Digging into China’s solar capacity numbers
Amid a record amount of new solar capacity added in China in 2024, the share held by small-scale, “distributed” arrays fell to 38%, from 58% in 2022. Grid constraints, policy changes, and pricing adjustments have impacted home and business solar arrays, as Vincent Shaw reports, from Shanghai.
Southwest Power Pool can hit 90% renewables by 2050, says Brattle
The Southwest Power Pool (SPP) can reach 90% renewable energy while keeping US electricity rates stable, according to a study by Brattle Group.
California fast-tracks solar-plus-storage project
California Governor Gavin Newsom has expedited BayWa re’s 300 MW Cornucopia Hybrid agrivoltaic project, streamlining judicial review and cutting permitting delays.
Swedish grid operators reluctant to integrate batteries
A report from Svensk Solenergi says connection to the electricity grid is a significant obstacle to the expansion of battery storage technology in Sweden, with grid operators often hesitant to connect large-scale projects.
Germany concludes rooftop PV tender with lowest bid of €0.079/kWh
The German authorities have allocated 317 MW in the nation’s latest rooftop PV tender. The final prices ranged from €0.0790 ($0.0852)/kWh to €0.0969/kWh.
Key takeaways from RE+ México 2025
RE+ México 2025 drew more than 8,500 attendees to Expo Guadalajara, with optimism driven by pending energy reforms and a new storage ruling in the country.
European PPA prices down in February amid lower deal volumes, says Pexapark
European power purchase agreement (PPA) prices fell in February amid sliding energy commodity prices, but deal flow held steady, says Swiss energy consultancy Pexapark, noting that a “landmark” 40-year, 15 MW solar PPA was signed in Wales.
China announces procurement of sodium-ion batteries with price ceiling at $150/kWh
The innovative project located in a suburban district in the south of Shanghai will integrate five different energy storage technologies, including sodium-ion batteries. Its first phase will have a cumulative capacity of 40 MW/160 MWh.
Research shows Germany’s investments in renewables are ‘paying back’
German researchers have found that the majority of subsidies required to reach the country’s renewable energy targets have already been paid, with an estimated 80% to 90% of subsidies for units in operation covered. The costs of newer renewable energy sources have decreased and are often competitive with remunerations from the wholesale market.
U.S. government raises tariffs on imports from Chinese solar producers operating in Vietnam
The U.S. Department of Commerce dramatically increased tariffs on imports from Chinese solar producers operating in Vietnam after the agency concluded that China is subsidizing raw materials for its companies to use in their Vietnamese factories.
