Solar Power World

China has become the first country in the world to surpass 1,000 gigawatts of installed solar power capacity, a milestone in the global shift to renewable energy. The landmark reflects the scale of China's sustained investment in solar manufacturing and deployment, far outpacing any other nation and underlining its dominant role in the world's clean energy build-out.

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.

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.

A copper mine in Utah has installed more than 71,000 solar panels that use tellurium, a metal extracted from the same refinery sludge already processed for gold and silver. Around 90 percent of the world's tellurium is locked inside copper ore, making copper refining a key supply route. The panels now power the mining operation itself, closing the loop between extraction and clean energy production.

Cleveland is moving to install solar panels on two landfills it owns, putting unused city land to work generating renewable energy. The plan was reported by Solar Power World and adds Cleveland to a growing list of US cities converting brownfield and landfill sites into solar farms. Landfills are often ideal for such projects because they are large, open and hard to develop otherwise.

Solar manufacturer Heliene has produced a fully American-made solar panel for the residential market, according to industry outlet Solar Power World. The announcement highlights growing demand for domestically manufactured solar components amid federal incentives favoring US-made clean energy products. Industry watchers are noting the move as a boost for domestic solar supply chains.

Solar Power World has published a new Solar Spotlight feature examining engineering practices that go beyond required specifications in the solar industry. The piece highlights how designers and installers exceed minimum standards to improve system durability and performance. It is part of the outlet's ongoing Solar Spotlight series profiling technical work in the sector.

The Arlo Essential Solar Security Camera is being promoted as a cost-effective option for home safety, using solar power to keep the device charged without frequent battery changes or wiring. The pitch targets homeowners wanting wireless outdoor security with lower running costs. No independent reviews or user reactions beyond the product coverage are available, so real-world performance and value remain unverified.