U.S. scientists build copper-contacted TOPCon solar cell with 24.3% efficiency
The TOPCon solar cells fabricated with screen-printed, fire-through copper rear contacts and silver front contacts, using laser-enhanced contact optimization (LECO) to significantly reduce contact resistivity. Optimized copper cells achieved 24.3% efficiency, comparable to Ag-contacted cells, with excellent stability.
California proposed decision on community solar ‘virtually ensures no projects will be built’
The California Public Utilities Commission approved a new community renewable energy program that critics argue favors investor-owned utilities while failing to create a workable market for distributed resources.
“Pry open” VPP markets by ensuring VPP providers may access customer data, groups say
Two groups allege that utilities are blocking virtual power plant aggregators from accessing the meter data they need to provide a VPP. The groups call for using antitrust law to “pry open” VPP markets.
Arizona task force roadmap prioritizes virtual power plants and distributed solar to cut energy costs
Arizona’s Energy Promise Taskforce released 31 recommendations calling for the accelerated deployment of virtual power plants and distributed solar to meet a projected 40% increase in peak demand.
Solar keeps slimming down while power rises
An international study found that the specific power of commercial silicon solar modules increased from 8.5 W/kg in the early 2000s to 23.6 W/kg today, driven by advances in module design, bifaciality, and temperature management. The researchers highlighted that glass and framing dominate module weight, and considering operating conditions like nominal operating cell temperature and rear-side illumination is essential for accurate PV system design.
PV-driven hydraulic hydro storage may hit $0.022/kWh LCOE in the U.S.
An international study has demonstrated that utility-scale solar PV paired with hydraulic hydro storage (HHS) could reach an LCOE as low as $0.022/kWh in select U.S. regions. The system could provide GWh-scale, cost-competitive, and highly reliable long-duration storage, capable of powering large commercial districts with minimal environmental impact.
Heat dome and high pressure boost southern U.S. solar as polar vortex clouds the north
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that last month North America saw a stark solar divide, with southern regions like northeastern Mexico, southeastern Texas, and much of California experiencing 20–25% above-average irradiance, while Canada, the Great Lakes, and the northeastern U.S. faced persistent cloudiness and below-normal solar conditions. This contrast was driven by high-pressure systems and a southwestern heat dome in the south versus a polar vortex bringing cold air and storms to the north.
Louisiana projected to add 12 GW of utility-scale solar by 2035
A study funded by NextEra Energy projects that Louisiana’s annual solar deployment will decline from 2028 through 2030 due to expiring tax credits and then rise steadily through 2035, with associated employment impacts and tax revenues for local communities.
U.S. solar module prices face upward pressure as trade risks and FEOC rules dominate Q1 2026
Median solar module pricing in the United States reached $0.28 per watt as the market adjusted to intensified trade enforcement and new Foreign Entity of Concern compliance requirements, according to the Q1 2026 Quarterly Pricing & Domestic Content Report from Anza.
Terabase Energy invests in automation and engineering to streamline solar construction
Robotic Terafab system and integration of PlantPredict with PowerUQ lean into new technologies.
