French solar energy institute INES has developed new PV modules with thermoplastics and natural fibers sourced in Europe, such as flax and basalt. The scientists aim to reduce the environmental footprint and weight of solar panels, while improving recycling.

Zergoun Green Energy has begun production activities at its new 200 MW factory in Ouargla, southern Algeria.

Thanks to a traceability tool, individuals, companies and local authorities who have signed an electricity supply contract with French energy provider Volterres can monitor in real time the source of their electricity supply, and in particular the share of electricity coming directly from renewable energy plants located nearby.

France’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 14.6 GW at the end of March.

Ciel et Terre has unveiled a new rough-water floater and another rigid platform that maximizes the number of solar panels per square meter.

French energy giants TotalEnergies and Engie are reportedly interesting in acquiring GreenYellow.

Alliaverre wants to move a 600 MW solar glass plant to Amiens, France, to reduce European customer delivery times, as it faces rising shipping prices and manufacturing constraints in Asia.

Photowatt’s new bifacial modules rely on 132 half cells, measuring 210 mm, with power outputs of 600 W to 660 W. The new products will be available from early 2023, with about 40 MW of orders already booked.

French startup Ecovégétal has developed a PV system configuration that uses vegetation to reduce the operating temperature of the modules. It says the presence of certain plants on a flat rooftop can even serve as a bulwark against the risk of fire.

The French authorities have allocated 122.1 MW of solar power in the country’s latest procurement exercise for commercial and industrial PV.