US South and Midwest enjoy up to 30% more irradiance in March
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that solar irradiance surged far above the March norm in the US South and Midwest, while parts of the US West and Canada were impacted by lower-than-average irradiance levels.
IEA blames slowdown in energy innovation on market uncertainty
The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that energy innovation is slowing as shifting priorities and financing changes hinder progress, despite past investments driving economic and security gains.
Solx announces Puerto Rico’s first solar module factory
Solx plans to open Puerto Rico’s first solar module factory in Aguadilla with a $25 million investment. The 1 GW facility will produce 625 W panels for the utility-scale market at a repurposed Hewlett-Packard site.
How Trump’s widespread tariffs affect the U.S. solar industry
Tariffs of 10% are applied to most products from most countries, but energy and energy products, steel, and aluminum are exempt, as tariffs have already been applied.
PV curtailment jumps 97% in Germany in 2024
Solar curtailment increased by 97% in Germany last year, driven by rapid growth in PV deployment and unusually high solar radiation in the summer, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur).
Switzerland unveils remuneration levels for C&I solar tenders
Switzerland’s government has outlined remuneration levels for its upcoming tenders on PV systems over 150 kW, set to open in mid-April.
Alight, Autoliv sign Finland’s largest PPA to date
Swedish solar developer Alight has signed a 100 MW power purchase agreement (PPA) with Autoliv for Finland’s largest PPA to date. The solar park, set for construction in Eurajoki, will be operational by 2026.
Largest ever UK pumped hydro scheme granted consent
Planning permission granted for 1.8 GW/ 40 GWh pumped hydro project in the Scottish Highlands. Developer Gilkes Energy says the real work begins now and is seeking “substantial capital” for the project.
Inner Mongolia Energy Group switches on 1.6 GW solar farm in northern China
Inner Mongolia Energy Group has turned on a 1.6 GW solar project in Bayannur, Inner Mongolia, using inverters from China’s Sineng Electric.
Germany’s 50Hertz opens up reactive power market to renewables, battery storage
With regulator the Federal Network Agency requiring grid companies to tender for the provision of the reactive power needed to maintain network voltage, electricity transmission system operator (TSO) 50Hertz has stolen a lead on its rivals.
