Patrick Jowett
Solargis updates software for PV project design, evaluation
Slovakia-based solar data provider Solargis has released the next generation of its Evaluate software. Evaluate 2.0 features high-resolution solar and meteorological data, a 3D PV power plant designer, a PV components catalog and energy yield simulations.
Wood Mackenzie predicts solar growth will stagnate in 2025
Wood Mackenzie’s latest report forecasts that 493 GW (DC) of solar will be added throughout the world this year, compared to 495 GW in 2024. Solar module prices are expected to rise this year as manufacturers aim to recover profit losses from the past two years.
JinkoSolar’s TOPCon modules offer 8.82% yield gain in Japan field test
JinkoSolar’s latest n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules delivered higher energy yield per watt than a competitor’s n-type back contact (BC) modules in a three-month field test in Kagoshima, Japan, under varying irradiance levels.
Czechia installs 967 MW of solar in 2024
Czechia installed 967 MW of solar in 2024, driven by residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) projects, which accounted for 930 MW of the total, says the Czech Solar Association (Solární Asociace).
New platform to deploy 120 MW of renewables in Africa
African microgrid company PowerGen Renewable Energy is partnering with a team of international investors to deploy 120 MW of off-grid renewable energy systems across the continent, starting with installations in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Somalia runs tender for solar-plus-storage at 28 education facilities
The Somali government has launched a tender to design, supply, install, and commission solar-plus-storage systems at 28 education facilities across two northwestern regions. Applications close on March 12.
South Africa adds 1.1 GW of solar in 2024
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association predicts that deployment will accelerate as a strong pipeline of private and public utility-scale projects offsets the decline in installations from 2023 levels.
Denmark’s solar capacity surpasses 4 GW
Denmark installed 545 MW of solar in 2024, with utility-scale projects driving market growth, according to Danish solar association Dansk Solcelleforening.
Solar corporate funding falls 24% to $26.3 billion in 2024
Mercom Capital Group says inflation, high interest rates, trade disputes and policy ambiguity all contributed to a drop in corporate funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the solar sector last year.
Demand drives up some European electricity prices
A rise in electricity demand led to an increase in electricity prices across some European markets last week, while a drop in gas prices contributed to lower prices in others, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis.
