The Hydrogen Stream: Ireland’s LCOH on par with Morocco, Brazil
Fraunhofer ISE, in collaboration with Irishi energy company ESB, developed a methodology showing that Ireland is a competitive location for renewable power-to-X and green hydrogen production with costs comparable to Morocco, South Africa, and Brazil, supported by strong wind resources, policy backing, and infrastructure potential.
Blocking pattern lifts irradiance from France to Finland while storms hit the east
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that a persistent high-pressure system over the North Sea created a major April solar irradiance surplus across western and northern Europe by suppressing clouds and boosting GHI well above average. At the same time, displaced storm tracks reduced irradiance in the eastern Mediterranean and parts of Eastern Europe, producing deficits in Greece, Turkey, and Ukraine while maintaining a sharp west–east contrast.
German scientists explore whether solar power plants can induce rain in deserts
The research project combines LiDAR measurements with advanced meteorological simulations to assess the climatic impacts of large-scale photovoltaic installations in desert regions.
Brazil deploys 4.4 GW of solar in Q1
Brazil added 4.4 GW of solar capacity in Q1 2026, led by 2.3 GW of utility-scale and 2.2 GW of distributed generation, with continued strong expansion expected if current rates persist.
Mitsubishi launches propane air-to-water heat pumps for large homes, light commercial applications
Mitsubishi has expanded its Hydrolution EZY R290 heat pump series with two models with capacities of 10 kW and 14 kW. The new products use R290 refrigerant and can deliver up to 75 C flow temperatures.
France’s collective solar self-consumption model hits regulatory wall
A roundtable recently held by solar panel manufacturer Dualsun and the GoodPlanet Foundation in Paris highlighted the organizational and regulatory barriers holding back collective solar self-consumption in France, a model its proponents say is technically ready to scale.
Solar industry faces rising risks from fires and battery faults
The 8th annual Solar Risk Assessment from kWh Analytics identifies equipment-driven fires, regulator fines, and battery inaccuracies as the latest threats to renewable asset returns.
Sweden lacks national strategy for utility-scale solar
Research from Lund University has explored how Sweden is building out utility-scale solar in the absence of an overarching national strategy. The researchers told pv magazine that without clearer national direction, projects will cluster in areas with favorable conditions while stalling elsewhere.
From night to noon: France’s reactors are now bending for European solar
Hourly ENTSO-E data show the summer midday-to-evening gap in French nuclear output has grown nearly eightfold since 2019. The reactors have adapted. The rest of the European power system has some catching up to do.
Solomon Islands plans first large-scale solar project
The Solomon Islands Electricity Authority and Asian Development Bank have signed an agreement aimed at developing the country’s first large-scale solar project.
