Researchers led by Fraunhofer ISE have demonstrated zinc-doped tin oxide (ZTO) as a promising indium-free alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO) for recombination layers in fully textured perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. ZTO offers comparable device efficiencies of 27-28% under current-matching conditions, providing a scalable, indium-free pathway for high-performance tandem photovoltaics without efficiency loss. The study compared ZTO, aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO), and ITO transparent conductive oxides, with ZTO showing superior compatibility with hybrid-processed perovskite top cells on TOPCon-based perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. The research emphasizes the importance of processing parameters such as sputter parameters and annealing in tuning the structural and electrical properties of the transparent conductive oxides.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Inside the financing of Egypt’s largest solar‐plus‐storage project
Norwegian developer Scatec ASA has commissioned the first phase of the 1.1 GW Obelisk solar and battery energy storage system project in Egypt, financed with multilateral development bank debt and equity from a Norwegian climate fund and a French energy company. The project, fully contracted with a power purchase agreement (PPA) to eliminate merchant exposure, includes 561 MW of solar and a 100 MW/200 MWh battery storage system in the first phase, with an additional 564 MW of solar to be added in the second phase. With the aim of accelerating the transition to renewable energy in emerging markets, the project is backed by a sovereign guarantee, highlighting a significant step towards climate solutions in the energy sector.
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Agrivoltaics maintain or enhanche forage quality, study finds
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Minnesota and the University of New Hampshire found that agrivoltaic arrays can maintain or improve forage quality for grazing dairy cattle. The research focused on how solar intensity and panel configuration impact yield and feed quality of grasses and legumes. Results showed that while forage biomass was lower at a 50 kW solar site compared to a 30 kW site and control pasture, the 50 kW forages had higher crude protein content. Overall, the study suggests that agrivoltaic systems have the potential to enhance forage quality and biomass production compared to traditional pastures.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/16/agrivoltaics-maintain-or-enhanche-forage-quality-study-finds/
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Span and Nvidia to develop AI data centers in your backyard, lowering electric bills
Span has partnered with Nvidia to develop XFRA, a network of devices that convert unused electric capacity in homes and businesses into a distributed compute cloud. The nodes are placed at customer locations and connected to a smart service panel to manage energy usage, aiming to utilize untapped power capacity in residential homes and increase grid utilization. Homeowners and small businesses hosting the nodes will receive benefits such as discounted rates for electricity and internet, with the potential for optional solar installations to improve economics in high-cost markets. The XFRA program aims to create a synergistic, virtuous cycle that improves grid utilization and drives down per kilowatt hour electricity prices, offering significant opportunities for Span and broader benefits to all utility ratepayers in the long term.
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Togo opens solar minigrid tender
The government of Togo has launched a tender for the construction of solar minigrids in 27 rural localities as part of the Rural Electrification Project funded by the Islamic Development Bank. The project aims to electrify a total of 317 localities through solar minigrids, with interested bidders able to purchase tender documents and submit bids by May 26. The tender is split into two lots with specific solar and storage capacities, highlighting Togo's commitment to expanding access to clean energy solutions in rural areas.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/togo-opens-solar-minigrid-tender/
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Mova unveils all-in-one plug-in solar and storage solutions
In 2026, Mova will release the LumeGret series featuring smart tariff optimization, compatibility with smart meters, and the innovative FluxCharge direct EV charging concept. With a focus on clean solar energy, the product offers a 2.5 kW charging capacity for maximum efficiency. Available in Europe in Q2 2026, the entry price is around €1,000, making it an accessible option for those seeking sustainable solutions for electric vehicle charging.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/15/mova-unveils-all-in-one-plug-in-solar-and-storage-solutions/
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How to generate hydrogen at home with recycled solar panels
A Chilean research team has developed a residential-scale system to produce green hydrogen using discarded photovoltaic modules, combining them with a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer to reduce system complexity. The system achieves an annual energy yield equal to 88% of power electronics-based optimization, with daily hydrogen production exceeding basic household demand. With a levelized cost of hydrogen of approximately $5.8/kg, representing an 18% reduction compared to more complex systems, this low-cost solution could help address the growing volume of photovoltaic waste and the high cost of green hydrogen.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/14/how-to-generate-hydrogen-at-home-with-recycled-solar-panels/
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Reduced graphene oxide boosts stability in perovskite solar modules
Indian scientists have developed perovskite mini-modules with reduced graphene oxide interface engineering, achieving 16.6% efficiency and over 1,300 hours of stable operation. A study published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells demonstrated that a new cell and module concept using r-GO interfacial passivation and optimized transport layers achieved over 95% efficiency after 1,300 hours of operation and storage. The graphene oxide layer improves film quality, reduces defects, enhances charge transport, and enables scalable fabrication, offering a promising route toward efficient and durable perovskite solar modules. The academics involved in the study believe this approach is effective for creating more efficient and durable perovskite modules, providing a promising pathway for bridging the gap between laboratory-scale devices and commercially viable perovskite solar modules.
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Cooling solar modules with nanofluids based on graphene oxide, Mxene
An international research group has developed a novel solar module passive cooling system that integrates a three-dimensional oscillating heat pipe (3D-OHP) with different combinations of nanofluids based on hybrid graphene oxide (GO) and a two-dimensional titanium carbide known as MXene (Ti3C2Tx). The system was tested in real outdoor conditions and showed temperature reductions of over 24°C, a 14.9% increase in power output, and an improvement in efficiency. Despite a 31% increase in viscosity, the hybrid nanofluid maintained stability and delivered strong exergy performance while remaining economically competitive. The system has potential for use in urban PV cooling and further research includes optimization of geometry and concentration, integration with PV-battery systems, and comparisons with other advanced nanofluids and surface treatments.
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Ontario backs 12 solar projects totaling 915 MW
Ontario has approved 12 solar projects and 2 wind projects, totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and adding 3 TWh of new annual capacity to the grid. These projects, with at least 50% Indigenous equity ownership, will power over 350,000 homes and are awarded 20-year agreements. The procurement exercise highlights the readiness of renewable energy to meet rapid growth challenges, with solar capacity in Canada expected to reach 21 GW by the mid-2020s. Commercial operations for these projects are set to begin by May 2030.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/10/ontario-backs-12-solar-projects-totaling-915-mw/