Public opinion matters to the success of solar planning
New research from the UK finds institutional actors have greatest influence over planning consent, however, public support also has a statistically significant impact. Improved public engagement from developers could bolster solar planning applications in England.
U.S. adds 30 GW of PV capacity in 2024
The U.S. added 30 GW of solar in 2024 and is expected to remain the largest source of new generating capacity added over the next two years.
Juwi to build 340 MW of solar in South Africa this year
South Africa’s Juwi Renewable Energies has announced plans to build three large-scale solar plants with a combined capacity of 340 MW that will serve major players in South Africa’s mining, data centre and energy sectors.
Scientists build 23.2%-efficient lead tin perovskite solar cell with improved lifetime
The researchers built the cell with a hole transport layer (HTL) based on PEDOT:PSS and were reportedly able to reduce the losses caused by this compound with the utilization of a thiocyanate additive. The champion lab-sized device achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.875 V, a short circuit current density of 31.84 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 83.23%.
Enphase Energy, Octopus Energy announce smart tariff for UK customers
In an update to the two companies’ strategic partnership, Octopus customers with Enphase solar and battery systems can now benefit from a smart import and export tariff designed to save money on electricity bills.
Solis unveils generator-compatible hybrid inverters
Solis has introduced its Solarator series hybrid inverters in India, targeting the residential and commercial solar storage markets.
Teralight switches on Israel’s largest solar plant
Teralight has activated Israel’s biggest PV project, the 150 MW Ta’anach 1 array, which will produce 310 GWh of energy per year. The facility will be expanded next year with the 104 MW Ta’anach 2 installation, featuring 440 MWh of energy storage.
Switzerland installs 1.78 GW of PV in 2024
Switzerland’s cumulative installed solar power reached around 8 GW at the end of December 2024, following 1.78 GW of new capacity additions for the year.
Finland’s solar additions fall to around 200 MW in 2024
The Finnish Solar Energy Association estimates that solar additions fell in 2024 compared to 2023, but utility-scale projects under construction are set to accelerate deployment in the coming years.
EMPA develops biodegradable fungi battery
A team from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) has developed a 3D-printed battery. Fungi are used as anode and cathode with one releasing electrons during metabolism and the other able to absorb them.
