Despite low gas prices, solar, wind remain cheapest sources of power in US
Renewables remain cost-competitive in the United States despite rising natural gas competitiveness, according to Lazard’s 2025 “Levelized Cost of Energy+” report, which estimates combined cycle gas at $0.048/kWh to $0.107/kWh, solar at $0.038/kWh to $0.212/kWh, and nuclear at $0.141/kWh to $0.220/kWh.
Glass-free, colored PV modules for building rooftop retrofits, façades
Researchers from Swiss and Austrian institutions have demonstrated a novel design for a glass-free, structurally robust silicon PV module. With a weight below 6 kg/m2, the targeted application is older buildings with weak roof structure.
Ecological impact of ground-mounted PV depends on previous land use
Researchers in the Netherlands have identified all major solar power plants in the Dutch Province of Gelderland and have analyzed all of their spatial measures in an effort to assess their impact on landscape. They have specifically focused on land use competition, biodiversity, and landscape experience.
Optimal parameters for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell manufacturing
Researchers in the Middle East claim to have identified the optimal parameters for the commercial production of perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules across several locations. Their analysis showed that manufacturing costs may currently be as low as $0.387/W, with the prospect of reaching $0.25/W in seven years.
Understanding P50, P90 and P99 in solar energy
A review of using statistical probability to understand solar production outcomes.
High-frequency monitoring of floating PV
Researchers in Brazil have installed a vertical thermistor chain with six temperature loggers beneath a floating PV plant and at a nearby reference site. The system also recorded dissolved oxygen and photosynthetically active radiation to assess environmental impacts.
TNO, Solarge unveil lightweight perovskite solar module prototype
TNO and Solarge have developed a lightweight perovskite solar module prototype measuring 32 cm x 34 cm by combining roll-to-roll processing and low-weight panel materials. The Netherlands-based partners aim to scale the technology for broader commercial applications.
UK energy sector edging toward gender balance, but barriers remain
Women in Solar+ Europe – WiSEu Network attended the launch of POWERful Women’s Annual State of the Nation Report this week, where leaders and changemakers called for faster action to close the gender gap in energy.
Improving solar cell performance with melanin, porous silicon powder
Researchers in Mexico have enhanced optoelectronic and solar cell performance by combining melanin with porous silicon powder. The compound improved photocurrent generation by boosting the luminescence of the silicon material.
Solar hydrogen could be produced at 4.23$/kg in Saudi Arabia
New research from Saudi Arabia shows that PV, concentrated solar power (CSP), or hybrid PV-CSP systems could significantly reduce the levelized cost of hydrogen. CSP offers higher capacity factors, but PV-driven electrolysis provides the lowest projected cost for hydrogen production.
