Patrick Jowett
ESMC calls for solar extension to carbon border adjustment mechanism
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) is encouraging the European Commission to include solar modules, mounting systems and solar trackers in the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM). It says the extension would support Europe’s solar market as Chinese manufacturers that export finished solar products to the EU are currently exempt from costs imposed under the policy.
South African regulator registers almost 2 GW of projects from April to June
South Africa’s national energy regulator registered 111 generation facilities between April and June this year, with solar the leading technology.
Netherlands registers record number of negative energy prices
The Netherlands recorded more negative energy price hours over the first eight months of this year than it did throughout 2024. Dutch research firm Stratergy says the correlation between solar production and negative price hours is “becoming increasingly strong.”
Panasonic expands air-to-water heat pump factory in Czechia
Production has begun at an expanded air-to-water heat pump facility belonging to Panasonic Heating & Ventilation Air-Conditioning Czech, s.r.o.. The company says the site will respond to growing demand in the European market.
Typhoon Danas damaged 135,000 solar panels in Taiwan
Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment found no abnormalities in water quality at the site of damaged solar panels following last month’s Typhoon Danas, after conducting water quality tests at impacted solar power plants.
SolarPower Europe identifies Latin American investment opportunities
SolarPower Europe says Latin America’s solar sector is at a pivotal moment. Its latest report offers recommendations on how Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Peru can accelerate their solar growth trajectories and unlock investments.
Fraunhofer researchers develop decorative films for BIPV
Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) researchers are using roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography to produce visually seamless building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) modules.
Canada backs 32 MW Indigenous-owned solar project
Canada is investing CAD 33 million ($23.8 million) in a 32 MW solar project to be built by George Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan.
Thailand opens 364 MW solar tender
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has kicked off a tender for a floating solar project at the Srinagarind Dam, already home to one of its power stations. Interested bidders can purchase tender documents until Sept. 26.
Finland inaugurates world’s largest 1 MW/100 MWh sand battery
Finland has inaugurated the world’s largest sand battery, a 1 MW/100 MWh thermal storage system developed by Polar Night Energy. The unit is already exceeding efficiency targets.
