Researchers from the University of Virginia have developed a laser-based method to remove backsheets from end-of-life solar modules without damaging the glass or silicon wafers. The process involves controlled heating of the silicon-EVA interface through the front glass, enabling clean mechanical delamination with preserved device performance. This method offers a lower-energy, lower-cost alternative to conventional thermal or chemical recycling methods. The IR-CW laser technology allows for precise thermal activation of the silicon-EVA interface while minimizing stress on surrounding materials. The research team confirmed that the silicon and metallization layers remain intact, with no significant degradation in device performance after laser treatment. This sustainable photovoltaic recycling method supports circular economy strategies for end-of-life solar modules and has low energy consumption and efficient operation, with equipment amortization and electricity costs totaling $0.22 per module.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Adani adds 150 MW solar capacity to Khavda 30 GW renewable energy park
Adani Green Energy has commissioned a 150 MW solar project at the Khavda renewable energy complex in Gujarat, as part of their goal to reach 30 GW by 2029. The park in Khavda aims to be the largest globally, integrating utility-scale solar and wind generation with advanced battery energy storage infrastructure. Despite facing logistical challenges due to the region's saline desert terrain, extreme temperatures, and remote location near the India-Pakistan border, developers stress the importance of extensive transmission infrastructure, high-voltage evacuation systems, and climate-resilient engineering to support the mega-scale deployment.
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Hybrid tidal-photovoltaic system for modular renewables deployment in estuarine channels
Researchers in Brazil have developed a hybrid tidal-PV floating farm concept for estuarine channels, analyzing wake effects, turbine spacing, and energy trade-offs. Integrating PV with hydrokinetic turbines improves energy yield by offsetting wake-related losses and optimizing farm configurations. The study focused on the Boqueirão Channel, with tidal ranges above 6m and current velocities exceeding 2.5m/s. Results show that greater turbine spacing allows for better wake recovery and higher energy yield, but creates a trade-off between energy yield and installed capacity. To address this, solar panels were installed on top of each turbine on a floating platform to maximize energy production. Simulation studies showed that increasing the number of columns in the farm layout resulted in higher energy generation and varying levelized costs of energy. The integration of photovoltaic generation helped compensate for energy losses from downstream turbines, improving overall productivity. The study concludes that hybrid systems are a technically feasible and economically promising solution for renewable energy deployment in estuarine channels.
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Australian researchers accelerate silicon wafer recycling using AI, robotics
Researchers from the University of New England and the Australian Institute for Strategic Artificial Intelligence are using AI and supercomputers to develop methods for recycling silicon wafers with minimal contamination, supported by a robotic laboratory funded by the Australian Research Council. Their AI-driven quantum chemical simulations aim to identify solvent formulations to cleanly separate silicon from wafers, improving recycling processes for solar panels in anticipation of Australia's expected one million tonnes of end-of-life panels by 2035. The launch of LabNext70 by UNE focuses on AI applications in materials science, education transformation, geopolitical analysis, and strategic decision-making to address climate-related challenges and promote sustainable solutions, highlighting the importance of leveraging technology for climate action and innovation in various sectors.
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Firm solar and storage costs fall to $54/MWh, says IRENA
IRENA's new report highlights the economic and strategic advantages of round-the-clock solar and wind paired with battery storage, showing that they are cheaper than new fossil fuel generation in high-quality resource regions. Firm levelized costs of electricity for solar-plus-storage range from $54/MWh to $82/MWh, compared to $70/MWh to $85/MWh for new coal in China and over $100/MWh for new gas globally. The decreasing capital costs have made dispatchable "anytime" solar electricity commercially viable in regions with high PV potential, allowing for more reliable and consistent renewable energy generation. These advancements in renewable energy systems emphasize their reliability, resilience, and ability to optimize grid connections while reducing price volatility, making them key solutions in the fight against climate change.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/06/firm-solar-and-storage-costs-fall-to-54-mwh-says-irena/
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IFC, Norfund back 315 solar hybrid minigrids in Nigeria
The International Finance Corporation and Norfund are providing $83.2 million in financing to develop 315 solar hybrid minigrid sites in Nigeria, aiming to facilitate over 494,000 new electricity connections. This initiative will expand access to reliable electricity, reduce energy costs, strengthen local economies, and enable income generating activities. The Africa Solar Industry Association has identified over 4.8 GW of operational solar in Nigeria, with 115 MW from solar minigrids. IFC also plans to grant Virtuitis $16 million to build and operate 97 solar minigrids, connecting over 140,000 off-grid consumers by 2027.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/05/04/ifc-norfund-back-315-solar-hybrid-minigrids-in-nigeria/
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Solar on canals reduces water evaporation by 70% and algae growth by 85%
The Nexus pilot project in California successfully demonstrated that installing solar panels over irrigation canals can reduce water evaporation and algae growth by 85%. This public-private partnership aimed to generate empirical data on the feasibility of deploying PV systems on active irrigation canals, showing potential operational efficiencies in canal management. The project tested various design configurations and highlighted the scalability potential of covering California's extensive canal network, which could save billions of gallons of water annually and improve water quality. This innovative solution has the potential to be a significant climate solution, offering both water conservation and renewable energy benefits.
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Australian researchers develop vapour-based manufacturing process for lead-free perovskite solar
University of Queensland researchers have developed a scalable, lead-free perovskite solar cell manufacturing process that achieves record indoor-light efficiency without toxic materials. The new method eliminates the need for hazardous solvents and lead, making it better suited for scalable manufacturing. The panels made using this process are thin, scalable, and can be integrated into a range of products, offering an alternative to batteries for low-power electronics. The technology has the potential to replace silicon with higher efficiencies and commercial potential, with applications in consumer electronics and environmental sensors. Further testing is needed to ensure protection from oxygen and moisture.
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Inorganic perovskite solar cell based on tetraphenyl-porphine zinc interlayer achieves 82% fill factor
An international research team has proposed a novel perovskite solar cell architecture incorporating a thin tetraphenyl-porphine zinc interfacial layer to enhance surface potential, passivate defect states, and improve charge transport, leading to improved device efficiency and operational stability with power conversion efficiencies exceeding 13%. The surface potential of cesium lead iodide bromide (CsPbIBr2) perovskite solar cells is enhanced by depositing a thin layer of tetraphenyl-porphine zinc (TPP-Zn) onto the active layer, enabling simultaneous suppression of surface defects and enhancement of charge carrier dynamics. Researchers have developed an optimized CsPbIBr2 perovskite solar cell with a peak efficiency of 13.47% and impressive performance metrics, demonstrating a promising approach for stable and high-performance inorganic perovskite solar cells. This study showcases a successful collaboration among scientists from various universities, as detailed in the article "Surface engineered wide-bandgap all-inorganic perovskite solar cells achieve a fill factor exceeding 82%."
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Renewables growth cut Spain’s electricity bills by 24.2% over the past two years
A new report from Positive Money reveals that Spain and Portugal have significantly reduced their exposure to gas price volatility by 53% in the past three years, thanks to the expansion of renewable energy. The study underscores how renewable energy is reshaping electricity prices in Europe, decreasing reliance on gas and mitigating vulnerability to volatile energy markets. The report also highlights the European Union's continued dependence on imported fossil fuels, leaving it susceptible to price shocks and geopolitical instability. Additionally, the report emphasizes the economic incentives for energy storage investments driven by low midday prices and higher evening peak prices, signaling the growing importance of energy storage technologies in the transition to a more sustainable and reliable energy system amidst shifting market dynamics.