IEA-PVPS releases cross-sectional evaluation tool for BIPV
The market for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) is evolving, necessitating the development of a comprehensive interdisciplinary evaluation methodology. IEA-PVPS Task 15 developed a cross-sectional evaluation tool, designed for architects, developers, and other stakeholders involved in BIPV projects. Through a step-by-step process, this methodology addresses economic, energy-relevant, environmental, and visual performance, providing a robust tool for comparing and optimizing BIPV installations.
Wind up, solar down for Europe in early 2024
According to data collected by AleaSoft Energy Forecasting, Europe enjoyed large wind production levels at the beginning of the year with France seeing its highest daily value of wind generation ever recorded. On the other hand, during the same period, solar production fell.
China’s floating PV potential estimated at 862.6 GW
Researchers from China looked at 875 reservoirs in the country and found that the potential annual power output for floating PV technology could reach up to 1,423.8 TWh.
Philippines approves 37.9 MW of net-metering PV capacity in 2023
The Philippines has approved 101.1 MW of PV capacity under its net-metering regime since launching the scheme in 2015.
German grid operator expects new 2023 solar capacity to hit 14.1 GW
Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) says developers likely installed 14.1 GW of new solar capacity in 2023, with more than 260,000 balcony solar modules now in operation.
UK solar capacity hits 15.6 GW
UK government statistics show that the country added 871 MW of solar capacity in the first 11 months of 2023. However, the Solar Energy UK trade association says that more than 1 GW of solar was deployed last year.
Texas solar generation surges amidst North America’s contrasting December patterns
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that varied patterns have impacted solar generation across North America in late December. The South experienced up to 30% higher irradiance than the long-term December average, resulting from a persistent Atlantic high-pressure system driving easterly winds. which kept moisture from the Gulf of Mexico offshore.
Slovakia’s solar additions hit 220 MW in 2023
The Slovak solar market showed encouraging signs of growth last year, according to provisional figures from the Slovak Association of the Photovoltaic Industry. It says the country could add 300 MW of new PV capacity in 2024.
Idaho commission cuts rooftop PV compensation, driving industry concerns
Electric utility commissions across the nation are following the lead of California to cut compensation for rooftop solar generation. Is Idaho the next step in a death march for the industry?
Color characterization technique for BIPV
Scientists in Switzerland have created a new technique to characterize the color of BIPV panels. The method uses an optical fiber spectrometer to detect color characterization signals.
