FuturaSun unveils n-type heterojunction solar modules
Italy’s FuturaSun has developed new bifacial double-glass PV modules based on n-type heterojunction (HJT) half-cut multi-busbar solar cells. The Velvet Pro line features M6 cells with power ratings ranging from 380 W to 480 W for rooftop applications. The Velvet Premium line features M12 cells, with power ratings from 615 W to 700 W for large-scale applications.
Australian rooftop solar capacity hits 20 GW
Australia’s rooftop solar capacity will overtake coal-fired capacity to become the country’s largest power generator in April, when a New South Wales coal plant is set to shut down, says solar consultancy SunWiz.
Italy hits 25 GW milestone
Italy deployed 2.48 GW of new PV systems in 2022, with the residential solar segment accounting for almost 50% of the total installed capacity.
Greece struggling to connect 1 GW of installed PV to grid
Pospief, the association of solar producers in Greece, says that about 1 GW of installed PV projects are still waiting to connect to the grid. The Greek distribution system is unable to accommodate new, small-scale PV capacity, aside from net-metering projects.
France unveils new FIT rates for PV systems up to 500 kW
France’s new feed-in tariffs (FITs) for the first quarter range from €0.2349 ($0.25)/kWh for installations below 3 kW in size to €0.1287/kWh for arrays ranging in capacity from 100 kW to 500 kW.
Germany trying to attract ‘solar workers’ from India
The German Solar Industry Association and the Indian Skill Council for Green Jobs signed an agreement in Delhi on the weekend, marking German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to India.
India installed 15 GW of solar in 2022, says Bridge To India
Adani accounted for the largest share of India’s 15 GW of solar installations last year, with 1.75 GW of capacity additions. The developer was followed by NTPC with 1.61 GW and Avaada with 1.38 GW, according to Bridge To India’s latest report.
Das Solar unveils 22.4%-efficient n-type TOPCon solar panels
Das Solar’s new tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) product, developed for large-scale PV applications, features 605 W to 625 W of power output. Its temperature coefficient is -0.30% per degree Celsius.
South Africa introduces rebate scheme for rooftop PV
South Africa’s new rebate program for private rooftop solar arrays has a budget of ZAR 4 billion ($216.7 million). It does not cover inverters, battery storage systems, or installation costs. However, some industry analysts have already criticized the scheme for failing to fully address the country’s load-shedding problem.
Brazil imported 17.8 GW of solar modules in 2022
Brazilian demand for distributed-generation PV grew by 73% year on year in 2022, according to a new report by Greener. JinkoSolar was the largest module supplier in Brazil, with shipments reaching 3,065 MW.
