Expansion of PV for self-consumption reduces grid load
Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Engineering and Image Evaluation – Applied System Technology (IOSB-AST) says Germany’s grid load is falling as more PV output is consumed on-site, but notes rising electrification in other sectors could reverse the trend.
Solar cell, wafer exports from China rise as panel exports fall
Ember Energy says China’s solar export market is shifting as more diverse global supply chains drive higher cell and wafer shipments, lifting combined solar product capacity 11% this year despite lower panel exports.
Websol to double India solar cell capacity to 1.2 GW by October 2025
Websol is completing the installation of an additional 600 MW solar cell line in India. Trial output is set for September 2025 and full commercial production is scheduled to start the following month.
Virtual power plant drives ‘zero down’ household solar and battery installs
Alinta Energy and National Renewable Network have co-launched an initiative in Australia that installs household solar and battery storage systems at no upfront cost.
Vertical integration in solar? Harder than it looks
While owning customer relationships and generating assets is enticing, it’s not as straightforward as it might seem, according to Zoë Gamble of CleanChoice Energy.
Abandoned US nuclear site to host 16,000 MT polysilicon plant
Highland Materials will build a 16,000 metric ton (MT) solar-grade polysilicon plant on a former US nuclear project site, under a long-term lease with Pivotal Manufacturing.
IFC loans $250 million for Oman polysilicon project
The investment package features a $200 million loan for the implementation of the project and a $50 million preferred equity investment. The approval is said to have been opposed by several members of IFC’s board of executive directors.
Egypt-UAE joint venture wins Ivory Coast solar tender at €0.0310/kWh
Infinity Power submitted winning bids of €0.03310 ($0.039)/kWh and €0.03213/kWh for two solar projects totaling 80 MW, marking the lowest tariffs secured by an independent power producer in West and Central Africa.
Africa’s solar capacity surpasses 20 GW
Africa’s solar capacity has exceeded 20 GW, with more than 10 GW of projects under construction, led by utility-scale solar, which represents 70% of ongoing development, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).
California activates $2 billion solar and energy storage facility
Arevon Energy has completed the $2 billion, two-phase Eland solar-plus-storage project in Kern County, California, which will supply about 7% of Los Angeles’s electricity demand.
