Core Insights - The 42nd European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition opened in Bilbao, Spain, showcasing cutting-edge achievements and ideas in the photovoltaic industry with nearly 60 exhibitors and 1800 experts in attendance [1] Group 1: Industry Trends - In 2024, Europe is expected to add over 65 GW of new photovoltaic capacity, bringing the total to approximately 338 GW, marking a historic shift where solar power generation surpasses coal [2] - The EU aims for about 600 GW of photovoltaic capacity by 2030, reflecting ambitious future plans [2] - However, challenges such as a slowdown in growth and policy uncertainties are emerging, with predictions indicating a slight decrease in new installations in 2025 compared to the previous year [2] Group 2: Technological Developments - Perovskite and silicon tandem cells are highlighted as the "stars" of the event, with discussions focusing on efficiency and long-term reliability, emphasizing the importance of maintaining performance over 20-30 years [1] - Chinese company Chuanhuo Photovoltaic showcased its latest perovskite solar cell manufacturing solutions, which promise higher light absorption and lower manufacturing costs compared to traditional silicon-based solar cells [3][5] Group 3: Collaboration and Market Dynamics - The cooperation between China and Europe in photovoltaic research, standards, and sustainable development is emphasized as essential for the industry's future [2][6] - Chuanhuo's CTO noted that addressing the complementary nature of technology and supply chains, as well as material stability, requires collaborative efforts between China and Europe [5][6] - Carlos del Canizo, the chairman of the conference, stated that cooperation in the photovoltaic sector is not optional but necessary, highlighting the interdependence of China's industry development and global market openness [6]

Core Viewpoint - A new fully organic solar cell developed by Kanazawa University and Queen's University has achieved a record power conversion efficiency of 8.7%, more than doubling the previous record, paving the way for the practical application of environmentally friendly solar cells [1][2] Group 1: Technology and Innovation - Traditional silicon-based solar cells have high efficiency but pose environmental burdens due to harmful substances, while perovskite solar cells raise concerns due to lead compounds [1] - Fully organic solar cells, made entirely from carbon-based materials, can be safely disposed of after use, significantly reducing environmental costs [1] - Previous efficiency of fully organic solar cells was only 4%, far below silicon (27%) and perovskite (26%) solar cells, primarily due to two technical bottlenecks: the need for strong acids, bases, or high-temperature annealing in the preparation of conductive organic electrodes, and damage to lower layer structures during multi-layer stacking processes [1] Group 2: Breakthroughs and Future Prospects - The research team employed a "gentle process" to overcome these challenges, developing a transparent electrode based on the conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS, which can be prepared at 80°C without acids or bases [2] - They also introduced a carbon nanotube electrode lamination technique, forming electrodes on the solar cell barrier film and attaching them to the device, preventing damage to the underlying organic films during electrode manufacturing [2] - This combination of innovations has led to a significant increase in the efficiency of fully organic solar cells to 8.7%, marking a crucial step towards the practical application of high-performance fully organic solar cells [2] - Future applications for fully organic solar cells are expected in environmentally sensitive areas such as farmland and wearable devices, leveraging their lightweight and flexible characteristics [2]