SJVN awards 1.2 GW solar projects in India
Acme Solar, Essar Renewables, NTPC Renewable Energy, Onward Solar, and SAEL Industries have won SJVN’s latest tender for developers for 1.2 GW of solar across India.
Coupling photovoltaics with waste-to-energy
Researchers have simulated the addition of PV plants and waste-to-energy systems in the Iraqi Al-Gharab region, that suffers from power cuts, and have identified the optimal size and locations for these hybrid plants, with the LCOE dropping by 7.7%.
US government lends $1.45 billion to Qcells for solar factory
The US Department of Energy (DoE) has announced a conditional commitment to lend $1.45 billion to Qcells for a factory producing solar ingots, wafers, solar cells, and PV modules in the state of Georgia.
Novel approach to estimate curtailment, clipping losses in hybrid wind-solar plants
A European research team has proposed a new methodology for optimal design of hybrid wind-solar power plants. Their approach is based on 1-minute resolution data, which the scientists said provide much more accurate information about potential curtailment and clipping losses compared to 1-hour resolution data.
Israel mandates rooftop solar on new big buildings, targets 3.5 GW by 2040
The Israeli authorities have introduced new regulations requiring rooftop PV on new large buildings, with plans to install 3.5 GW by 2040. The minimum production capacity has been set at 5 kW.
Sundrive cuts jobs, restructures ahead of solar tech commercialization
Australian solar cell specialist Sundrive Solar has announced job cuts, a change of leadership, and the restructuring of its business to prepare for the commercialization of its copper electrode technology.
Jera Nex acquires US solar sites from Lightsource bp
Jera Nex has purchased two US solar arrays totaling 395 MW from Lightsource bp. The acquisition marks Jera Nex’s first deal since it launched in April. Lightsource bp will continue to manage assets and provide maintenance services at the projects.
PV industry faces consolidation, says JinkoSolar
JinkoSolar has begun converting its production to n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) products to stay competitive, says Frank Niendorf, the company’s general manager for Europe. He predicts that several market players in the value chain will exit the market soon.
Sineng Electric launches world’s largest sodium-ion battery storage project
Sineng Electric’s 50 MW/100 MWh sodium-ion battery energy storage system (BESS) project in China’s Hubei province is the first phase of a larger plan that will eventually reach 100 MW/200 MWh. The initial capacity has already been connected to the grid and can power around 12,000 households for an entire day.
Romania gives green light to CfD scheme
Romania’s Ministry of Energy has approved a new contracts-for-difference (CfD) mechanism, set to launch later this year. The first round will include 500 MW of solar, with the remaining capacity to be allocated in next year’s tender.
