Researchers from UNSW and DAS Solar have developed a zero-busbar metal grid optimization approach for tunnel oxide passivated back-contact (TBC) silicon solar cells, reducing silver consumption by 3-4 mg/W. The first TBC cells produced using this technique have achieved efficiencies exceeding 27%. The ZBB design cuts silver paste consumption significantly, supporting large-scale industrialization of TBC solar cells. DAS Solar has begun mass production of ZBB TBC cells with silver consumption of approximately 6 mg/W and peak conversion efficiency exceeding 27%. The cell design includes textured front surface with passivation layers and relies on p-type and n-type polycrystalline silicon at the rear side. The article also discusses the benefits of larger busbar segmentation and efficient current routing in improving solar cell efficiency, comparing ZBB cells with pad-based cells. The study found that ZBB cells offer at least a 0.1% efficiency gain over pad-based cells, with potential for further improvement with reduced silver paste consumption. DAS Solar introduced a circuit-model-based method to detect hot-spot risks in TOPCon back-contact modules, addressing limitations of existing approaches.
Category: Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Production
– Improve Electrical System
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China solar exports hit all-time record in March as Africa, Asia demand jumps
In March 2026, China exported a record volume of solar components, totaling 68 gigawatts in solar capacity, as fossil fuel prices rose and tax rebates for clean technology ended. This surge in demand led to 50 countries setting all-time records for Chinese solar imports, with African nations experiencing a significant increase in demand. Despite China's decision to end tax rebates, African countries are continuing to rapidly expand their solar energy capacity, with prices expected to rise but not reverse the clean energy transition. Asian nations, including India, also increased their imports of Chinese solar components, reflecting a global trend towards solar energy adoption.
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REPORT: U.S. Adds 10 GWh of New Energy Storage Capacity in 1st Quarter, Best Q1 on Record
The U.S. energy storage industry experienced a record first quarter in 2026, installing 9.7 GWh of new capacity and seeing a 32% increase year-over-year. By 2030, over 610 GWh of energy storage is expected to be installed, driven by the attractiveness of solar and storage due to their insulation from fuel price swings and increasing domestic production. Data centers, tech companies, and states like Texas, Arizona, and California are leading the surge in energy storage deployment, although federal permitting delays could pose a challenge. Additionally, in 2021, 515 MWh of residential storage was installed alongside C&I storage, with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) advocating for clean energy policies and job creation in the solar industry. SEIA, founded in 1974, collaborates with over 1,200 member companies to promote competition and growth in the solar and solar + storage industries.
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US Solar & Storage Manufacturers Flood DC To Highlight Global Leadership & Jobs
The US solar power and storage industry has experienced significant growth, with 280,000 and 80,000 people employed in each sector respectively. Recent investments in American-made solar and storage technologies, totaling $43.1 billion across more than 40 states, have strengthened the country's energy security and economy. These investments are crucial for delivering affordable and dependable energy, supporting American jobs, manufacturing, and long-term energy security. With a focus on strong domestic supply chains and the ability to build energy infrastructure at scale, solar and storage technologies are key to delivering reliable, low-cost power as electricity demand accelerates. Stable policy, predictable permitting, and continued support for domestic manufacturing are essential for maintaining America's energy leadership in the global market.
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Fujiyama Power to set up 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in India
Fujiyama Power Systems is planning to establish a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, India, to enhance its presence in the on-grid rooftop solar segment. The facility, set to commence commercial production in the first quarter of fiscal year 2028, will be financed through debt and internal accruals. This expansion is aimed at reducing cost volatility, securing DCR-compliant solar cell supply, improving margins, and solidifying the company's position in India's rooftop solar market. Being included in the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's ALMM-II list positions Fujiyama Power Systems to benefit from the increasing demand for DCR solar panels under the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
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California Affirms 25 GW Goal For Offshore Wind, Trump Or Not
California has 200 gigawatts of offshore wind potential, with a goal of 5 gigawatts by 2030 and 25 gigawatts by 2045. Despite Trump's attempts to halt offshore wind projects, federal judges have affirmed that work can continue on existing projects. Governor Newsom supports offshore wind development as a clean energy source for California. The Trump administration's halt to approvals for new onshore wind projects has put $50 billion in investments and 150,000 jobs at risk, with 150 projects impacted in Texas alone. Offshore wind stakeholders in California are still moving forward with plans despite federal energy policy changes, participating in the global industry and making strides in infrastructure investments and workforce training.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/23/offshore-wind-california-global-agreements/
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Earth.org Debunks Clean Energy Myths
Large corporations and the current US government are spreading false information to attack renewable energy, electric vehicles, and progressive values, claiming they are costly and unreliable. However, recent data shows that renewables are cheaper, with the shift saving $467 billion in global fuel expenditures in 2024. The cost of solar and wind is zero, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to fossil fuels. Additionally, new sodium-ion batteries for energy storage are reducing costs, with the US projected to add 24 gigawatts of utility scale storage in 2026. Renewable energy is surpassing coal as the world's largest electricity source, creating more jobs and having a smaller environmental footprint. Despite disinformation, a calm and rational presentation of facts is key to changing minds and driving the transition to clean energy.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/23/earth-org-debunks-clean-energy-myths/
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Europe creates map to locate available capacity in power grids
Capacitypedia is a new pan-European digital platform launched by ENTSO-E and the DSO Entity to improve transparency and access to information on the hosting capacity of European electricity grids. It aggregates data from transmission and distribution system operators across Europe, aiming to help developers, utilities, investors, and industrial users locate and compare capacity availability. The platform focuses on improving visibility of grid capacity for renewable energy projects, energy storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Capacitypedia includes an interactive map showing countries providing public information on grid capacity and promotes a standardized interpretation of hosting capacity across Europe.
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200 White Hot Toaster Ovens Are Storing Wind Power
Antora Energy, a California-based startup, has developed a high-efficiency thermal energy grid storage system using specialized carbon blocks to store excess wind energy. Collaborating with biofuel firm POET, they aim to address wind power curtailment issues by providing a reliable, on-demand source of zero-carbon heat and power. Antora's thermal batteries offer a decarbonization solution that displaces fossil fuel use, with the system at Big Stone expected to be fully operational by October. By converting intermittent renewable electricity into a reliable source of energy, Antora Energy is contributing to the economic value and growth potential of wind power, despite challenges in the current political climate.
https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/22/wind-power-energy-storage-carbon-blocks-ethanol/
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Another first for renewables: Wind and solar outgenerate gas in April
In April, wind and solar energy surpassed natural gas in global electricity production for the first time, marking a significant shift from just five years ago. Last year, solar alone met 75% of new electricity demand, leading to a decline in fossil-fuel power generation. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has underscored the importance of renewable energy as disruptions in natural gas exports caused supply shortages and price spikes. Although coal still produces more electricity globally, its share is decreasing, signaling a shift towards renewable energy sources.
https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/clean-energy/wind-solar-outgenerate-gas-april