UK government extends CfD contract length to 20 years
Changes announced ahead of seventh Contract for Difference (CfD) allocation round widely viewed as key to achieving government’s clean power targets for 2030. Target commissioning window for solar projects also extended in anticipation of larger capacity projects.
Mexico introduces new rules for self-consumption
Mexico’s energy regulator has issued new provisions to streamline the permitting process for self-consumption power plants between 0.7 MW and 20 MW, aiming to improve legal certainty for project developers.
SNEC Interview: Skyworth PV to roll out EPC business globally
During last month’s SNEC exhibition in Shanghai, pv magazine met with Wanfei Qu, CIO of Skyworth Group and CEO and director of Skyworth PV (also named Solavita in Europe), at the Chinese manufacturer’s impressive booth. The company utilizes the “Solavita” brand in Europe, but whether the brand is “Skyworth” or “Solavita” the it can leverage its strong foundation in manufacturing, electronics and IT, which it has built up in over 37 years. The Shenzhen-headquartered manufacturer only entered the solar PV industry in 2020, but in the span of just four years the company went from $10 million in PV-related revenues to $3 billion in 2024. The young CEO of Skyworth PV has ambitious goals for the future, targeting $1 billion in overseas PV revenues in the next three years. Germany and Italy are the company’s target markets in Europe.
Precise backside irradiance modeling for bifacial PV is often unnecessary
A European research group has developed a new “empirical” method for measuring the backside irradiance of bifacial PV system. The proposed approach was tested across several European locations and it was found to enable annual performance calculations with a fixed backside irradiance share value.
Using photoluminescence, implied open-circuit voltage imaging for perovskite solar cell field testing
To evaluate the outdoor performance and stability of perovskite solar cells using contactless and noninvasive methods, an Australian and Chinese research team found a way to use photoluminescence imaging as well as demonstrating a proof of concept for implied open-circuit voltage (iVOC) imaging. Their research relied on cost-effective equipment that operates under direct sunlight.
Saint Lucia plans 10 MW solar project
Electric utility company St Lucia Electricity Services is set to tender a 10 MW solar project with accompanying battery energy storage later this year.
Iberdrola plans 1.32 GW pumped-hydro storage project in Portugal
Iberdrola has started approval processes for a 1.32 GW pumped-hydro storage project in Portugal. The Proyecto de Aprovechamiento Hidroeléctrico de Minhéu is set to become the country’s largest facility of its kind once completed.
Saudi Arabia signs 5 solar PPAs totaling 12 GW
Saudi Arabia has inked five solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) with a developer consortia led by ACWA Power covering 12 GW of new capacity. Alongside two wind PPAs totaling 3 GW, the seven projects have been billed as the largest renewable energy capacity signed for in a single phase globally.
Poland allocates 1.67 GW of PV in renewables auctions
Figures from Poland’s Energy Regulatory Authority (URE) show that solar accounted for 178 of the 181 successful bids awarded under the country’s latest renewables auctions. Auctions covering hydroelectric power plants, agricultural biogas plants, and biomass went unresolved due to a lack of valid offers.
Australian utility aquires CSP-storage project from Photon Energy
AGL Energy has bought the 150 MW solar, 90 MW thermal, and 720 MWh storage Yadnarie Project from Dutch developer Photon Energy, following the award of development approval in June.
