Solar accounted for 70% of new global power capacity in 2024
A new IEEE report shows solar dominated new generation in 2024, with 70% of added global capacity from PV and record installations in China and the United States.
Sofab Inks achieves 22.2% efficiency in mini inverted perovskite solar panel
The U.S. startup said the 30 x 30 cm perovskite solar cell device featured its tin oxide electron transport material produced in a sheet-to-sheet slot die coating process.
Novar establishes own grid connection for solar park in the Netherlands
The Avermieden grid connection, which allows Novar to act as its own distribution system operator, will soon connect the first phase of a solar project set to become the largest solar park in the Netherlands.
France to double grid tax on pre-2021 solar systems over 100 kW
France’s proposed 2026 budget would double the flat-rate grid tax for solar plants over 100 kW commissioned before 2021, drawing backlash from investors and PV industry groups.
Copper demand to rise 24% by 2035, says Wood Mackenzie
Demand for copper, often considered as one of the most valuable alternatives to silver in solar manufacturing, is expected to increase by almost a quarter globally by the middle of next decade. Wood Mackenzie says the energy transition is one of four ‘disruptors’ that could cause demand to increase further.
Skycorp to acquire 24% of Nanjing Cesun, consolidate shares
China’s Skycorp Solar Group will issue 12 million Class B shares to buy a 24% stake in Nanjing Cesun Power and proceed with a planned share consolidation pending board approval.
High-rise buildings could soon use gravity energy storage, say researchers
Researchers in Canada have proposed using gravity-based energy storage in high-rise buildings, in combination with photovoltaic facades, small wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries. Their modeling indicated that this hybrid system could achieve a levelized cost of energy ranging from $0.051/kWh to $0.111/kWh.
Philippines approves world’s largest solar project for grid connection
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of the Philippines has given the MTerra Solar Project permission to develop its own dedicated transmission facilities and connect to the Luzon grid. The first phase, encompassing 2.5 GW of solar and 3.3 MWh of battery storage, is due for completion in 2026.
Floating photovoltaics based on spiderweb design
Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a new web-inspired concept for floating PV farms, modeled after spider webs. The system is said to be particularly suitable for spiral and radial configurations, as well as for deployment between offshore wind farms.
S-5! solar metal roof mount cleared for hurricane zones
S-5! has secured Florida Building Code approval for its PVKIT 2.0 solar mounting system, enabling installation on metal roofs in high-velocity hurricane regions.
