Quiet shift from central to string inverters in utility-scale solar
Central inverters still dominate the US utility-solar market but string inverters are beginning to get more traction in projects above 10 MW in size.
New research suggests renewables may not necessarily foster democracy, peace
Researchers in Germany have found that there is “no evidence” to support the notion that renewable energy generation fosters peace through prosperity. The trio of academics came to this conclusion after empirically testing the assumption that distributed renewable energies may reduce international conflicts and promote democratic values.
South Africa conducts tender to reshape renewables tender program
Consultants have until this evening to submit their proposals on reviewing and replacing South Africa’s Renewable Energy IPP Procurement (REIPPPP) scheme. In its current form, the REIPPP mechanism has been described as “expensive” to applicants and placing a “financial burden” on the evaluation office.
Mozambique switches on 19 MW/7 MWh solar-plus-storage plant
Globeleq says that commercial operations have started for what is said to be Mozambique’s first combined utility-scale solar and energy storage plant, in the district of Cuamba.
US, China dominate solar investment
China and the United States consistently attract the most annual solar investments. Together, they have received about 50% of all solar investments since 2015, according to a new report by the International Solar Alliance.
PV equipment sales are up with high share of exports, says VDMA
German engineering association the VDMA reports strong PV equipment exports in the second quarter, representing 92.5% of sales. Overall, PV equipment sales were up by 50% compared to the first quarter of the year and up slightly compared to the same period last year, but incoming orders for PV equipment were down by 14%.
New US solar manufacturers likely to choose TOPCon
At the recent pv magazine RoundtablesUS 2023 event, four experts weighed in on PV module choices now and into the future, with TOPCon in the spotlight, but perovskite and tandem HJT on the not-too-distant horizon.
Portugal powered solely by renewables last weekend
Portugal generated 172.5 GWh of renewable electricity between Friday and Saturday. Its output included 97.6 GWh of wind, 68.3 GWh of hydro, and 6.6 GWh of PV. It exported surplus power to Spain, while consuming 131.1 GWh.
India’s PV module exports to US set to increase until 2025
IEEFA and JMK Research say that Indian solar module manufacturers will continue to sell products in the US market until July 2024. However, exports could stagnate in 2025 and decline from 2027 due to domestic capacity development under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Quinbrook to build polysilicon factory in Australia
Renewables investor Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has announced plans to develop a polysilicon factory in Australia.
