Europe creates map to locate available capacity in power grids
The new pan-European digital platform is designed to enhance transparency and improve access to information on the hosting capacity of European electricity grids, including both transmission and distribution networks.
Brazil increases import tax on batteries at local manufacturer’s request
The measure raises the import tariff from 18% to 25% for 48V LFP batteries intended for stationary applications in telecommunications and photovoltaic systems of up to 4.8 kW until May 2027, following a request from the domestic industry via LETEC. For other batteries classified as lithium-ion electric accumulators, the reduced rate of 18% remains.
DAS Solar, UNSW build tunnel back-contact solar cell with 27% efficiency, lower silver content
Researchers from UNSW and DAS Solar developed a zero-busbar metal grid optimization approach for tunnel oxide passivated back-contact (TBC) silicon solar cells, enabling more efficient current collection at the rear surface while reducing silver consumption by 3–4 mg/W. The first TBC cells produced in mass manufacturing using this technique have demonstrated efficiencies exceeding 27%.
Meeting the challenges of long life time PV on buildings
As Europe’s first generations of integrated PV systems age, researchers and industry actors are only beginning to explore the long-term realities of maintenance, compatibility and repair.
China invalidates First Solar TOPCon patent in major win for JinkoSolar
JinkoSolar has won a key patent invalidation in China against First Solar’s TOPCon-related patent, with the China National Intellectual Property Administration ruling it fully invalid.
Chinese wafer producers build inventory ahead of expected Q3 demand recovery
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Lidl launches 2.24 kWh battery in Germany for €299
The battery supports 1,000 W input and 800 W output, is compatible with most balcony PV systems, and can be optionally app-controlled via a dedicated app.
Solar industry cost-cutting sparks record wave of spontaneous glass breakage
Instances of cracks in PV module glass started appearing about five years ago. Spontaneous glass breakage is now one of the solar industry’s top issues, but manufacturing pressures and a lack of standards are hindering solutions.
Bluetti launches new storage systems for balcony PV
Bluetti has launched the Balco 260 and Balco 500, two integrated balcony PV storage systems combining MPPT, inverter, battery storage and smart control in a plug-and-play architecture for urban households.
DNV publishes new floating PV safety standards
Norwegian classification society DNV has published two new guidelines covering the structural design of floats for floating solar systems and their mooring and station keeping systems.
