New method for PV site suitability mapping
Scientists in Malaysia have developed a novel deep-learning method for PV suitability mapping. Applying the new approach to the Middle East, they found that approximately 5.8% of the region has very high suitability and 11.5% is highly suitable for PV energy development.
Mitsubishi testing aquifer thermal energy storage for renewables
The Japanese conglomerate and the Osaka Metropolitan University are testing an aquifer thermal energy storage system that directly uses 10,000 m3 of groundwater stored at 5 C in a cooling well. It is intended to store renewable energy and produce cooling for air conditioning in the summer or heating for the winter.
US Senate bill threatens solar growth, manufacturing, investment
Industry leaders react to passage of the Senate-approved bill, warning it will pull the plug on domestic manufacturing, billions of dollars worth of investment, new jobs, lower energy costs and increasing clean energy capacity.
Swiss researchers seek to simplify TOPCon cell production with single-step annealing process
A Swiss research team has developed a novel single-step annealing process for tunnel oxide passivating contact (TOPCon) solar cells. Demonstrating the approach, the scientists built a proof-of-concept TOPCon device with a 21% efficiency.
Largest UK solar plant goes online
The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park is now exporting 100% of its capacity to the grid. Under construction, co-located energy storage to come online at a later date. The project has broken UK records for financing and offtake agreements, according to developer Quinbrook.
Batteries with 200 Wh/kW solar ratio could ease curtailment in Spain
Researchers say curtailment of solar energy in Spain over the past two years has significant energy and economic impacts, but battery storage can help mitigate the problem. They calculated its effect on levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and net present value (NPV).
UK rejects CfD bid for 10.5 GW Morocco solar-wind subsea cable
The UK government has rejected a contract-for-difference (CfD) application for the proposed Xlinks interconnector, a 3,800 km submarine cable to deliver power from a planned 10.5 GW solar-wind facility in Morocco to the UK grid.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Kaisheng New Energy plans new solar glass factory
Kaisheng New Energy says it plans to build a 2,000-ton-per-day photovoltaic glass plant in Zigong, Sichuan province.
Madagascar signs deal to develop 50 MW of solar with 25 MWh of storage
Global South Utilities (GSU) has secured agreements with Madagascar to develop a 50 MW solar plant and a 25 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the island nation.
Solar surpasses 10% of U.S. electrical generation for a full month for the first time
In April, solar photovoltaics accounted for 10.64% of all electricity generation, according to the EIA. Combined with wind, the two sources neared 25%, while carbon-free electricity edged above 49%.
