Only 3 Portuguese energy communities operating despite massive demand
The European Commission first set up the rules for energy sharing communities in 2018 and 2019, with Portugal rolling out its own legislation soon after. Despite these efforts, five years on there are only three energy sharing communities legally operating in the Mediterranean country, with hundreds more stuck in a year-long regulatory backlog, one local engineer tells pv magazine.
Self-financed solar array destroyed in Lebanese farming village
One of the project architects behind a solar power system in a southern Lebanese village tells pv magazine that the 200-panel array – which pumped water from an underground well for roughly 400 families – was allegedly destroyed earlier this month by Israeli forces. The community needs help rebuilding it, he says.
Collectively owned PV systems improve energy community performance
Researchers have looked into the impact of potential regulated charge exemptions on two types of energy communities in 39 European countries. They have found that communities with collectively owned PV systems achieve greater savings.
Germany’s Teleson enters PV industry with sales app
Teleson has launched a sales and distribution platform for PV projects. The mobile and phone app is available for the company’s German-based customers.
Israel to use solar fences to protect villages
Against the backdrop of its war with Hamas, Israel has started allowing villages to install solar fences to improve protection for residents.
Europe to add 58 GW of solar in 2023
Europe’s solar installation levels are exceeding expectations and are on track to grow 30% this year from 2022, according to Rystad Energy.
Strategies to develop ‘solar neighborhoods’
A group of scientists across the world have created a list of recommendations that can help create solar neighborhoods. In a recently published study they highlight the importance of legislative frameworks and advanced computing.
German company installs PV-powered desalination plant in Ukraine
Germany’s Boreal Light says it has installed a desalination plant in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. It claims that the system – which uses 560 W solar modules to produce 125 cubic meters of clean water per hour – is Europe’s largest PV-powered desalination project.
Local authorities can lead net zero charge
With metropolitan-borough and city councils in England and Wales already driving decarbonization initiatives, local government bodies could do so much more if given adequate powers and funding.
UK Power Networks kicks off 850 MW flexible electricity tender
The UK’s largest transmission system operator, UK Power Networks, recently launched an 850 MW flexible electricity tender. The company’s Distribution System Operator’s head of flexibility markets, Alex Howard, tells pv magazine that the tender will manage demand growth and help get more renewable projects in a ‘big queue’ connected to the network.
