New Zealand to fast-track approval process for solar projects
New Zealand’s large-scale solar market is set to shift up a gear, with the government referring two PV projects to an independent fast-track consenting panel. The installations have a combined generation capacity of more than 500 GWh per annum.
Weekend read: ‘Solar crime’ on the rise
With copper prices rising, inflation driving up the cost of living, and organized criminal gangs stepping up operations in the United Kingdom and across Europe, solar project owners need to be more conscious than ever of security.
Key takeways from SiliconPV 2023
The annual SiliconPV Conference came to TU Delft in the Netherlands last week and offered an important health check for the science and technology behind solar energy. pv magazine was on site to hear the latest from researchers reaching for higher efficiency through tandem cells and other innovations, and working to cut down solar technology’s consumption of rare and expensive materials.
Engie switches on 181.25 MW solar plant in Chile
Engie Chile’s largest solar park, in Chile’s Antofagasta region, will have a 638 MWh storage system, currently under construction.
Microwave annealing of silicon solar cells
Australian researchers have developed a new microwave technology that could advance solar-cell production by improving manufacturing processes and making them easier to recycle.
Solcast sheds light on utility PV performance across Australia
Observations shared by Solcast, a solar specialist, have shed new light on the impressive performance of Australian solar farms.
The Hydrogen Stream: LCOH of subsidized green hydrogen under $2/kg
Lazard explains in a new report that the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) is normally lower for green hydrogen than for pink hydrogen, using both PEM and alkaline electrolyzers, with or without subsidies. Meanwhile, Australian authorities are trying to increase the competitiveness of the local hydrogen sector, while car companies are updating their fuel cell plans.
Avaada Energy wins 560 MW solar project with $0.035/kWh bid in India
Avaada Energy has won a 560 MW (DC) solar project from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Co. Ltd. (MSEDCL). The project will supply power to MSEDCL at a tariff of INR 2.88 ($0.035)/kWh.
Chinese solar module makers announce new TOPCon plans
DAH Solar says it wants to reach 5.5 GW of TOPCon solar module capacity by the end of this year. Ronma Solar, meanwhile, says it wants to build an 18 GW panel factory in Jinhua, in China’s Zhejiang province.
Ecuador allocates 120 MW of PV in renewables auction
The government of Ecuador has allocated 500 MW of renewable energy capacity in its latest procurement exercise. The selected developers secured 25-year power purchase agreements (PPAs).
