Patrick Jowett
Eskom tenders 291 MW of solar PPAs
The South African utility is aiming to tender 291 MW of solar under power purchase agreements. Projects must be at least 10 MW in size to be eligible. The deadline to submit request for proposals is September 19.
Key PV innovations often originated outside solar sector
Research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology highlights 81 unique innovations across a diverse range of research efforts and industries that have impacted PV system costs since 1970, the majority of which originate from outside the sector.
Solar cell, wafer exports from China rise as panel exports fall
Ember Energy says China’s solar export market is shifting as more diverse global supply chains drive higher cell and wafer shipments, lifting combined solar product capacity 11% this year despite lower panel exports.
IFC loans $250 million for Oman polysilicon project
The investment package features a $200 million loan for the implementation of the project and a $50 million preferred equity investment. The approval is said to have been opposed by several members of IFC’s board of executive directors.
Egypt-UAE joint venture wins Ivory Coast solar tender at €0.0310/kWh
Infinity Power submitted winning bids of €0.03310 ($0.039)/kWh and €0.03213/kWh for two solar projects totaling 80 MW, marking the lowest tariffs secured by an independent power producer in West and Central Africa.
Africa’s solar capacity surpasses 20 GW
Africa’s solar capacity has exceeded 20 GW, with more than 10 GW of projects under construction, led by utility-scale solar, which represents 70% of ongoing development, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).
Indonesia unveils plan for 100 GW of solar
The new initiative features plans for 80 GW of 1 MW solar minigrids with accompanying battery energy storage, to be deployed across 80,000 villages, alongside 20 GW of centralized solar power plants.
Increased solar helps lower European electricity prices
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis finds a rise in solar energy production helped to bring down electricity prices in some European markets last week. Towards the start of the month, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain all set new records for solar produced on a day in August.
Slovenia deploys 85 MW of solar in H1
Slovenia installed 85 MW of solar in the first half of 2025, driven by growth in commercial and industrial (C&I) projects and utility-scale installations. The lowest total in four years reflects a sharp decline in residential installations, despite continued subsidies for residential hybrid systems.
Philippines completes first MW-scale floating solar array
The Philippines has completed its first megawatt-scale floating solar array, a 4.99 MW installation on the Malubog reservoir, with plans to expand to 50 MW to power a copper mine. In Mindanao, work has begun on a 99 MW solar plant backed by PHP 4.49 billion ($80 million) in green financing from HSBC.
