Trina Solar has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 28.0% for its new TOPCon-compatible hybrid back-contact solar cell, certified by Germany's ISFH. The THBC technology combines TOPCon passivated-contact capability, HJT-style passivation advantages, and a back-contact electrode structure, setting a new benchmark for large-area crystalline silicon cells. This innovation is compatible with thin wafers and current TOPCon production lines, potentially reducing commercialization costs. Trina Solar plans to release new THBC-based products and has mass-production plans in place, signaling a significant advancement in solar technology for climate solutions.
Author: Pv Magazine
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Meta gains early access to 1 GW of space-based solar power
Meta has signed an agreement with Overview Energy to receive space-based solar power for its data centers, aiming to demonstrate the technology in 2028 and begin commercial power delivery in 2030. This system collects solar energy in space and beams it to existing solar facilities on the ground, offering a 30% power boost and allowing developers to bypass grid constraints and interconnection bottlenecks. The partnership reflects a broader industry shift towards non-grid solutions as companies seek to insulate themselves from grid volatility and meet the power requirements of generative AI. This innovative orbital strategy could revolutionize the way companies access renewable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/27/meta-gains-early-access-to-1-gw-of-space-based-solar-power/
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UK solar developer secures $1.1 billion financing package
Enviromena, an independent power producer, has secured a £825 million ($1.1 billion) senior portfolio financing package to support the buildout of a 1 GW solar pipeline in the UK. The financing, underwritten by institutional investors, includes an initial £525 million with an additional £300 million available for expansion. With a development pipeline exceeding 3 GW and over 120 solar plants built to date, Enviromena aims to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and support the UK's energy transition. This landmark financing package is a significant step towards achieving climate solutions and reducing carbon emissions in the UK.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/24/uk-solar-developer-secures-1-1-billion-financing-package/
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Japanese scientists build all-perovskite tandem solar cell with 30.2% efficiency
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed an all-perovskite tandem solar cell using FAPbI3 nanoparticles, achieving 30.2% efficiency by combining a wide-bandgap top cell and a narrow-bandgap bottom cell. FAPbI3 is known for its high efficiency in solar cells but can transform into a non-functional phase, limiting performance. The researchers used a two-step method to fabricate the perovskite layers, stabilizing the material and improving durability. The four-terminal spectral splitting architecture of the device minimizes losses and efficiently utilizes the solar spectrum across both cells. The study suggests that carefully chosen spectral splitting wavelengths can lead to high efficiencies in both four-terminal and two-terminal perovskite solar cell architectures, with practical deployment options including outdoor photovoltaic systems and integration with concentrator photovoltaics.
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Dutch buildings could host 36 GW of façade solar capacity
The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) report highlights the potential for building façades to offer up to 36 GW of solar PV capacity in the country, particularly in buildings with unsuitable roofs or where architectural considerations are important. While façade PV is currently a niche solution due to high costs and regulatory complexity, it can complement rooftop systems in space-constrained or grid-limited areas. To increase uptake, the study recommends a targeted approach focusing on rooftop PV and selective use of façade systems, with more demonstration projects, improved transparency on costs, simplified permitting processes, and better communication of financial incentives. Municipalities and national authorities are encouraged to lead by example by deploying façade PV on public real estate.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/23/dutch-buildings-could-host-36-gw-of-facade-solar-capacity/
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Maldives’ largest floating solar array goes online
Swimsol has successfully installed a 2.4 MW floating solar array at the Cheval Blanc Randheli resort in the Maldives, enabling the property to operate solely on solar power during daylight hours. The project utilizes the durable SolarSea platform, designed to withstand marine conditions with specially engineered anchors, high-quality components, and battery storage for optimized energy production and grid stability. This installation is expected to save the resort approximately $1.5 million annually in diesel costs, with a break-even point for SolarSea systems ranging between $0.65 and $0.85 per litre. With multiple SolarSea projects completed or in progress in the Maldives, Seychelles, and other island nations, this innovative solution is proving to be a sustainable and cost-effective option for transitioning to renewable energy sources in coastal regions.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/22/maldives-largest-floating-solar-array-goes-online/
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The world added 605 GW of new PV capacity in 2025, says IEA
The International Energy Agency's latest report highlights the significant increase in solar PV electricity generation in 2025, with a total generation of around 2,800 TWh. Solar's share of global electricity generation has surpassed 8%, with solar covering 605 GW of new renewables capacity. Solar met more than 25% of the higher global energy demand, marking the first time a modern renewable source contributed the largest share of energy demand growth. Battery storage is identified as the fastest growing power technology, with lithium-iron phosphate batteries dominating the market and an increasing number of projects being deployed for longer durations to provide flexibility in systems with rising shares of PV.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/21/the-world-added-605-gw-of-new-pv-capacity-in-2025-says-iea/
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Fabricating perovskite solar cells with robotic boxes
An international research team has developed an AI-driven robotic platform that autonomously designs, fabricates, and optimizes perovskite solar cells, achieving efficiencies of up to 27%. The system processes information from thousands of publications and data generated during device fabrication through a seven-layer AI architecture. Scientists from multiple universities have collaborated on a system to improve recipe recommendations for robotic execution in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells, aiming to enhance efficiency and accuracy. This innovative approach combines robotic fabrication and characterization within a closed-loop system, highlighting the importance of technological advancements in the renewable energy sector.
https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/04/21/fabricating-perovskite-solar-cells-with-robotic-boxes/
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Low-pressure hydrogen bridges seasonal gaps in solar-powered Japanese building
Taisei Corporation has successfully operated a building entirely on solar power by combining photovoltaic generation with a hybrid energy storage system integrating batteries and low-pressure hydrogen. Their energy management system balances short- and long-term energy supply and demand, allowing for year-round renewable operation. The pilot project in Yokohama stored surplus PV power in batteries or converted it into hydrogen for later use, ensuring energy availability even during periods of low solar generation. Taisei plans to enhance the efficiency of their system to achieve fully optimized year-round renewable energy operation in buildings, aligning with their commitment to decarbonizing Japan's energy system.
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California powers its massive water pumps with 105 solar project
California has successfully launched the 105 MW Pastoria Solar Project in Kern County to power the Edmonston Pumping Plant, a key water supply infrastructure for Southern California. Equipped with tracking technology, this project is the largest renewable energy procurement in the history of the State Water Project. By utilizing renewable energy, officials hope to stabilize water delivery costs and move towards carbon neutrality by 2035. The project also incorporates a natural gas facility and a battery storage system, and was completed with union labor, showcasing the integration of climate goals with local economic development.