Dominican Republic updates net metering rules for rooftop solar
The Dominican Republic has approved new regulations for rooftop solar, shortening approval times, digitizing processes, removing penetration caps, and increasing annual compensation for surplus energy to 100%.
Space-based solar could be competitive by 2040, UK government finds
Investment and support could make small-scale space-based solar power (SBSP) viable, with potential for electricity generated in orbit to participate in UK contracts for difference (CfD) scheme according to new report. Launch costs have biggest impact on levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), according to analysis.
Rotterdam port advances 96 MW floating solar project for local use
A 96 MW floating PV project is set to be built at a dredging depot at the Port of Rotterdam. The array will not feed energy to the grid, instead serving local businesses. It is scheduled for operations in 2027.
Global utility-scale battery capacity rises 12-fold in 2020-24 period
The global capacity of utility-scale batteries increased more than 12-fold between 2020 and 2024 to 124 GW, while average battery costs fell 58% over the period, according to the Electricity 2026 report from the International Energy Agency (IEA).
ACME Solar signs 190 MW hybrid PPA with SECI in India
ACME Solar Holdings has signed 25-year 190 MW wind-solar hybrid power purchase agreement (PPA) with Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) requiring 50% annual capacity utilization factor and 80% daily peak supply obligation.
Pay-as-you-go solar often underutilized in Sub-Saharan Africa
A study of 1,000 sub-Saharan African households using off-grid PAYG solar systems found that 77% reduce their electricity use after the first year, leading to underused, often oversized systems. This persistent decline is driven by behavioural changes as well as economic constraints and highlights the need for solar designs and pricing that better match actual household energy needs.
Luxembourg launches new tender for C&I solar
Luxembourg’s Ministry of the Economy has launched a €3 million ($3.54 million) tender to support commercial and industrial (C&I) solar projects between 30 kW and 200 kW, with applications open until April 17.
Burundi switches on solar at five health facilities
A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-led initiative has installed hybrid solar-plus-storage systems at five health facilities in Burundi. A second phase of the scheme, due for completion this year, will power an additional nine district hospitals.
Mexico could become data center hub, but clean power lags behind
Mexico is attracting US data centers seeking faster power connections, but these facilities will initially rely on firm gas generation from the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), with renewables as a potential future option, Mexican energy expert Santiago Barcón told pv magazine.
Centrotherm launches new high-volume TOPCon PECVD tool
The Germany-based PV thermal process equipment and technology provider has launched c.Plasma Q Max to process up to 10,000 wafers per hour in high-volume TOPCon solar cell manufacturing lines.
