Chinese PV Industry Brief: Huasun signs wafer, cell supply deals
Huasun has signed two deals with Leascend Group, including a monocrystalline silicon wafer supply agreement, while GCL Technology has agreed to supply Longi Green Energy Technology with 425,000 tons of N-type granular silicon to the end of 2026.
Croatia launches auctions for 607 MW of solar, wind, hydro
The Croatian Energy Market Operator (HROTE) has announced a much-anticipated, €257.2 million ($273.5 million) round of renewable energy auctions. It has allocated the biggest quota of 450 MW for solar projects and has set a deadline to award the subsidies by year’s end.
Turkish solar module manufacturer launches production in Texas
Elin Energy says it has an agreement with key US distributors and will begin with 1 GW of annual PV module production, with plans to increase to 2 GW within 18 months.
France to tender 240 MW of solar capacity along highways
The French authorities plan to launch a series of tenders to deploy PV systems along highways, starting this month.
US median residential solar price hits $2.80/W, with 8-year payback period
EnergySage says market figures from the second half of 2023 show moderate declines in the cost of solar and energy storage.
‘Polysilicon price will stay above $5.50/kg for at least a year,’ says analyst
Andries Wantenaar, solar analyst at Rethink Technology Research, tells pv magazine that high overcapacity levels in the polysilicon industry are exerting enormous pressure on prices for the entire supply chain. He says China hit 2.4 million tons of polysilicon production capacity at the end of 2023, and notes that the nation will end 2024 with 4 million tons of capacity if all announced production plans are realized.
Mahindra Susten to set up 150 MW hybrid wind-solar plant in India
Mahindra & Mahindra Group’s renewables unit, Mahindra Susten, will develop a 150 MW hybrid wind-solar project in India for offtake by commercial and industrial (C&I) customers. The total project cost is about INR 12 billion ($143.7 million).
EU Ecodesign and Energy labels for solar risks fall short of objectives, says coalition
Representatives from the European Solar Manufacturing Council, Ultra Low Carbon Solar Alliance, PVthin, and the Environmental Coalition on Standards have proposed changes to the carbon footprint accountability methodology, the use of green certificates, and the planned design of the Energy Label for PV products.
EU formally adopts directive on energy for buildings
The European Union has formally adopted a directive on energy performance for buildings. It requires member states to develop their trajectories for reducing energy use in buildings, in addition to ensuring that new structures are solar ready. The legislation will go into force in the coming weeks.
Australian state offers $1.6 million for solar recycling scheme
The government of the Australian state of Queensland says it has committed AUD 2.5 million ($1.6 million) to progress the development of an “Australian first” solar-panel recycling scheme, in preparation for “thousands” of PV modules installed on rooftops and in large-scale solar farms that are approaching end of life.
