US scientists developed a monocrystalline solar panel relying on “minicells” based on polysilicon on silicon oxide passivating contacts. The module works with laser light and can reportedly achieve a photoconversion efficiency of over 40% and an open-circuit voltage of 7 V. These devices convert sunlight into electricity through photovoltaic effects in thin semiconductor layers, typically deposited on substrates like glass or flexible materials. The general efficiency of a thin film solar panel can be expressed by the photovoltaic conversion formula: $$eta = frac. TÜV SÜD certification for Risen's 0BB Hyper-ion module; INNO LASER launches LSO equipment; Jietai Solar wins 550 MW solar cell order; CECEP Solar plans fundraising for 900 MW PV project; China's solar cell manufacturing exceeds 541 GW in 2023. Risen Energy's 0BB Hyper-ion module receives TÜV SÜD. The laser is a CW high-energy Yb-doped fiber laser emitting at a center wavelength of 1075 nm with ~1 m2 of effective beam area. For 20 kW illumination of a solar panel having 0. 6 m2 of area, optical simulations and thermal simulations indicate electrical output power of 3000 Watts at a panel. To ensure photovoltaic systems are able to compete with conventional fossil fuels, production costs of PV modules must be reduced and the efficiency of solar cells increased.