Fostering Collaboration of Research Infrastructures and Stakeholders in Europe and Latin America towards Climate-resilient PV Systems: The CACTUS Project

The CACTUS project is an international initiative fostering collaboration between European (EU) and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) research infrastructures (RIs) to enhance photovoltaic (PV) performance, reliability, and sustainability across diverse climatic conditions. Many high solar potential regions, such as LAC, lack dedicated research facilities for long-term PV performance evaluation, while European RIs require broader climate validation. CACTUS bridges this gap by integrating world-class RIs, expertise, and standardized methodologies for testing PV systems under real-world environmental stressors. The project employs a multidisciplinary approach that combines experimental field studies, advanced material characterization, and predictive modeling. Key areas of research include degradation mechanisms in extreme climates, harmonization of testing protocols, and development of predictive maintenance strategies. Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities such as ESFRI landmarks (ILL & ESRF) and EU-SOLARIS, CACTUS also explores novel PV materials and architectures, ensuring the transferability of research outcomes across global PV markets. Recent activities have focused on field studies in the Atacama Desert, where researchers are evaluating soiling measurement methodologies to assess dust accumulation and its impact on PV performance. Additionally, synchrotron-aided characterization techniques are being explored to analyze PV degradation mechanisms at the microscopic level. These early results provide promising insights into climate-specific PV behavior. The project’s structured two-year implementation plan includes RI optimization, collaborative field studies, methodology standardization, and knowledge dissemination. By fostering international cooperation, CACTUS aims to deliver transformative advancements in climate-resilient solar energy deployment, enhancing durability, efficiency, and sustainability in the global PV sector.