Floating PV system designed for offshore waters can withstand waves up to 4 m
A Chinese research team has developed a floating PV system that purportedly offers high stability and superior seakeeping performance. It features a series of floating pontoons for buoyancy, coupled with a truss-frame support structure for solar panels.
North Macedonia kicks off 30 MW solar tender
Elektrani na Severna Makedonija (ESM), a state-owned electricity company in North Macedonia, has launched a 30 MW solar tender for the design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and handover of two solar plants. The deadline for applications is Jan. 17, 2025.
Netherlands maps all PV-related building fires
Three Dutch research institutes have released a report detailing fire incidents in buildings with PV systems. Between 2022 and 2023, PV systems were linked to 31 fire accidents across the country.
Hungary deploys 1.3 GW of solar in January-October period
Hungary installed 1.3 GW of solar between January and October, bringing its cumulative PV capacity to 7.3 GW by the end of October, according to new government data.
Germany set to cross 100 GW milestone
Germany might exceed 100 GW of cumulative solar capacity in 2024, as new projections from Bundesverband der deutschen Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW) estimate 17.5 GW in new PV installations.
India adds 20 GW of solar in 12 months to October
Indian PV developers installed 20 GW of solar in the 12 months to October, bolstered by a strong project pipeline. SBI Capital Markets projects 50 GW of combined solar and wind capacity additions in fiscal 2025 and 2026.
Scientists use microwave radiation to recover copper from old VVF power cables
A Japan-Italy research team say they have developed a simple and convenient method for recovering copper wires from PVC cables that involves the use of microwave radiation and avoids the generation or use of toxic chemicals.
Coupling PV with direct air capture
Researchers in China have suggested to combine PV plants with direct air capture (DAC) technologies in an effort to reduce solar curtailment and increase DAC competitiveness. They found that the proposed combination could become viable by 2030, especially if carbon prices will increase.
Vertical solar power at U.S. airports
Vertical solar at airports can reduce energy costs, provide a revenue stream and enhance operational efficiency and public image.
Germany commits €24 billion to build national hydrogen network
KfW Development Bank has offered €24 billion ($25.2 billion) grant to bridge the gap between network operators’ high investment costs and the initially low revenues from network charges.
