2024

Multilateral organizations the World Bank and African Development Bank (AfDB) have played a key role in the development of African solar and want to attract more private capital to a continent with at least 40% of the world’s solar irradiation but currently only 1% of its PV generation capacity.

European researchers have told pv magazine that hydrogen production costs are often underestimated in prefeasibility studies, while the South Korean authorities have reported a rise in deals for large-scale hydrogen consumption projects.

China Coal Energy Group (China Coal) has ordered 4 GW of solar modules from JinkoSolar, Tongwei, JA Solar, and DAS Solar at $0.10/W, including 3 GW of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) panels and 1 GW of passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) products.

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice Molly Morgan, Senior Research Analyst at UK-based CRU. She says that mentoring platforms offer aspiring professionals access to relatable role models, providing both inspiration and practical guidance to help them overcome their challenges and thrive in their careers. “A way to address the issue of women making up the minority share in the PV industry would be to encourage more women to enter the world of renewable energies earlier whilst still in academia,” she states.

Eskom is seeking a contractor to provide turnkey design, engineering, operation and maintenance services for a solar project at the Komati Power Station, South Africa.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that November proved challenging for solar energy across most of the US and Canada, as persistent cloud cover reduced solar irradiance.

Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA) is seeking applicants to design, supply, install and commission a 2.5 MW alkaline electrolyzer turnkey project. The deadline has been extended to Dec. 9.

Oman has launched its first solar panel production line. A project spokesperson told pv magazine that the facility will serve the domestic market and countries throughout Africa. It is currently supplying panels for a 200 MW project.

The Philippnes’ Energy Regulatory Commission has permitted local utility More Power to create a one-stop shop for processing net-metering and distributed energy resources (DER) applications. The initiative is set to benefit consumers in Iloilo City, Central Negros and Tagbilaran, Bohol.

McLaren Applied Group has purchased Italian inverter manufacturer Fimer for an undisclosed sum through its subsidiary, MA Solar Italy Ltd. The deal, which includes Fimer’s business assets, will help McLaren Applied expand its core operations.