France plans to slash feed-in tariffs for rooftop PV up to 500 kW
The French PV sector has reacted vehemently against the proposed provisions with claims they could completely halt the rooftop PV business.
Germany introduces new rules for solar remuneration during negative prices
The new provisions will apply to all PV systems exceeding 2 kW.
South America sees strong solar gains despite weak La Niña conditions
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that South America saw widespread above-average irradiance in January, despite weak La Niña conditions. However, storm systems fueled by Atlantic moisture suppressed solar generation in parts of Brazil and Bolivia.
Cyprus curtails 29% of renewable energy in 2024
Cyprus curtailed 29% of its renewable energy in 2024, a record high that signals risks to the island’s energy transition.
Reducing fuel consumption in shipping with wind-solar retrofits
A European consortium is applying wind-solar hybrid and tilting wing technology as modular refits of in-service long-distance cargo vessels in an effort to reduce fuel consumption.
Higher voltage faces greater resistance
Utility-scale solar is set to crank up the voltage, preparing to shift from 1.5 kV to 2 kV on the DC side. It is a move that could redefine PV system design and slash costs, but it won’t happen globally due to vastly different regulations as voltages rise, reports Tristan Rayner.
China to switch from FITs to market-oriented renewables pricing
China will replace its feed-in tariff (FIT) system with a fully market-driven renewable energy pricing model by June 2025, shifting wind and solar projects to competitive bidding and market transactions. The reform aims to enhance competition but raises uncertainty over future returns for investors.
Atlas details economic risks of hail damage to US solar sites
VDE Americas’ new hail risk atlas, now available for use on the Esri ArcGIS platform, can compare and evaluate the site-specific hail risk of current and future solar projects across the United States.
Slovenia adds 298.8 MW of solar in 2024
Slovenia’s solar market slowed in 2024, but the residential segment maintained the largest share as it adjusted to the phase-out of net metering and a new electricity tariff system.
Cyprus introduces energy storage subsidy scheme
Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has launched a subsidy scheme for energy storage systems paired with existing renewable energy plants. Eligible projects will be remunerated by feed-in tariffs (FiTs) or net billing systems.
