New Python-based tool optimizes PV plant deployment on hilly terrain
Researchers in India have developed a novel layout design tool to identify the optimal locations for solar panel installation on undulating terrain. The tool consists of two components: a filtering module that excludes unsuitable land patches, and an algorithm that determines the optimal distribution of panels across the remaining usable area. The approach was demonstrated on a test site in India.
Protecting the grid from extreme weather
IEC Standards help to make the grid more resilient as the impact of climate change intensifies.
High pressure boosts eastern solar as storms hit North America’s northwest
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that North America experienced a highly variable solar performance in October, as a strong high-pressure system boosted irradiance across the eastern regions while cooler, cloudier conditions reduced solar potential in the Pacific Northwest.
Watch: Industry leaders on how distributed solar solves the U.S. power crisis
The finale of pv magazine USA Week 2025 promises an in-depth exploration of the most immediate, versatile solution to America’s escalating energy demands and rising electricity rates: distributed energy.
Key takeaways from RE-Source 2025: Complexity grows in PPA market
After a record year, the European power purchase agreement (PPA) market has declined sharply. At an industry gathering this week in Amsterdam, participants highlighted rising PPA complexity and potential solutions, including how to handle negative prices in solar PPAs and the move toward hybrid PPAs with battery storage.
Short circuit in cable causes fire at Taiwanese floating PV plant
Project contractor United Renewable Energy Engineering says 10 MW of the 192 MW site was preventatively shut down during the incident, which around 30 meters of cable line being damaged. The fire was brought under control within an hour, with the company anticipating no lasting damage to the surrounding area.
How to reduce PV module temperature with frame perforations
Scientists in China have investigated how frame perforations can help reduce the operational temperatures of solar modules through air cooling. Their findings show that the number of perforations must be carefully calibrated, and that more is not necessarily better.
Alfa Laval launches once-through steam generator for thermal storage
The Swedish company stated that its new product was designed for use in compact, molten salt energy storage applications, eventually in combination with PV power. In its standard configuration, it can reportedly withstand temperatures up to 400 C and pressures up to 60 bar.
UK solar capacity hits 20 GW
Major milestone for UK solar deployment as 15 CfD-backed projects switch on during the first three quarters of 2025. Further utility-scale deployment is expected, but much will depend on the outcomes in the next two CfD allocation rounds.
Hydrogen production to lower curtailment at Dutch solar park
The H2 Hollandia project will connect a 5 MW electrolyzer to an existing 115 MW solar park to produce around 300,000 kg of green hydrogen annually. Project developers told pv magazine the electrolyzer will prevent around half of the solar park’s current curtailment levels.
