Patrick Jowett
Vsun starts production at wafer facility in Vietnam
Japan-based solar manufacturer Vsun’s new facility produces n-type silicon wafers and is expected to be ready for full production by the end of the month.
EDF launches UK heat-pump tracker tariff
EDF says its heat-pump tracker tariff is the United Kingdom’s first, as it will never charge its customers more than the price cap, guaranteeing savings of at least GBP 164 ($202) per year. It says it is also offering a GBP 750 discount on new heat pump installations.
Large-scale solar, battery storage hybrid starts operations in South Africa
Norwegian PV developer Scatec ASA has switched on a hybrid solar and battery storage facility in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
Oman’s solar transition roadmap
SolarPower Europe says in a new report on solar development in Oman that the nation will need to install a minimum of 13 GW of solar by 2030 to meet its ambitious net-zero targets.
Europe’s renewable PPA prices fell 5% in Q1
Energy consultancy LevelTen says that solar power purchase agreement (PPA) prices fell 5.9% in the first quarter of 2024, with decreases recorded in all analyzed countries except for Romania. It attributes the decline to lower wholesale electricity prices and a fall in solar module prices.
Global PV capacity hit 1.6 TW in 2023, says IEA-PVPS
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) has published a wide-reaching snapshot of the global PV market, covering installations, manufacturing, policy trends, and grid integration.
PV industry demand for silver could rise by 20% this year
Demand for silver in the photovoltaic industry hit 193.5 million ounces in 2023, according to the Silver Institute. It predicts that demand will grow by another 20% in 2024.
ZSW, First Solar partner to collaborate on thin-film PV
Zentrum für Sonnenenergie- und Wasserstoff-Forschung Baden-Württemberg (ZSW) and First Solar have agreed to work together to develop thin-film PV technologies on a gigawatt scale.
Mercom, WoodMac note challenging PV investment climate in Q1
Mercom Capital Group says that total corporate solar funding, global venture capital funding, public market financing, and PV mergers and acquisitions all fell year on year in the first quarter of 2024. The sector is still grappling with high interest rates, which Wood Mackenzie says is disproportionately affecting renewables projects.
Stellantis acquires 49.5% stake in Argentine solar company
Car manufacturer Stellantis has agreed to invest $100 million in a 49.5% stake in Argentina’s 360 Energy Solar. The two parties plan to develop new solar plants, install large-scale storage systems, and produce hydrogen energy.
