UNSW study finds tracker-based PV systems experience higher UV degradation than fixed-tilt arrays
New research from the University of New South Wales shows that PV module degradation varies widely with system design and location, driven by UV exposure, temperature, humidity, and atmospheric conditions. Tropical and desert regions face the highest stress, highlighting the need for climate-specific testing and system design.
Heterojunction vs. TOPCon in perovskite-silicon tandem
Scientists at the Australian National University claim that TOPCon cells are rapidly closing the open-circuit voltage gap with HJT counterparts, now under 10 mV, while offering greater wafer tolerance and high industrial scalability. Despite slightly lower efficiency, TOPCon-based perovskite/silicon tandems can achieve a levelised cost of energy comparable to HJT-based tandems due to reduced fabrication costs, according to the researchers.
Study shows impact of annealing on copper-plated HJT solar cells
A UNSW-led team found that annealing conditions significantly affect stress, strain, and microstructure in copper-plated heterojunction solar cell contacts, with fast annealing increasing microstrain in both copper and indium tin oxide.
Solar Fabrik launches 400 W red-brown module for heritage roofs
Solar Fabrik has introduced a 400 W red-brown glass-glass PV module designed to meet strict aesthetic requirements for historic and protected buildings, offering a 20.02% efficiency and compatibility with traditional tiled rooftops.
ClearVue secures global certification for metal-backed solar panels
Building-integrated PV technology company ClearVue Technologies is a step closer to commercial deployment of its metal-backed solar panels after securing global IEC certification for the integrated rooftop system.
UNSW unveils new ageing method to assess TOPCon solar module degradation
UNSW researchers developed a chemically selective, nitrate-based, single-sided accelerated ageing method for TOPCon solar cells that replicates the mildly acidic environment inside EVA-encapsulated modules. The proposed approach enables rapid, physically meaningful screening of front-side metallisation stability, reliably predicting module-level degradation and reducing development time and costs, according to its creators.
Tongwei moves into hybrid HJT back-contact solar cell technology
Tongwei is partnering with GS-Solar and Golden Solar to develop a large-scale manufacturing facility for hybrid heterojunction back-contact solar cells that combine HJT passivation, tunneling oxide and polysilicon structures used in TOPCon designs, and the grid-free front-side architecture typical of back-contact technologies.
RayGen rolls out 1 MW concentrated solar power plant in Brazil
Australian solar and thermal energy storage company RayGen says it has achieved a major international milestone with the commissioning of a 1 MW concentrated solar plant in Brazil.
JinkoSolar achieves 32.76% efficiency in perovskite-TOPCon tandem solar cell
The result was certified by China’s National Photovoltaic Industry Metrology Test Center. The cell utilises a perovskite top device with MBT-ligand-controlled crystallisation on a TOPCon silicon bottom cell, achieving a void-free, high-efficiency tandem structure.
China’s clean tech manufacturing dominance a supply chain risk: report
While the world reels from interruption to crude oil supply chains, a new International Energy Agency report shows clean energy technology manufacturing supply chains are at risk, largely due to the world’s reliance on China’s advanced manufacturing and distribution expertise.
