Iondrive, an Australian recycling developer, has achieved over 85% silver extraction efficiency in initial bench-scale testing with their IONSolv platform, which uses deep eutectic solvents to selectively dissolve and extract targeted metals. The company plans to optimize the process further before applying it to end-of-life PV materials, aiming to prevent valuable materials like silver and silicon from ending up in landfills. This development is crucial for improving recovery of materials from solar panels and advancing sustainable solutions for recycling in the renewable energy industry.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Astronergy adopts quarter-cut cell design, boosting TOPCon module efficiency and reliability
Astronergy's new ASTRO N7 Pro PV modules feature quarter-cut cell technology and TOPCon 5.0+ technology, increasing module power and efficiency while maintaining compatibility with previous generations. The modules also have a high bifaciality rate and innovative module layout design to maximize solar area and improve efficiency. These advancements benefit utility and C&I solar projects by reducing system costs, increasing energy yield, and providing resilience in harsh environments. Major reliability challenges for solar products in utility-scale and C&I projects include prolonged outdoor exposure, thermal cycling, UV radiation, and physical damage from extreme weather. The ASTRO N7 Pro PV module incorporates innovative technologies to ensure stable power generation and support a 30-year linear power warranty with high end power retention. Optimized cell passivation and upgraded encapsulation materials enhance resistance to PID and UVID, improving long-term durability. Higher conversion efficiency leads to lower operating temperatures, slowing material aging. The quarter-cut circuit design reduces shading losses and peak hot-spot temperatures, improving safety and adaptability. The reinforced frame offers higher mechanical load capacity to withstand extreme weather conditions.
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India installs more than 2.08 million rooftop solar systems under PM scheme
Since early 2024, India has installed over 2.08 million rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana program, with INR 147.7 billion in central subsidies disbursed. The initiative has benefited over 2.6 million households nationwide, with Gujarat leading in implementation. The program provides upfront subsidies for residential consumers to install rooftop solar systems, aiming to generate renewable electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Deployment of rooftop solar systems across 10 million households could generate up to 1,000 billion units of renewable electricity and reduce emissions by 720 million metric tons over 25 years.
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German researchers develop sodium-ion battery based on lignin
German researchers have developed a sodium-ion battery technology using lignin-based hard carbon as the negative electrode, showing no significant degradation after 100 cycles. Lignin, a by-product of the wood and pulp industry, was chosen for its conductivity and electron storage capabilities. The goal is to achieve 200 cycles for the 1-Ah full cell, targeting stationary or mobile storage applications. This project supports independence from critical raw materials and aims to transition to cheaper, more sustainable batteries.
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Onyx Solar BIPV solution turns skyscraper skin into power source
Onyx Solar is installing a custom building integrated PV system at Atlassian's new headquarters in Sydney, featuring 1,794 solar glass 'louvres' that act as a self-shading system to reduce heat gain and enhance energy efficiency. This PV glazed facade allows natural light to enter, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption. The BIPV system enables the building to generate its own energy while maintaining comfort and aesthetics, with Atlassian aiming for 100% renewable energy operation by 2027.
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Australian renewables exceed 50% of power supply in Q4
Renewable generation in Australia reached over 50% in the fourth quarter of 2025, leading to lower wholesale power prices and improved grid reliability during extreme weather events. Batteries played a key role in stabilizing energy supply, with record levels of battery output. The Cheaper Home Batteries scheme has spurred rapid battery installations, supporting the growth of renewable energy infrastructure. The transition to a low-cost, clean, firmed renewables powered energy system is crucial for grid reliability, as coal power becomes more unreliable. The unstoppable energy system transformation is highlighted by the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, with renewable energy capacity additions surpassing nuclear additions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/02/australian-renewables-exceed-50-of-power-supply-in-q4/
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The impact of microclimate effects on floating PV plants
French researchers have developed a high-resolution computational framework to model microclimate effects of large floating solar PV systems, ground-mounted installations, and agrivoltaic systems. The model can inform thermal performance, environmental impacts, and optimize designs for utility-scale floating PV. It allows for accurate predictions of heat transfer, ambient temperatures, and water evaporation based on panel configuration and wind conditions. Additionally, researchers are developing CFD models to predict energy output and environmental trade-offs of dual-use photovoltaic systems and FPV evaporation research, as well as an agrivoltaics CFD-plant model to predict crop response below PV canopies. The study involves Ecole nationale des ponts et chaussees, Electricité de France RD, and Université Claude Bernard.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/02/02/the-impact-of-microclimate-effects-on-floating-pv-plants/
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How to design a UL-certified balcony solar kit in the United States
UL Solutions has released new technical guidance and a proposed certification pathway for plug-in balcony solar systems, addressing safety risks and design requirements as US states consider legalizing the technology. The white paper outlines safety considerations such as overcurrent protection, touch safety, and ground-fault protection for consumer-installed solar systems that connect directly to wall outlets. UL developed a new certification pathway, UL 3700, following the passage of Utah's balcony solar legislation, with similar bills under consideration in other states. Potential mitigation measures include dedicated circuits, solar-specific receptacles, and careful design for interactions with ground-fault circuit interrupters. UL emphasizes evaluating safety outcomes over commercial viability for plug-in PV systems.
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UNSW researchers identify new damp heat-induced failure mechanism in TOPCon solar modules
UNSW researchers have identified a new damp-heat degradation mechanism in TOPCon modules, driven by rear-side recombination and open-circuit voltage loss rather than series-resistance increase. The study emphasizes that magnesium in white EVA encapsulants accelerates degradation, guiding improved encapsulant and backsheet selection for more reliable modules in humid environments. The primary driver of degradation is a reduction in open-circuit voltage, particularly attributed to additives containing magnesium in white EVA. Insights from the research have led to design changes that reduce risks in commercial modules, aiming to refine encapsulant and material selection strategies for TOPCon modules, especially in humid climates. Other studies by UNSW have explored the effects of different encapsulants, soldering flux, and contaminants on TOPCon solar cells, as well as the impact of electron irradiation and UV-induced degradation.
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Korean scientists build mini perovskite solar module with 22.56% efficiency
Researchers at GIST have developed a perovskite mini-module with 22.56% efficiency by improving the SnO2 electron transport layer with PEI, reducing defects and electron loss. The module retained 94% of its performance after 500 hours, showing potential for scalable, stable perovskite solar cells and modules. The team focused on engineering the interface of the electron transport layer to address non-uniformity issues and improve efficiency and stability. By incorporating PEI into the SnO2 layer, they were able to reduce electron loss, improve electrical environment at the interface, and facilitate smooth electron transport, leading to high-quality perovskite films suitable for mass production.