SMA Solar begins work on 20 GW inverter factory in Germany
SMA says its total inverter capacity will double to 40 GW once its new factory is fully operational in Niestetal, Germany.
Croatia launches rebate program for solar, other renewables, batteries
The Croatian government has allocated €60 million ($65.6 million) in subsidies for businesses to install 80 MW of renewables and 20 MWh of batteries.
Israel introduces storage-linked tariff for distributed PV
The Electricity Authority of Israel has decided to regulate the connection of energy storage systems to low-voltage PV plants with capacities of up to 630 kW. It is introducing a supplementary tariff for PV and storage facilities that share single metered connection points to the grid, in order to reduce bottlenecks on the grid.
Translucent tandem perovskite-perovskite solar cells for BIPV
An international research group has made translucent perovskite solar cells to maintain decent levels of average visible transmittance (AVT) while offering higher efficiency. They tested different module and cell configurations and produced a two-terminal, perovskite-perovskite tandem device with an efficiency of 17.7% at 12% AVT.
Dust removal for solar panels via electrostatic cleaning
A Jordanian research team has designed a cleaning technique for solar modules that uses static electricity to remove dust from panel surfaces. The system features an electrostatic ionizer that reduces attraction between dust particles and their accumulation on modules, improving their energy yield.
UL Solutions, NREL set cybersecurity standards for distributed energy, inverters
UL 2941 provides testable requirements for energy storage and generation technologies on the distribution grid. The new cybersecurity protocol provides a framework for PV inverters, electric-vehicle chargers, wind turbines, fuel cells, and other distributed resources.
Ignitis Group expands pumped hydro facility in Lithuania
Ignitis Group says it will increase the capacity of the 900 MW Kruonis Pumped Storage Plant by another 110 MW. It notes that the expansion project will be finalized by the end of 2026.
Grid issues plague solar’s comeback in Czechia
The lack of a transparent grid capacity system in Czechia is eroding the solar self-consumption business model, and in some parts of the country, grid bottlenecks are delaying grid connections.
Plug-and-play PV system for garden fences
German PV product supplier Green Akku says that its new PV system can be vertically attached to fences. It reportedly generates more solar power, even in winter.
Mibet unveils new balcony solar mounting structure
China’s Mibet has developed a mounting system for PV modules installed on balcony railings, terraces, gardens, and garage rooftops. It offers a maximum title angle of 30 degrees and can withstand wind loads of 30 meters per second.
