Imaging tech to analyze sub-cells in tandem and triple junction PV devices
A team at Fraunhofer ISE has created new imaging methods to measure losses in individual sub-cells of multi-junction solar cells based on perovskite-silicon and perovskite-perovskite-silicon combinations.
China’s first polysilicon consolidation steps unlikely to move prices in Q1
China’s largest polysilicon producers have launched initial steps toward consolidation to curb overcapacity, but OPIS analyst Summer Zhang tells pv magazine that unresolved funding, capacity cuts and governance issues mean prices are likely to see only modest support in the near term without sustained capital injections and stronger downstream demand.
Schott launches new space solar cover glass
The German specialty glass and materials manufacturer announced a new cerium-doped solar cover glass that is compatible with a range of space solar cell technologies, including III-V and silicon-based concepts. It was developed for use in multiple satellite orbits.
Aiko achieves 24.8% efficiency in commercial solar module production
The result concerns the company’s Comet 3N modules and has been confirmed by TÜV Nord in Germany.
China TOPCon cell prices dip despite looming cost pressures
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – delayed
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has not published yet Version 67 of the solar cell efficiency tables, due to production delays. Green, however, has accepted to comment on some of the results to be added in the upcoming edition.
European solar manufacturers urge Italy to revise heterojunction tax rule
Eleven European solar module makers say Italy’s 2026 tax incentive unfairly favors heterojunction (HJT) technology, risks higher costs and limits competition across the PV market.
French testing body flags durability risks in TOPCon solar modules
Accelerated testing by French certification body Certisolis finds wide performance divergence and design vulnerabilities in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar modules that current international standards do not capture.
The impact of transparent conductive electrodes on perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell performance
An Oxford researcher has found that transparent conducting electrodes can reduce perovskite–silicon tandem solar cell efficiency by over 2%, with losses linked to electrical resistance, optical effects, and geometric trade-offs. Using a unified optical–electrical model, the scientist showed how careful optimization of TCE stacks, coatings, and cell design is critical to closing the gap toward the 37%–38% efficiency frontier.
Longi backs Carbon’s shift to GW-scale solar production in France
France-based startup Carbon plans to partner with Chinese manufacturer Longi and adopt back-contact (BC) solar technology as it revises its roadmap for a gigawatt-scale solar module factory.
