The impact of ice balls on PV module hailstone safety standards
Researchers in Switzerland have investigated the impact behaviour of ice balls on an aluminium Hopkinson bar at different velocities, diameter and temperature.
Israel installs 900 MW of PV capacity in 2024
Recent data show Israel added 900 MW of solar PV capacity in 2024. The majority of the newly-added capacity stems from projects operating under merchant power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Using LiDAR data to improve modeling of PV system tilt, azimuth
Researchers in Sweden have developed a method to use LiDAR data to enable more precise tilt and azimuth modeling of solar PV and solar thermal capacity at a regional or substation level. The model could enable aggregators and grid operators to improve grid planning.
Norway donates $5.5 million for solar at Ukrainian hospitals, schools
The $5.5 million funding package will see 13 solar installations deployed at hospitals and schools across the city of Kharkiv this year, with a combined capacity of 1.1 MW.
French company unveils PVC-based mounting system for C&I solar projects
Renolit Ondex says its PVC-based mounting system is lighter and more impact-resistant than metal or fiber cement supports, while also helping to lower PV module temperatures.
France releases new FIT rates for PV systems up to 500 kW
France’s new feed-in tariffs (FITs) for February to June 2025 range from €0.0839 ($0.0907)/kWh to €0.1295/kWh, depending on system size.
Thin-film solar patents, manufacturing equipment listed for sale
A cancelled factory led to the sale. The solar cells produced by the equipment are “game-changing tech at liquidation values,” said the seller.
Mexico announces battery storage mandate for renewable energy plants
A month after India introduced an energy storage mandate for renewable energy plants and China scrapped its own, Mexico has stepped forward with an ambitious 30% capacity requirement, alongside plans to add a further 574 MW of batteries by 2028.
Indian utility ends 2 GW solar tender with lowest price of $0.03/kWh
Uttar Pradesh Power Corp. Ltd. has awarded 2 GW of solar capacity to four bidders at tariffs ranging from INR 2.56 ($0.03)/kWh to 2.57/kWh in its latest tender.
The Hydrogen Stream: Trafigura drops $471 million green H2 plan in Australia
Trafigura says it has scrapped plans for a $471.2 million green hydrogen plant in Australia after a feasibility study, while Aurora Energy Research says Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Great Britain could drive over 50% of renewable energy demand by 2035, requiring €100 billion in investment.
