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- 1LONGi lifts silicon solar cell efficiency to record 28.29%▼LONGi pushes silicon solar efficiency to 28.29%, nearing the technology's theoretical ceiling
Chinese solar manufacturer LONGi reports a new silicon solar cell efficiency record of 28.29%, closing in on the technology's theoretical limit of around 29%. The milestone highlights how far cell engineering has progressed and how little headroom remains for conventional silicon, intensifying focus on next-generation designs like perovskite tandem cells. Industry observers are weighing what the achievement means for future cost reductions and the solar sector's competitive race.
- 2Polymer-tuned perovskite boosts underwater solar cell efficiency▼Polymer-tuned perovskite creates high-efficiency underwater solar cells
Researchers report that a polymer-tuned perovskite material enables high-efficiency solar cells that can operate underwater, according to a report by Physics World. By modifying perovskite properties with a polymer, the cells can harvest light in aquatic environments where conventional silicon panels perform poorly. The advance could open the door to powering underwater sensors, monitoring equipment and other devices without batteries or cabling.
- 3Nanyang Technological University sends lightweight solar cells into space▼Nanyang Technological University has sent a new generation of lightweight solar cells, developed locally, into space to
Nanyang Technological University has sent a new generation of lightweight solar cells, developed locally in Singapore, into space to test whether they can stably generate power in the harsh space environment. The mission will also test processing images directly on the satellite. The trial marks a step toward lighter, locally developed power technology for future space applications.
- 4US Solar Makers Bet on New Tech to Catch China▼US Solar Panel Makers Try to Catch China With a Big Leap in Technology https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/05/business/energ
American solar panel manufacturers are pursuing a major technological leap, reportedly through tandem solar cell technology, in an effort to close the gap with Chinese producers who dominate global solar manufacturing. The New York Times reports the strategy aims to give US companies a competitive edge rather than competing on cost alone, amid ongoing trade and industrial policy tensions with China.
- 5First Solar sues JA Solar over TOPCon patents▼First Solar sues JA Solar and American Panel Solutions over TOPCon patents
First Solar has filed a patent lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions, claiming infringement of its TOPCon solar cell technology patents. The case escalates a growing intellectual property dispute in the solar industry, where manufacturers are increasingly defending proprietary cell technologies. The outcome could affect how solar module makers license and use TOPCon designs in the US market.
- 6
Researchers are drawing on the structure of sunflowers to develop better solar cell technology, according to Chemistry World. The idea is that mimicking the flower's natural arrangement could help panels capture sunlight more efficiently. It is the latest example of bio-inspired design being applied to renewable energy research.
- 7Chance discovery boosts perovskite tandem solar cell efficiency▼Chance discovery boosts the efficiency of perovskite tandem solar cells
Researchers report that a chance discovery has improved the efficiency of perovskite tandem solar cells, a next-generation technology that pairs perovskite layers with silicon to capture more of the solar spectrum. Details of the finding remain sparse, but the result points to fresh momentum in the race to make tandem cells cheaper and more efficient than conventional silicon panels.
- 8Perovskite Solar Cells Touted as a Breakthrough for Solar Panels●How a Common Rock Is Going to Change Solar Panels? 😱 | Perovskite Solar Revolution
Attention is turning to perovskite, a common mineral being promoted as a material that could transform solar panels with cheaper production and higher efficiency than traditional silicon cells. Commentary in English and Telugu highlights the so-called perovskite solar revolution, suggesting the rock-derived technology may significantly reshape the renewable energy market.
- 9First Solar sues JA Solar over TOPCon patent infringement●First Solar files TOPCon patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar, American Panel Solutions
First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions over TOPCon solar cell technology. The case escalates the technology disputes in the solar manufacturing sector, as companies compete over advanced cell designs that dominate new panel production. It adds to ongoing trade and intellectual property tensions between US and Chinese solar manufacturers.
- 10Kitchen-Blender Physics Restores Broken Perovskite Nanocrystal Inks▼Kitchen-Blender Physics Rescues Broken Perovskite Nanocrystal Inks
Researchers report that kitchen-blender-style mechanical shear can rescue damaged or degraded perovskite nanocrystal inks, restoring their optical quality without complex chemistry. The finding, framed as 'kitchen-blender physics', suggests a surprisingly simple, low-cost way to process inks used in next-generation solar cells and LEDs, and is drawing attention for making an advanced materials technique accessible to ordinary labs.
- 11Simulated CFTS Solar Cells Hit 25.52% Efficiency▼Earth-Abundant CFTS Solar Cells Simulated to Reach 25.52% Efficiency
Researchers report that solar cells made from copper fault tetragonal sulfide (CFTS), a material made of abundant, low-cost elements, could theoretically reach 25.52% efficiency in simulations. The figure would put the earth-abundant material among competitive photovoltaic technologies if results can be reproduced in real devices, offering a cheaper path for solar energy production.
- 12First Solar Escalates TOPCon Patent Fight to Chinese-Owned US Plant▼First Solar Takes Its TOPCon Patent Fight to a Chinese Plant on American Soil
First Solar is pursuing its patent dispute over TOPCon solar cell technology against a Chinese-owned manufacturing facility located in the United States. The company, a leading American solar panel maker, is extending its intellectual-property enforcement beyond overseas rivals to production happening on US soil. The move highlights growing tensions over solar technology patents as Chinese manufacturers expand production inside the United States.
- 13Recycled 2020 solar panels could meet 21% of silver demand by 2035▼Solar panels installed in 2020 could supply 21% of solar silver by 2035
Industry reporting points to a growing opportunity in solar panel recycling: panels installed in 2020 could, once retired and recovered, supply around 21% of the silver needed for solar manufacturing by 2035. Silver is a key component in photovoltaic cells, and the finding highlights how end-of-life panels could become a meaningful secondary source of the metal as solar capacity expands.
- 14Prussian blue perovskite solar cell hits 26.9% efficiency●Perovskite solar cell based on Prussian blue achieves 26.9% efficiency
Researchers have developed a perovskite solar cell incorporating Prussian blue that reaches a power conversion efficiency of 26.9%, according to pv magazine Global. The result marks a notable performance for perovskite technology, which is being pursued as a cheaper, more versatile alternative to conventional silicon solar panels.
- 15Low-Cost Commercial Camera Measures Solar Cell Efficiency▼Low-Cost Commercial Camera Measures Solar Cell Efficiency | Research & Technology | Oct 2026
Researchers report that an off-the-shelf commercial camera can be used to measure solar cell efficiency, offering a far cheaper alternative to specialized laboratory imaging equipment. The technique, described in Photonics Spectra's Research & Technology coverage, could make performance testing more accessible for solar manufacturers and research labs working on photovoltaic materials.
- 16Tin Oxide Layer Boosts Perovskite Solar Cells Only When Placed Beneath▼Layer Order Surprise: Atomic-Deposited Tin Oxide Boosts Perovskite Solar Cells Only When Hidden
Researchers report that tin oxide deposited by atomic layer deposition improves perovskite solar cell performance, but only when the layer sits underneath the perovskite absorber rather than on top. The finding on layer order offers a practical guidance for cell architecture design, and is drawing attention in the solar energy field as perovskite technology moves closer to commercial deployment.
- 17First Solar sues JA Solar over TOPCon patent▼First Solar sues JA Solar, American Panel Solutions over TOPCon patent
First Solar has filed a lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions, alleging infringement of its TOPCon solar cell patent. The case adds to the growing number of intellectual property disputes in the solar industry as manufacturers race to commercialise next-generation cell technologies. Industry watchers are following the litigation for its potential impact on technology licensing and competition.
- 18NTU Singapore launches CRIMSON-1 satellite for space solar tests▼NTU Singapore launches CRIMSON-1 satellite to test next-gen perovskite solar cells and AI computing in space
Nanyang Technological University Singapore has launched the CRIMSON-1 satellite to test next-generation perovskite solar cells and AI computing capabilities in orbit. The mission will evaluate how perovskite photovoltaics, a promising alternative to conventional silicon solar panels, perform in the harsh space environment, alongside edge computing trials. The launch positions Singapore's research sector among those exploring lightweight, efficient power sources for future spacecraft and satellites.
- 19ACI Materials aims to reshore silver solar paste production to US▼ACI Materials wants to bring silver solar paste back to the US with its ‘secret sauce’
ACi Materials says it wants to bring manufacturing of silver solar paste — a key material in solar cell production — back to the United States, relying on what it calls a proprietary 'secret sauce' formulation. The move would target a supply chain currently dominated by overseas producers as US solar manufacturing expands.
- 20First Solar sues JA Solar and Corning unit over TOPCon patents▼First Solar files TOPCon patent infringement lawsuit against JA and Corning subsidiary
First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar and a Corning subsidiary, targeting TOPCon solar cell technology. The move escalates intellectual property disputes in the solar manufacturing industry, as companies race to control next-generation cell designs. Industry watchers are weighing what the case could mean for licensing, competition and supply chains in global solar manufacturing.
- 21Meshtastic Buyer's Guide Compares Solar Node and Mesh Tracker▼Meshtastic Hardware Buyer’s Guide: Solar Node vs Mesh Tracker — Which One Do You Need?
Adafruit has published a buyer's guide for Meshtastic hardware, comparing solar-powered nodes with mesh trackers to help users decide which device suits their needs. The guide walks through the trade-offs between the two off-grid communication options. Interest in Meshtastic, an open-source long-range radio mesh network, continues to grow among hikers, hobbyists and people preparing for situations without cell coverage.
- 22Prussian blue found to regulate perovskite crystal formation▼In situ GIWAXS reveals the role of Prussian blue in regulating perovskite nucleation and phase transformation dynamics
Researchers have used in situ grazing-incidence wide-angle X-ray scattering to show how Prussian blue regulates nucleation and phase transformation in perovskite thin films. The findings clarify how the additive guides crystal growth dynamics, knowledge relevant to improving the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells and other optoelectronic devices.
- 23First Solar Sues JA Solar Over TOPCon Patent●First Solar Sues JA Solar, American Panel Solutions Over TOPCon Patent - News and Statistics
First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions over TOPCon solar cell technology. The case escalates intellectual property disputes in the solar manufacturing sector, where First Solar, a leading US panel maker, is seeking to protect its proprietary technology against competitors' panels sold in the American market.
- 24Silfab to begin solar cell production in South Carolina next month▼After third-party safety tests, Silfab will start solar cell production in SC next month
Silfab Solar says it will start manufacturing solar cells at its South Carolina facility next month, following completion of third-party safety testing. The plant has drawn local attention, with some residents previously raising concerns about the use of certain chemicals in production. Clearing the safety review removes a key hurdle as the company moves toward startup.
- 25Prussian blue boosts perovskite solar cell performance●Prussian blue improves perovskite solar performance from small cells to larger modules
Researchers report that adding Prussian blue improves perovskite solar cell performance, with the gains holding up not only in small laboratory cells but also in larger solar modules. The pigment appears to address stability and efficiency challenges that have limited perovskite technology's path to commercial use. Coverage of the findings is circulating in technology and energy news outlets.
- 26US 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.
- 27
First Solar is adjusting its approach to enforcing intellectual property rights related to TOPCon solar cell technology. The company, a leading US solar manufacturer, has previously pursued legal action to protect its proprietary thin-film and cadmium telluride innovations, and the recalibration signals a shift in how it plans to defend its TOPCon-related patents. Details of the revised enforcement strategy have not been disclosed.
- 28
A tin-based breakthrough is being reported as a way for solar panels to overcome their current power efficiency limit. Tin is seen as a promising lead-free alternative in next-generation perovskite solar cells, though the report offers few details beyond the headline. Researchers say improving materials like tin could push panels past conventional performance ceilings.