MCPV secures €10 million grant for 2.5 GW solar module factory in Spain
Netherlands-based MCPV, a silicon heterojunction PV manufacturer, is planning to build a GW-sized PV panel factory in Tudela, Navarra, Spain.
Myanmar earthquake disrupts solar wafer production, global supply chain
The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has disrupted solar wafer production in western China, where about 50% of the country’s wafer capacity is concentrated. Major manufacturers have suspended operations due to equipment failures, raising concerns over supply shortages and higher global solar prices.
History of U.S. tariffs and how they relate to solar
Days after entering office, the Trump administration announced tariffs on key US trading partners. While Canada and Mexico negotiated a one-month stay, it appears tariffs are set to play an even larger role in US trade policy through 2029. Paula Mints examines the history of U.S. tariffs with a focus on the solar industry.
TCL launches TCL SunPower Global unit
The Chinese group announced the new TCL SunPower Global unit will operate mostly in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, selling SunPower-branded solar energy solutions alongside TCL’s own solar products.
Israel installs 900 MW of PV capacity in 2024
Recent data show Israel added 900 MW of solar PV capacity in 2024. The majority of the newly-added capacity stems from projects operating under merchant power purchase agreements (PPAs).
France releases new FIT rates for PV systems up to 500 kW
France’s new feed-in tariffs (FITs) for February to June 2025 range from €0.0839 ($0.0907)/kWh to €0.1295/kWh, depending on system size.
U.S. solar manufacturing moving onshore and prospering
Efforts to establish solar manufacturing in the United States, on the back of generous Inflation Reduction Act subsidies, have had mixed results. While module assembly facilities appeared swiftly, cell production capacity trails far behind and current policy uncertainty is leaving more questions than answers for solar manufacturers of all sizes.
Long-term issues found in warehoused solar panels
Clean Energy Associates (CEA) is receiving more calls from solar developers concerned about warehouse panel damage. CEA senior engineering manager Claire Kearns-McCoy explains how improper handling, stacking, and storage conditions can lead to long-term issues.
Borussia Dortmund plans 4.2 MW PV system at soccer stadium
Borussia Dortmund, a German soccer team, is partnering with JA Solar and RWE to install a 4.2 MW solar system with battery storage at its stadium, supplying 4 MWh for on-site consumption. A smaller PV installation is already in operation on the stadium roof.
Austria installs 2.2 GW of PV in 2024
Austria installed 2.2 GW of new PV capacity in 2024, bringing its cumulative total to 8.3 GW by the end of the year, according to industry group PV Austria.
