Botswana breaks ground on 500 MW solar-plus-storage project
The Maun solar project will encompass 500 MW of solar tied to 500 MWh of battery storage in northeastern Botswana, making it one of the largest projects of its kind in southern Africa. A 30-year power purchase agreement is in place between project developers Okavango Solar, wholly-owned by Oman’s NAQAA Sustainable Energy LLC, and Botswana Power Corporation.
Work begins on Zambia’s largest solar-plus-storage project
Globeleq has started construction on 250 MW solar farm connected to 150 MW/600 MWh of battery storage in Zambia’s Lusaka Province.
PV curtailment exceeds 3.8% in Spain over past nine months
Spain’s PV curtailment currently averages 3.83% but varies widely by region, driven by grid constraints, system security needs, and market oversupply.
Repowering key for Japanese solar assets approaching feed-in tariff expiry
The refinancing of GSSG Solar and Voltaiyo’s 104 MW Jupiter Portfolio comes as Japan’s first-generation feed-in tariff (FIT) projects approach the end of guaranteed rates, forcing owners to reassess revenue strategies in a shifting post-FIT market.
First PV plant operating in Poland’s balancing market
The 204 MW Zwartowo solar power plant is the first large-scale solar project authorized to provide balancing services in Poland.
Abaxx Exchange lists world’s first solar irradiance futures contract
The Enwex Germany Solar (GSM) contract, launching April 23, brings exchange-cleared solar irradiance hedging to a market that has until now operated largely over the counter (OTC), a development Munich Re’s weather derivatives team says could broaden participation and formalize risk management.
No evidence of PFAS leaching from solar panels, study finds
Researchers in the United States reviewed claims about PFAS in solar panels and found that while fluoropolymers may be used in limited components like backsheets or coatings, there is no confirmed evidence of PFAS leaching from commercially deployed modules. The study highlights widespread confusion between different PFAS types and emphasizes the need for clearer communication and transparency around fluoropolymer use in PV technologies.
Key takeaways from RE+ Mexico
Expo ER+ 2026 in Guadalajara highlighted Mexico’s accelerating photovoltaic and energy storage market, with strong industry participation and a clear focus on grid integration and digitalisation. Experts emphasized that future growth will depend on storage and transmission expansion.
Kosol Energie completes 142 MW solar project for Coal India
Located in the Indian state of Gujarat, the ground-mounted solar plant uses n-type TOPCon bifacial modules based on POE–POE encapsulation technology.
Inside PV Manufacturing: United Solar’s polysilicon factory in Oman
In the first article of a new series on solar manufacturing facilities around the world, pv magazine presents the polysilicon facility of United Solar in Oman. The plant has a production capacity of 100,000 metric tons per year and is currently the largest of its kind outside China.
