Energy holding a combined 65 percent share of global output in 2024.
Naturgy, BlueNewables build 1 MW offshore solar plant in Spain
Naturgy and BlueNewables are developing a 1 MW floating solar installation off Spain’s Mediterranean coast, with two 500 kW units designed for open-sea operation and scheduled to begin testing in 2026.
Community-based energy trading system for home solar-plus-storage
A research team led by Washington State University has developed a cloud-based system for trading and sharing energy from solar panels and batteries within a neighbourhood. The concept displayed potential energy cost savings of around 12% over a five-day test period.
Kyrgyzstan, Hungary sign $300 million solar development deal
Kyrgyzstan’s National Investment Agency and Hungary’s Electron Holding have agreed to develop up to 300 MW of solar capacity in Kyrgyzstan with planned investments of $300 million.
