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.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Huasun secures 3 GW HJT solar panel order
Huasun Energy says it has signed a 3 GW supply deal with Hongyang New Energy Development Group for heterojunction (HJT) solar panels. The PV modules will be used in Hongyang’s solar-plus-storage hydrogen-ammonia projects in China’s Xinjiang region, with delivery set by the end of 2026.
Philippines certifies 17.6 GW of renewables under CEPNS program
The government of the Philippines issued Certificates of Energy Projects of National Significance (CEPNS) for 149 power and transmission projects between May and December 2024, covering 91 renewable energy projects totaling 17.6 GW of capacity.
France exempts energy communities up to 1 MW from excise duty
France’s 2025 Budget Law exempts energy communities with projects up to 1 MW from excise duty on electricity consumption. The measure applies retroactively from Jan. 1, 2025, and remains in effect until Jan. 1, 2027.
Tesla begins production at Shanghai Megapack Factory amid intensifying price war
Tesla’s first overseas energy storage plant starts operating as global competition from Chinese firms and pricing pressures mount.
Trina Solar sues Canadian Solar over patents in $147 million lawsuit
Trina Solar has filed a lawsuit against Canadian Solar and its subsidiary, seeking $147 million in damages for alleged infringement of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell patents. The case, accepted by the Jiangsu High Court, underscores the rise of intellectual property disputes in China’s competitive solar sector.
