Infrastructure reform is key to accelerating Africa’s energy transition
In its latestt monthly column for pv magazine, the International Renewable Energy Agency explains that, in order to realize Africa’s vast potential, we must ensure there is adequate investment and infrastructure development to support renewable energy. In the coming years, this means urgently overcoming the structural barriers across three priorities: infrastructure, policy, and institutional capabilities.
Jamaica seeks proposals for 100 MW of renewables
The Jamaican government is seeking 100 MW of renewables to diversify its energy grid, with independent power producers to generate this capacity through wind, solar, and hydro projects recommended under power purchase agreements (PPAs), according to tender documents.
Indian scientists making high-purity polysilicon ingots from recyled PV cells
Indian scientists have produced high-purity polysilicon ingots from recycled solar cells using “spark plasma sintering” (SPS), and claim they may achieve a purity level comparable to commercially available products.
Solar giants bet big on US manufacturing
Major solar panel suppliers have announced the construction of three new factories, collectively adding 15 GW of manufacturing capacity. In 2021, there was only 7 GW of module manufacturing capacity in the United States.
Hoymiles introduces hybrid inverters for residential solar, storage
Hoymiles has developed new hybrid inverters for residential solar and storage applications. They support 120 V/240 V backup power without the need for an external transformer.
Brazil’s solar module imports hit 7.8 GW in H1
Brazil imported 7.8 GW of solar modules in the first half of 2023, with Chinese manufacturers Canadian Solar and JinkoSolar providing 2.4 GW of the total. This marked a 19% reduction in panel imports from the first six months of 2022, according to consultancy Greener.
EUPVSEC: Cautious optimism over local production
As the 40th edition of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EUPVSEC) gets underway in Lisbon today, it’s clear that European PV manufacturing faces some difficult challenges in the current climate of low prices and strong competition on all sides. Nonetheless, the show is already revealing plenty of optimism among the continent’s PV manufacturing players.
India tenders 1.26 GW of renewable storage
Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd (SECI) has launched a tender to select developers for 1,260 MW of firm, dispatchable power from renewable energy projects with storage systems. Bidding closes on Nov. 10.
New floating PV system design from Brazil
A Brazilian consortium is testing a new floating PV system design on a lake in the state of Sao Paulo. The facility is setting standards for future development of floating arrays in Brazil.
Urban shadowing on solar-powered vehicles
New research shows high potential for solar-powered vehicles across the world, providing between 11 km/day/kWp to 29 km/day/kWp of extended range in open areas, enabling significant levels of self-sufficiency.
