Scientists unveil desert solar modules with higher performance ratio, reduced temperature sensitivity
Researchers in Morocco have carefully configured and tested a novel desert solar module optimized for harsh desert climates. The new design delivered a 5.8% improvement in performance ratio, a 1.95% increase in efficiency, and reduced temperature sensitivity by 0.85% compared to standard modules.
Alpine PV has LCOE ranging from €0.097/kWh to 0.162/kWh
New research from Switzerland shows that capex costs for Alpine PV projects in Switzerland currently range between €2,231/kW and €4,182/KW for ground-mounted projects and up to €3,802/kW and €7,108/kW for wall-mounted and floating projects, respectively.
UK solar capacity hits 17 GW as government mulls PV planning reform
Greatest capacity uplift of 2024 recorded in July as provisional deployment data suggests 1.2 GW added over 12-month period. Domestic installations continue to account for the lion’s share of new additions, but the UK government is seeking views on planning reforms aimed at accelerating deployment of larger-scale solar farms.
Japanese researchers test 15%-efficient perovskite solar module for agrivoltaics
Japan’s Sekisui Chemical launched an agrivoltaics project in partnership with Terra, a unit of Japan-based Citizen Energy Chiba, to test the peformance of its perovskite solar cell technology and the effect of the PV system on plants.
Eskom launches tender for up to 30 MW of solar
South African utility Eskom is searching for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to build a solar plant up to 30 MW in size at the site of an existing power station in the eastern part of the country. The deadline for applications is Oct. 29.
The Hydrogen Stream: Linde invests in blue hydrogen facility in Canada
Linde has signed a long-term deal to supply clean hydrogen in Alberta, Canada, while Hyundai Motor and Pertamina have agreed to jointly develop Indonesia’s hydrogen ecosystem.
Japan suspends incentives for 342 agrivoltaic facilities
The Japanese authorities have suspended feed-in tariffs (FITs) and premiums for 342 agrivoltaic projects due to violations of new agricultural land regulations. Analyst Makoto Tajima tells pv magazine that this move could hinder the development of agrivoltaics in land-scarce Japan.
South Africa’s 7th renewables procurement round highly oversubscribed
South Africa’s latest auction is the first to be held under a December 2022 government plan to procure 14,771 MW of new generating capacity.
Uzbekistan set for large solar-plus-battery system
ACWA Power plans to build a 500 MW solar plant and a 500 MWh battery energy storage system in Uzbekistan under a project proposed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Zimbabwe proceeds with 5 MW solar plant
Zimbabwe is moving forward with the development of a 5 MW solar plant. Construction is set to begin following approval from the Infrastructure and Development Bank of Zimbabwe.
