Tongwei adds solar modules to its PV powerhouse
Chinese PV manufacturer TW Solar (Tongwei Co., Ltd.) TW Solar spoke to pv magazine at the recent World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi about its strategy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and other global markets.
Botswana launches tender for multiple solar plants
Botswana has kicked off a tender for seven solar projects. The installations are expected to help the sub-Saharan country to reduce its dependence on electricity imports from South Africa.
Dutch parliament approves proposal to phase out net metering
The House of Representatives of the Netherlands has voted to end net metering. If the Dutch Senate approves the proposal, it could usher in a new era for rooftop PV, with storage becoming crucial for the country’s energy transition.
Desert Quartzite approved for 300 MW/ 600 MWh of solar, storage in California
Desert Quartzite says it will invest $1 billion in its plans for a utility-scale solar project in California. The facility is expected to start commercial operations by December 2024.
Tongwei to set up 120,000 MT of additional polysilicon capacity
Tongwei has revealed plans to set up a new polysilicon facility with a production capacity of 120,000 metric tons (MT) in Leshan, in China’s Sichuan province.
New study shows lower environmental impact with single-axis trackers
Brazilian researchers have compared the environmental impact of two PV plants – one with polycrystalline solar modules mounted on fixed-tilt trackers, and another with the same modules mounted on single-axis trackers. The life cycle assessment shows the system with single-axis trackers reduced carbon gas emissions by 24%, land use by 20%, and water use by 7%.
Norsun secures wafer order from Meyer Burger
Norsun, which operates a hydroelectric-powered factory in Norway, has agreed to sell wafers to Meyer Burger, which plans to expand its annual solar cell production capacity to 3 GW by 2024.
Survey shows 34.3% failure rate for residential inverters over 15 years
The Bern University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland has published the initial results of a survey on the durability and performance of residential PV inverters and power optimizers over a 15-year period. They found that more than 65% of the inverters did not present yield-relevant faults by their 15th year of operation.
Sodium aluminum battery for renewables storage
US researchers have designed a molten salt that could potentially reach an energy density of up to 100 Wh/kg at a cost of $7.02/ kWh. The battery uses an aluminum cathode that charges quickly and reportedly enables longer-duration discharge.
European solar PPA prices rose by 11.4% in Q4
LevelTen Energy says the prices of solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Europe reached €76.84($82.58)/MWh in the fourth quarter of 2022.
