As 2025 draws to a close, the solar energy sector stands at a remarkable inflection point. This has been a year of unprecedented growth, strategic alignment, and technological breakthrough, both globally, and here at Cambridge Photon Technology.
Solar’s unstoppable momentum
The numbers tell a compelling story. Global solar installation surged 64% in the first half of 2025, with a record 360GW installed. This extraordinary growth confirms solar’s position as the fastest-growing energy source in the world – and definitively establishes it as a cheaper, more attractive alternative to fossil fuels.
This growth represents a fundamental shift in how the world powers itself – something the UK has embraced with new vigour. The UK’s largest operational solar PV installation, Cleve Hill Solar Park, came online in mid 2025 with 373MW capacity. And even more ambitious installations are on the horizon: the 600MW Cottam and 500MW Tillbridge solar farms approved and under development. It’s
These infrastructure projects are a significant step forward for UK renewable capacity, signalling the country’s serious commitment to net zero targets. And for CPT, these developments validate what we’ve long understood: the world needs solar, and solar needs continuous innovation to meet that need.
Industry resilience through turbulent times
The solar manufacturing industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025. After the overcapacity crisis and negative profits of 2023-24, PV module manufacturers have begun their recovery, supported by policy frameworks and self-regulation.
The path forward, however, requires more than just survival efforts – it demands differentiation. Competition remains fierce and key players are recognising that competitive advantage lies not in racing to the bottom on price, but on advancing performance. This is where the real opportunity exists; with companies that can deliver genuine performance improvements which support the next phase of solar’s growth.
Our pivotal breakthrough
Against this industry backdrop, 2025 has also been a pivotal year for CPT. We achieved what we set out to do; demonstrate the world-first photon multiplier (PM) for solar, providing a drop-in solution which boosts solar panel efficiency beyond the limitations of silicon.
This achievement builds on more than a decade of fundamental research at the University of Cambridge and has unlocked £1.56 million in new funding, setting us on a trajectory of accelerated growth and progress towards our first PM product. We’re excited to be actively growing our team, searching for individuals to join us in this next phase of growth.
Resilience, strategic agility, and achievement
If we had to summarise 2025 in a few words it would be these.
Resilience characterises both the industry’s and our journey here at CPT. Navigating a challenging and uncertain macroeconomic environment has demanded that we dig deep and remain focused, positive, and tenacious. Growth and progress don’t happen by accident in difficult times like these – they’re earned through persistence and conviction.
Strategic agility has been essential to our success. With finite resources, we’ve had to be resourceful, flexible, and laser-focused in our planning. When it comes to achieving our goals, every decision matters, and every resource has to count.
Achievement speaks to the critical technical and fundraising milestones we’ve hit in 2025. These are enabling moments – achievements which position us for future acceleration and success.
Looking ahead to 2026
We’re energised by what has unfolded this year at CPT, and the sector in general. The global momentum is unmistakable, despite a potential slowdown in Chinese solar deployment, and we’re confident that 2026 will bring another year of growth at CPT, marked by ground-breaking performance and validation. We’ll be demonstrating not just what’s theoretically possible, but what’s commercially viable and ready for the real world!
The solar revolution is accelerating, and we’re proud to be contributing technology that helps push the boundaries of what’s possible – thanks to our incredible team, industry partners and stakeholders. Here’s to the year ahead!
