Pakistan unveils new net metering rules for rooftop PV
Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has initiated a public consultation on proposed revisions to solar net-metering regulations. A key change under consideration is a reduction in the tariff for surplus solar power, which could be cut by half from PKR 26 ($0.093) per kWh to PKR 13 per kWh.
Geon launches new inverter battery for residential, commercial use
The Indian manufacturer said its new Geon Gelithium series is an efficient back-up solution for homes, clinics, small retail outlets, offices, and light commercial applications. The system is available in two versions with an inverter rated capacity of 1,250 VA and 2,500 VA, respectively.
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 real cost of a battery storage goes far beyond $/kWh’
During a pv magazine Week Europe 2025 webinar, storage specialists gave their thoughts on what to consider when purchasing battery energy storage systems in Europe, with pricing, supplier options and product reliability all on the agenda.
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.
Key takeaways from France’s Energaia trade show
France’s Energaia trade fair drew record crowds and exhibitors last week, underscoring continued investment appetite in solar and storage, even as developers warn that policy delays and a residential slowdown could weigh on activity after 2025.
France pulls reduced VAT status from four DMEGC solar modules
France’s certification body says it has withdrawn eligibility for a lower solar VAT rate from four Chinese-made modules after finding traceability errors that altered their carbon footprint calculations.
The impact of laser-assisted firing on TOPCon solar cell performance
UNSW and Jolywood studied the thermal stability of laser-assisted fired TOPCon solar cells during module fabrication and high-temperature stress, identifying hydrogen-related defect dynamics as the key factor behind degradation and recovery. They found lamination causes temporary efficiency losses that self-recover under light exposure, while optimized LAF can restore degraded contacts, providing practical guidance for reliable module manufacturing and testing.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: PowerChina launches 31 GW solar procurement
China Power Construction Corp. (PowerChina) has launched a 31 GW solar module tender for 2026 projects, split across n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), heterojunction (HJT) and back-contact (BC) technologies as part of a wider 97 GW renewables and grid equipment program.
