Technology and R&D

Researchers in Japan have achieved a 12.28% efficiency in a copper gallium selenide solar cell, the highest reported for indium-free wide-bandgap chalcogenide absorbers in the 1.65–1.75 eV range. The device uses aluminum-engineered films with a back-surface field and optimized cadmium sulfide buffer layers to enhance voltage, reduce recombination, and improve overall performance.

Energy requirements evolve over time, and solar systems must be designed with adaptability in mind. Design-led innovation supports scalability through modular architectures that allow systems to expand or integrate complementary technologies such as energy storage.

Delta Electronics India, in collaboration with the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corp. (TNSDC), has inaugurated a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Robotics and PLC Automation at the College of Engineering, Bargur, in Krishnagiri district, Tamil Nadu.

The Chinese manufacturer claims the new efficiency result sets a world record for industrial-scale TOPCon solar cells on M10-size wafers. The achievement was verified by an undisclosed independent third-party organization in China.

Under the terms of the deal, Germany’s NexWafe will supply its ultrathin solar wafers to Talon PV’s planned 4.8 GW TOPCon solar cell manufacturing plant in Texas. Initial qualification work will take place at a pilot production line at Fraunhofer ISE’s Photovoltaic Technology Evaluation Center.

Scientists in Hungary found that ground-mounted PV modules at an intermediate elevation of 1.1 m achieve the highest efficiency and power output due to improved airflow and reduced cell temperature. Their study also estimated a levelized cost of electricity of $0.0843/kWh and 577.78 kg CO₂ mitigation over 25 years, while noting results are specific to concrete surfaces.

By combining proven global practices with solutions designed for Indian conditions, offering choices for different customer needs, and continuing to invest in meaningful innovation, India can build a solar ecosystem that is resilient and inclusive.

Avaada Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GRIDCO and IIT-Bhubaneswar to establish a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Odisha focused on integrated research, innovation, and technology development in green hydrogen.

Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell using a TOPCon bottom cell with standard textured front surfaces. Their results show that TOPCon bottom cells can perform comparably to heterojunction cells in tandem devices in terms of shunt resistivity, supporting scalable, cost-effective industrial production.

A 2 MW solar park in Wallonia, Belgium, will rely 50 kW of hydrogen-producing solar modules developed by Solhyd, a spin-off from KU Lueven. The installation will be the first demonstration of Solhyd’s technology at a commercially-relevant scale.