Author
Mark Hutchins
Mark Hutchins is Magazine Director. He joined pv magazine in September 2016 as production editor of the monthly global title. Mark also works online reporting on upstream technology and markets, as well as newly emerging solar regions.
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Articles written by Mark Hutchins
Trump signs Section 232 tariffs, placing minimum import price on polysilicon imports
Following a Section 232 investigation into polysilicon and its derivatives, the White House has announced plans to implement a 15% tariff on polysilicon imports to the United States, along with price floors for polysilicon along with solar ingots, wafers, cells and modules derived from the material.
Aug 10, 2026
United Solar completes $1.6 billion raise for Oman polysilicon factory
United Solar announced financial close on a $50 million equity investment from the International Finance Corporation. With this, the company says it has completed the $1.6 billion funding for the polysilicon factory it is currently working to bring online in Oman’s Sohar Free Zone.
Nextpower files patent lawsuit against Gamechange
In a lawsuit filed in the US District Court of Delaware, Nextpower alleges that Gamechange Energy has infringed on three of its patents related to tracker technology and software. Gamechange has denied the infringements and says it plans to mount a full defense.
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Building a new solar industry segment
A study conducted by the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in collaboration with India-based think tank the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP), found that India has the potential for more than 300 GW of building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems on its existing buildings alone. Moreover, according to a World Bank report, 70% of the buildings India will need to become a developed nation by 2047 are yet to be constructed, underscoring the vast future potential for BIPV systems in the country.
Inside perovskite solar cell durability and performance testing
Accurately measuring the performance of perovskite solar cells and modules requires significant modifications to long-established testing standards used in silicon PV. Researchers are settling on methods that rely on up to several minutes of constant light exposure and other time-consuming procedures. These may be fine for the laboratory setting, but those looking to produce this technology at scale need standardized methods that can characterize cells and modules at a much faster rate.
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Perovskite rollout gathers pace
Perovskite’s growing visibility at industry events in 2025 is a sign that perovskites have progressed beyond the small lab-made devices seen earlier this decade. The focus is now on developing materials, processes, and a supply chain ready for large-scale manufacturing and deployment.
Solving the UV problem of n-type solar
Laboratory testing has revealed that some negatively-doped, “n-type” tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) and heterojunction (HJT) solar modules are susceptible to ultraviolet (UV) light-related damage and degradation. That could mean trouble down the line, if modules in the field begin to show UV-related performance loss. Manufacturers are implementing solutions at cell and module level.
Oct 22, 2024
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Press releases
Press Release
Alectris
Nov 27, 2018