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PV Magazine
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- 1
New figures show the world added around 690 gigawatts of solar power capacity in 2025, according to reporting by pv magazine. The total underscores the continued rapid expansion of solar energy worldwide, as installations keep outpacing forecasts driven by falling costs and strong demand in major markets. Industry observers are weighing what the record-scale buildout means for grids, fossil fuel demand and global climate targets.
- 2Longi sets 28.29% world record for silicon solar cell efficiency▼Longi sets 28.29% world record for single-junction silicon solar cell efficiency
Chinese solar manufacturer Longi has set a new world record of 28.29% efficiency for a single-junction silicon solar cell, according to pv magazine USA. The figure marks a milestone for crystalline silicon photovoltaics, pushing closer to the technology's theoretical limits. Industry observers see such records as key to lowering solar power costs and strengthening Longi's position in the fiercely competitive global panel market.
- 3Key takeaways from Solar & Storage Live UK in Birmingham●Key takeaways from Solar & Storage Live UK, Birmingham
The UK's largest solar and energy storage exhibition took place in Birmingham, bringing together industry figures from across the renewable energy sector. pv magazine reported the main takeaways from the event, covering developments in solar technology, battery storage and the policy landscape shaping the UK's clean energy transition.
- 4
Solar industry publication pv magazine has published its weekly digest of the most important solar energy stories. The roundup gathers developments in photovoltaics, policy and markets that readers may have missed during the week, giving a quick overview of where the solar sector is heading. It is part of the outlet's regular coverage aimed at professionals and followers of the renewable energy transition.
- 5European residential heat pump sales up 11% in first half▼"European residential heat pump sales up 11% in H1" # EuropeanUnion # HeatPump # Energy https://www. pv-magazine.com/202
Residential heat pump sales across Europe rose 11% in the first half of the year, according to reporting by PV Magazine. The rebound is being read as a sign of renewed momentum for electrified home heating in the European Union after a period of weak demand, with the technology seen as key to cutting household emissions and reliance on fossil fuel heating.
- 6Swelect launches hybrid solar inverter range for commercial use▼Swelect launches hybrid solar inverter range for C&I applications
Indian solar equipment maker Swelect has launched a new range of hybrid solar inverters aimed at commercial and industrial customers. The product line is designed to combine solar generation with battery storage, helping businesses cut grid dependence and manage energy costs. The launch was reported by pv magazine Global.
- 7Italian startup unveils double-layer solar panel prototype▼Italian startup unveils double-layer PV system prototype for space-constrained applications
An Italian startup has presented a prototype of a double-layer photovoltaic system aimed at installations where roof or ground space is limited. The design stacks two PV layers to generate more power from a constrained area. The announcement was reported by pv magazine Global, and details on the technology, efficiency gains and commercialization timeline have not yet been made public.
- 8Battery storage paired with 37% of new US residential solar in 2025▼Battery storage paired with 37% of new U.S. residential solar systems in 2025
Battery storage was attached to 37% of new residential solar systems installed in the United States in 2025, according to industry figures reported by pv magazine USA. The share shows storage is becoming a standard companion to rooftop solar rather than a niche add-on, as homeowners seek backup power and protection from rising electricity rates.
- 9Rooftop solar growth makes New England gas plant obsolete▼Rooftop solar growth makes giant New England gas plant obsolete as region hits 500th Duck Curve day
Rooftop solar adoption in New England has grown so large that a major gas-fired power plant is being considered obsolete, according to pv magazine USA. The region has now recorded its 500th 'duck curve' day, when midday solar generation suppresses grid demand, reshaping how the power system is run and undermining the economics of large conventional plants.
- 10US homeowners' mistrust of solar companies eases slightly▼U.S. homeowners are now slightly less mistrustful of solar companies
Trust in solar companies among US homeowners has improved slightly, according to reporting by pv magazine Global. The finding suggests the residential solar industry may be gradually recovering from earlier reputational problems tied to aggressive sales tactics and installation disputes. The shift matters for installers and manufacturers betting on continued growth in home solar adoption.
- 11Overview Energy to build homing beacon for space-based solar power●Overview Energy to develop homing beacon for space-based solar transmission
Overview Energy says it will develop a homing beacon to support space-based solar power transmission, according to pv magazine USA. The beacon would help precisely direct energy beamed from orbit to receiving stations on Earth. The announcement has drawn attention as space-based solar power moves closer to commercial development, with companies racing to solve the challenge of safely and accurately delivering power collected in space to the ground.
- 12US team claims stability record for tin perovskite solar cell▼U.S. team claims stability record for 16.19%-efficient 2D/3D tin perovskite solar cell
A U.S. research team reports a stability record for a 2D/3D tin perovskite solar cell with an efficiency of 16.19%. The cell is lead-free, which matters because tin perovskites are seen as a less toxic alternative to lead-based designs, but they have historically degraded quickly. The claim, covered by pv magazine USA, suggests progress in combining decent efficiency with long-term durability.