Trina Solar Sets New World Record for Solar Technology Efficiency

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 6, 2025

China’s Trina Solar (688599.SS) has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in solar technology, setting a new world record for conversion efficiency in its n-type fully passivated heterojunction (HJT) modules. The company announced the achievement on Monday, following certification by Germany’s Fraunhofer CalLab, a leading solar research institute.

A Leap Forward in Efficiency

In laboratory tests, Trina’s HJT modules demonstrated an impressive 25.44% efficiency. This refers to the percentage of sunlight converted into usable electricity, a key metric in solar technology. By enhancing cell efficiency, solar installations can be downsized while costs are reduced, offering a significant advantage in the renewable energy market.

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The technology behind the achievement, known as passivation, involves covering surface defects on solar cells to improve their performance. According to Professor Martin Green from the University of New South Wales, Sydney—whose lab previously held the efficiency record for decades—the result underscores the promise of HJT as a next-generation solar technology.

“In the long run, it’s all about efficiency,” Green said. “Even if some technologies are initially more expensive, costs tend to drop quickly as the industry adapts and scales up.”

Trina Solar’s Vision

Trina Solar’s Chairman and CEO, Gao Jifan, emphasised the company’s commitment to advancing passivated solar technology through ongoing research and development. “This achievement strengthens our leadership in solar technology, and we will continue to push the boundaries of innovation,” he stated.

The Future of HJT Technology

While HJT technology currently represents a small share of the market—estimated at 7% of high-efficiency solar cell capacity in 2024, rising to 9% by 2026—it holds significant potential. However, it faces stiff competition from TopCON (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) technology, which is projected to dominate the market over the next five years.

This milestone not only represents a breakthrough for HJT technology but also sets a new benchmark for the photoelectric conversion efficiency of single-crystalline silicon solar cell modules, Trina noted in its statement.

As the race for efficiency continues, innovations like these are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of renewable energy.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Residential Market Surpasses €2.5 Billion In 2025 With Apartments Leading the Way

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Market Overview

In 2025, Cyprus’ newly built residential property market achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding €2.5 billion. Data from Landbank Analytics indicates robust activity countrywide, with newly filed contracts reaching 7,819, including off-plan developments. This solid performance underscores the market’s resilience and dynamism across all districts.

Transaction Breakdown

The apartment sector clearly dominated the market, constituting 81.6% of transactions with 6,382 deals valued at €1.77 billion. In contrast, house sales represented a smaller segment, encompassing 1,437 transactions and generating €737.9 million. The record-high transaction was noted in Limassol, where an apartment sold for approximately €15.2 million, while the priciest house fetched roughly €6.2 million.

Regional Analysis

Nicosia: The capital recorded steady domestic demand with 2,171 new residential transactions. Apartments accounted for 1,836 deals generating €349.6 million, compared to 335 house transactions worth €105.5 million, anchoring Nicosia as a core market with average values of €190,000 for apartments and €315,000 for houses.

Limassol: As the island’s principal investment center, Limassol led overall activity with 2,207 transactions. Apartments dominated with 1,936 sales generating €824.1 million, while 271 house transactions added €157.9 million. The district enjoyed premium pricing, with apartments averaging over €425,000 and houses around €583,000.

Larnaca: This district maintained robust activity with a total of 2,020 transactions. The apartment segment realized 1,770 transactions worth €353 million, and houses contributed 250 deals valued at €96.3 million. Average prices hovered near €200,000 for apartments and €385,000 for houses, positioning Larnaca within the mid-market bracket.

Paphos: With a more balanced mix, Paphos completed 1,078 transactions. Ranking second in overall value at €503.2 million, the district saw house sales generate €287.8 million and apartments €215.4 million. Consequently, Paphos achieved the highest average house price at approximately €710,000 and an apartment average of €320,000, emphasizing its premium housing profile.

Famagusta: Distinguished by lower transaction volumes, Famagusta was the sole district where house sales outnumbered apartment deals. Out of 343 transactions, 176 involved houses (yielding €90.4 million) and 167 were apartments (at €32.4 million). The segment’s average prices were about €194,000 for apartments and over €513,000 for houses, signaling its focus on holiday residences and coastal developments.

Sector Insights and Forward View

Commenting on the report, Landbank Group CEO Andreas Christophorides remarked that the analysis demonstrates an ecosystem where apartments are the cornerstone of the real estate market. He emphasized, “The apartment sector is not merely a trend; it is the engine powering the country’s real estate market.” Christophorides also highlighted the diverse regional dynamics: Limassol leads in apartment pricing, Paphos commands premium house prices, Nicosia remains pivotal to domestic demand, Larnaca sustains competitive activity, and Famagusta caters to holiday home buyers.

In a market characterized by these varied profiles, informed monitoring of regional and sector-specific dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make targeted and strategic decisions.

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