Eskom calls for registration of all grid-tied solar installations
South African utility Eskom is urging consumers with grid-tied rooftop solar to register their systems and integrate them with the national grid, waiving registration fees until March 2026. Off-grid installations must still prove they operate independently.
Australia’s residential battery installations rise 30% in 2024
Australia installed more than 28,000 residential batteries in 2024, a 30% increase from the previous year, according to a Clean Energy Council (CEC) platform that tracks renewable energy adoption.
Japanese agency launches solar surplus forecasting to improve energy efficiency
The Japan Weather Association (JWA) says its new forecasting service provides real-time surplus solar power predictions for individual buildings, commercial facilities, and households.
China to switch from FITs to market-oriented renewables pricing
China will replace its feed-in tariff (FIT) system with a fully market-driven renewable energy pricing model by June 2025, shifting wind and solar projects to competitive bidding and market transactions. The reform aims to enhance competition but raises uncertainty over future returns for investors.
JinkoSolar sues Waaree Energies for alleged TOPCon patent infringement
JinkoSolar has filed a lawsuit in Texas against Waaree Energies and its US subsidiary for the alleged infringement of one of its n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patents, marking another move in its aggressive patent defense strategy.
Global utility-scale solar additions hit 182 GW in 2024
Utility-scale solar installations reached 182 GW (AC) in 2024, with the top 33 countries now accounting for 765 GW, or roughly 93% of the global total, according to Wiki-Solar.
Slovenia adds 298.8 MW of solar in 2024
Slovenia’s solar market slowed in 2024, but the residential segment maintained the largest share as it adjusted to the phase-out of net metering and a new electricity tariff system.
New test method for curved VIPV surfaces
IEA-PVPS has conceived a new test method and analysis of the impact of curvature in vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) surfaces. Over the course of an 8-day summertime trial in south-eastern France, the researchers found that the curvature triggered irradiance and temperature non-uniformity of up to 261W/m² and 13 C, respectively.
Cyprus introduces energy storage subsidy scheme
Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has launched a subsidy scheme for energy storage systems paired with existing renewable energy plants. Eligible projects will be remunerated by feed-in tariffs (FiTs) or net billing systems.
India’s solar module exports hit $782 million in April-November 2024
India exported $782 million worth of PV modules from April to November 2024, with $756.08 million shipped to the United States, says Indian Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy Shripad Yesso Naik.
