Japanese agency launches solar surplus forecasting to improve energy efficiency
The Japan Weather Association (JWA) says its new forecasting service provides real-time surplus solar power predictions for individual buildings, commercial facilities, and households.
China to switch from FITs to market-oriented renewables pricing
China will replace its feed-in tariff (FIT) system with a fully market-driven renewable energy pricing model by June 2025, shifting wind and solar projects to competitive bidding and market transactions. The reform aims to enhance competition but raises uncertainty over future returns for investors.
Atlas details economic risks of hail damage to US solar sites
VDE Americas’ new hail risk atlas, now available for use on the Esri ArcGIS platform, can compare and evaluate the site-specific hail risk of current and future solar projects across the United States.
JinkoSolar sues Waaree Energies for alleged TOPCon patent infringement
JinkoSolar has filed a lawsuit in Texas against Waaree Energies and its US subsidiary for the alleged infringement of one of its n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patents, marking another move in its aggressive patent defense strategy.
Global utility-scale solar additions hit 182 GW in 2024
Utility-scale solar installations reached 182 GW (AC) in 2024, with the top 33 countries now accounting for 765 GW, or roughly 93% of the global total, according to Wiki-Solar.
Slovenia adds 298.8 MW of solar in 2024
Slovenia’s solar market slowed in 2024, but the residential segment maintained the largest share as it adjusted to the phase-out of net metering and a new electricity tariff system.
New test method for curved VIPV surfaces
IEA-PVPS has conceived a new test method and analysis of the impact of curvature in vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV) surfaces. Over the course of an 8-day summertime trial in south-eastern France, the researchers found that the curvature triggered irradiance and temperature non-uniformity of up to 261W/m² and 13 C, respectively.
German project for fast industrial implementation of sodium-ion battery technology
Cheap, safe, widely available sodium could be used for battery energy storage alongside photovoltaics. The Sodium-Ion-Battery Germany (SIB:DE) Research project is investigating whether sodium-ion technology can be affordably integrated into lithium-ion battery production facilities.
Cyprus introduces energy storage subsidy scheme
Cyprus’ Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry has launched a subsidy scheme for energy storage systems paired with existing renewable energy plants. Eligible projects will be remunerated by feed-in tariffs (FiTs) or net billing systems.
Canadian startup secures patent for solar module cooling tech
Enertopia has developed a solar module cooling system that uses a moisture collection layer to transfer heat while capturing water for irrigation in arid regions. The design channels heat from the panel to a liquid transfer system, improving efficiency and water use.
