From September 8-10 2026, the 7th Next Generation High Efficiency Photovoltaics (NEXTGEN) International School and Workshop took place at CaixaForum in Palma, Mallorca, as part of our RenewPV School. Organization was a joint effort with IREC.

The Master class series brought together leading researchers from across Europe as well as industry experts from Avancis GmbH, CTF Solar GmbH and Sunplugged to explore advanced thin-film photovoltaic technologies, including chalcogenides and perovskites, from material characterization and device analysis to application in buildings and space.

Between classes, participants followed a packed programm on chalcogenide technologies, materials and device modelling, charge transfer layers, and autonomous/AI-driven materials research and European collaborative projects, alongside a lively poster session featuring 13 contributions of early-career researchers across Europe.

 

Participant reflection on the workshop

Participating in NEXTGEN 2026 in Palma de Mallorca was a highly valuable experience. As a first-year PhD student, I had the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in photovoltaic research and meet researchers from both academia and industry. One of the aspects I found most interesting was the connection between scientific research and the challenges associated with real-world photovoltaic applications. The discussions helped me appreciate that developing a promising solar cell technology involves not only improving its performance under laboratory conditions but also understanding how it can operate effectively in practical applications. It was also inspiring to meet people who share similar research interests while approaching the same topics from a wide range of perspectives. I also had the opportunity to give an oral presentation on my research. Presenting my work during the first year of my PhD was both exciting and formative. The questions, feedback and discussions that followed encouraged me to consider my research from new perspectives and helped me identify aspects that could be investigated further. Beyond the scientific programme, NEXTGEN 2026 provided a welcoming environment for exchanging ideas and building connections with researchers at different stages of their careers. I would like to thank IREC for organising such an engaging event. I am also grateful to my colleagues at the Laboratory for Thin Film Energy Materials at TalTech and to the ReNewPV COST Action for their valuable support throughout this work and for making my participation in the event possible.

Alessandra Rocchina Palmieri

PhD Student, Laboratory for Thin Film Energy Materials, TalTech