From the ground up – 04-2024
Already a subscriber?
Login
Excerpt from the magazine
Minigrids, maximum effect
The World Bank has committed $1.4 billion to finance solar minigrids in 29 countries. A philanthropic initiative backed by $1 billion in commitments from the Rockefeller, Ikea, and Bezos foundations is also working in seven low-income countries to develop such small PV networks.
Apr 09, 2024
Stability expected
The Invesco Solar (TAN) exchange-traded fund (ETF) under-performed the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) stock indexes in February 2024 but there are signs that stability could be coming. Jesse Pichel, of Roth Capital Partners, says a targeted sales approach is proving successful in the United States.
Apr 09, 2024
Subscribe now for instant access to this issue and every published issue since 2016.
Subscribe
Take-off at last for Egyptian PV?
The gigawatt-scale Benban project showcases Egypt’s solar potential and premium prices for gas exports make the case for a more diverse energy mix. A nation with grand renewables targets – but slow installation rates – may finally be weaning itself off fossil fuel resources.
Apr 09, 2024
Bringing the sun home
Solar leasing enables the assembly of portfolios comprising thousands of assets but developers need capital to invest in these systems. That requires minimal risk exposure, achieved by a specialist who evaluates and mitigates risk and ensures installations meet quality criteria. Everoze Partner Julia García outlines what advisors should assess to future-proof home solar portfolios.
Apr 09, 2024
UP: Vocal community
As the Australian authorities launch rolling tenders for 32 GW of renewables and storage by 2030, it has become clear that some communities, including locals around pv magazine reporter Bella Peacock’s hometown, have not been brought onside. Heated debate on social media and a frenzy stoked by concerns about the impact on the natural environment are throwing up hurdles for renewables development.
Apr 09, 2024
Clean power, to the people
Community solar and other collective consumption models, a focus topic in this, April 2024 edition of pv magazine, are already proving their worth by providing low-cost clean energy direct to the customers that need it. In pioneering markets such as Italy and the United States, such models already promise gigawatts worth of new PV […]
Apr 09, 2024
The smarter E special: Fertile ground for agrivoltaics
There is huge PV potential to be found across Europe’s farmlands but in some respects, it is a segment still at the germination stage. Recent regulatory activity in Italy could fuel progress, as pv magazine learned when it caught up with industry expert Oltis Dallto to discuss the evolution of agrivoltaics.
Apr 09, 2024
The smarter E special: Sun shines on PPAs
The year 2023 set a record for renewables power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Europe and the most optimistic industry analysts forecast 25% growth in 2024. While Spain has long been the continent’s PPA leader, it could soon be knocked off its perch as other regions ramp up their plans.
Apr 09, 2024
Change of pace for Italian shared solar
Starting an energy community typically requires many actors, a lot of effort, and the negotiation of complex permitting and implementation processes. Italy is an early mover and new legislation to streamline the process could soon drive an increase in energy community volume.
Apr 09, 2024
The smarter E special: Broken transmission
There has been a strong European contribution to solar’s record run as the continent has battled high energy prices and fear of scarcity by piling on modules. Easy wins were won before “grid congestion” was even a well-known phrase, leading to a struggle with electricity system operators to allow grid connections. PV projects are now ready to go but getting their power into the grid is another matter.
Apr 09, 2024
One for all, one for one
Contrary to expectations, module prices fell again in March 2024. For mainstream modules, that may be down to high inventory levels in Europe but there can be no rational explanation for ever-cheaper tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), heterojunction (HJT), or back-contact products, argues Martin Schachinger.
Apr 09, 2024
The smarter E special: Better together
While coupling battery energy storage systems (BESS) and renewables is increasingly common in the United States, co-location has been slow to gain traction in Europe. A range of practical challenges has hindered the commitment of developers and investors but the growing share of solar and wind energy, and policy support in some parts of Europe, are making the business case increasingly appealing.
Apr 09, 2024
The smarter E special: Setting sustainability standards
The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI) was launched amid an energy crisis and a European ban on products suspected to have been made with forced labor, in order to help the industry meet transparency and sustainability goals, as demand for renewables continues to soar.
Apr 09, 2024
EU solar trends
The level of solar stock held by European module manufacturers has almost halved since October 2023, says InfoLink’s Alan Tu. Module prices have tumbled amid an oversupply situation and many countries are beginning to push harder toward 2030 renewable energy targets. That’s good news for installations but means a more difficult environment for the continent’s PV manufacturers to navigate.
Apr 09, 2024
