Researchers from the University of Jaén in Spain have developed a low-concentrator photovoltaic receiver for wireless laser power transmission, aiming to improve power-conversion efficiency and angular tolerance under static illumination. They used monocrystalline silicon cells with interdigitated back-contact architecture and PMMA concentrators for fabrication, highlighting the need for further optimization in laser-to-electricity conversion efficiency. Additionally, researchers found that grouping solar cells based on similar photocurrent can significantly reduce losses, with a ring interconnection architecture performing almost as well as an ideal mismatch-free configuration. The team emphasized the importance of current-balancing strategies and tailored interconnection schemes for high-efficiency laser-powered photovoltaic reception, while also developing a semi-transparent crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic module with rear-side optical concentrators for agrivoltaics applications, balancing efficiency and optical transparency while minimizing shading.
Author: Pv Magazine
-
Study finds arable crops adapt surprisingly well to agrivoltaic shading
A study by Germany's University of Hohenheim and the Jülich Research Centre found that crops like barley, beans, potatoes, cabbage, and maize can effectively adapt their photosynthesis to altered light conditions caused by photovoltaic modules. The study also showed that agroforestry systems, where trees or shrubs grow alongside crops, can decrease plants' light requirements significantly under partial shade, allowing them to use CO2 more efficiently for photosynthesis. This adaptability could be used to identify and breed crop varieties suitable for agrivoltaic systems. Agrivoltaics can help mitigate heat and drought stress by improving the microclimate, lowering soil temperatures, and helping soil retain moisture for longer periods, making them important for agriculture to adapt to climate change. Yield data varied by location and crop type, with no consistent pattern, but the research provides insights into how crops respond to natural shading, offering fundamental knowledge for sustainable farming solutions.
-
Chinese automotive glass giant announces vehicle-integrated solar roof
Fuyao Group has successfully developed solar sunroof glass with embedded photovoltaic cells for vehicles, reaching mass production capability in May 2024. The company is reportedly partnering with BYD to offer the solar sunroof on specific vehicle models, signaling a move towards commercialization of automotive PV technology. This innovation allows sunlight to generate electricity for onboard equipment, providing a way to power auxiliary loads while parked, rather than replacing conventional EV charging. Fuyao's factories are increasing production capacity for automotive glass, highlighting the growing interest in vehicle-integrated PV solutions for sustainable energy generation.
-
India’s model solar villages
Distributed renewable energy (DRE) systems are gaining popularity in India for generating electricity locally, driving rural development, empowering communities, and building economic resilience. India is actively implementing DREs in villages and rural areas to address climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/19/indias-model-solar-villages/
-
Researchers model 1,708 pathways for global PV waste recycling
An international research group has developed a framework to evaluate the economic and climate benefits of local versus outsourced PV waste recycling, assessing 1,708 different scenarios across 32 regions. Despite anticipated technological advances, global PV waste recycling is not expected to reach its break-even point for over a decade, with rising material prices impacting profitability and new PV deployment. Combining region-specific recycling technologies with outsourced strategies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 3.32 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent by 2060, but may concentrate benefits in a few regions. A well-designed declining-subsidy scheme can help mitigate inequalities, with high-carbon-price subsidies potentially increasing disparities. The study highlights the importance of considering various waste-trade configurations and subsidy schemes to maximize global recycling benefits and reduce regional disparities in the future.
-
Chinese scientists achieve record-breaking 24.0% efficieny for meter scale perovskite solar modules
Researchers have developed a perovskite solar module with a record-breaking power conversion efficiency of 24.0% using lead carboxylate passivators, achieving a champion efficiency of 24.2% and demonstrating enhanced resistance to environmental stressors. The use of LCP passivators resulted in improved charge extraction and reduced carrier trapping, leading to high durability under standardized testing that surpassed the reliability requirements of IEC 61215. A new manufacturing process combining high-saturated-vapor-pressure processing with chemically stable LCP passivation has been developed for efficient, durable, and scalable meter-scale perovskite photovoltaics, offering a promising industry-ready route for the production of perovskite solar modules.
-
Saatvik Solar to add 3.6 GW of cell manufacturing capacity in India
Saatvik Solar Industries is expanding their solar cell manufacturing capacity by 3.6 GW at Gopalpur in Odisha, with Phase II set to begin commercial production by fiscal year 2028. This expansion is in response to the increasing demand for domestically manufactured solar products and aims to strengthen the company's position in the solar value chain. Additionally, Saatvik Green Energy is moving forward with ramping up production in Phase I and preparing for further growth in Phase II.
-
The Hydrogen Stream: Commissioning begins for 2.2 GW Neom H2 project in Saudi Arabia
Neom Green Hydrogen Company has started commissioning a 2.2 GW green hydrogen and ammonia project in Saudi Arabia, while a 2.1 GW electrolyzer project in Germany has been canceled. Power to Hydrogen has installed a 500 kW AEM electrolyzer in Belgium, and Norway's Hystar and India's BHEL have signed an agreement for local manufacturing of PEM electrolyzers in India. The Italian government has announced incentives for renewable hydrogen production, with a spending limit of €400 million annually. This initiative aims to promote low-cost hydrogen production as a climate solution.
-
KIT develops hybrid solar system with radiative cooling
Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have developed a hybrid system that combines solar energy harvesting with passive daytime radiative cooling to provide electricity, heat, and cooling from a single surface. The system integrates photovoltaics with a transparent cooling layer that emits heat into space through the atmospheric window, achieving cooling of up to 6.5 C below ambient temperature while generating electricity and heat. The team plans to optimize the system for widespread use on roofs and facades to provide multifunctional energy solutions, showcasing a promising advancement in climate-friendly technology.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/14/kit-develops-hybrid-solar-system-with-radiative-cooling/
-
The world’s most efficient solar panel goes on sale later this year
Tandem PV, a semiconductor company, has raised $100M in funding for perovskite advancement in solar technology, with a focus on reaching 37% efficiency by 2030. The company plans to achieve bankability through pilot deployments with independent power producers and aims to offer a 30-year warranty with minimal module degradation. Tandem's strategy includes selling to utility-scale IPPs and potentially unbundling their product for sale, positioning themselves for growth and scalability in the solar panel market. Key backers include Eclipse Ventures, Constellation Energy, and Trellis Climate, highlighting the confidence in the progress of their technology and the importance of perseverance in achieving success in renewable energy.