Localized polysilicon thinning improves TOPCon solar cell performance
UNSW researchers boosted TOPCon solar cell efficiency by locally thinning the rear poly-Si layer, reducing parasitic absorption while preserving wafer integrity. The champion cell built with this approach achieved 25.10% efficiency with improved bifaciality and maintained strong passivation.
Quilt launches 3-zone ductless heat pump for residential applications
U.S. startup Quilt has introduced a new three-zone ductless heat pump for residential use, offering independent temperature control across three areas with a single outdoor unit. The system uses R32 (difluoromethane) as the refrigerant and can reportedly achieved a coefficient of performance of 4.2 at 8 C.
Astronergy launches 670 W TOPCon solar module with 24.8% efficiency
China’s Astronergy says its ASTRO N7 Pro module targets utility-scale PV plants and commercial rooftops, offering quarter-cell architecture, bifacial gains, and a 30-year performance guarantee.
Türkiye installs 4.7 GW of solar in 2025
Türkiye’s cumulative solar capacity is approaching 25 GW after another strong year for new deployments, led by installations for self-consumption in the commercial and industrial market.
French startup offers on-site solar module repair solution
France-based DOTSun has developed an on-site repair solution for solar panels with degraded backsheets, compatible with PA, PVDF, and PET types. The system uses a compact laminator to apply a protective film to the rear side of the module, reportedly restoring insulation and extending the service life of up to 2,000 panels per site.
Saudi Arabia reveals qualified bidders for 3.1 GW solar auction
Saudi Power Procurement Co. (SPPC) has announced the qualified developers for the seventh round of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy tender program, featuring four solar projects with a combined capacity of 3.1 GW.
Grid code standards key to unlock Indonesia’s solar potential
New research shows how modern technical standards, combined with broader regulatory and grid reforms, are essential to ensure system reliability in the Indonesian electricity system as renewable capacity grows.
Serbia tenders design, feasibility study of solar project
Serbian utility Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) is seeking bids for a feasibility study and design of a solar plant on an existing thermal power plant’s ash disposal site, with applications due by Jan. 23.
China connects world’s largest vanadium flow battery project
The GWh-scale long-duration energy storage project is expected to reduce curtailment in Xinjiang, a region of China with high solar and wind generation, and transmission bottlenecks. The flow battery installation is co-located with a PV plant.
Peru adds 454 MW of large-scale PV in 2025
Peru commissioned about 454 MW of utility-scale solar capacity in 2025, taking cumulative installed PV capacity to roughly 952 MW, according to the government.
