Key takeaways from Italy’s Solar Solutions
The first edition of Solar Solutions Torino drew 35 exhibitors and 930 visitors, underscoring growing regional engagement between academia and industry in Italy’s solar sector.
Scientists develop new floating box array for offshore PV
Researchers have tested a 9 x 11 floating box array for offshore photovoltaics in a large wave flume, under regular and irregular wave sequences. They have placed wireless gyroscopes on three of the boxes, representing the front, middle, and rear positions.
Mauritania seeks consultants to support mini-grid development
A project developing green mini-grids to increase electricity access in rural Mauritania is searching for a consulting firm to support its implementation. The deadline for applications is October 17.
Iberdrola returns to Mexican solar with 535 MW in new PV projects
Iberdrola is developing two solar plants totaling 535 MW in Coahuila and Guanajuato, signaling renewed interest in Mexico’s energy market.
Solar fridges for the developing world
As climate change leads to more electricity blackouts and brownouts, the reliability of everyday refrigeration is at risk. A new IEC Standard, together with solar innovations in Africa and Asia, demonstrates how cooling can continue when power grids falter.
IEA lowers 2025-30 forecast for solar growth
The International Energy Agency (IEA) cut its 2025–30 renewables forecast by 5%, citing lower solar additions, though PV still represents nearly 80% of 4.6 TW expected growth.
Researchers discover photovoltaic properties in zinc-based film
Research from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has found zinc-phosphate-hydrate (ZPH) films are capable of producing electricity from light. The coating’s photovoltage was amplified when anthocyanin, a natural dye found in blackberries, was added.
Optimal sizing for AC multi-bus microgrids based on solar, storage
A French–Moroccan research group has developed a two-stage hierarchical techno-economic model to optimize AC multi-bus microgrids in remote areas. This microgrid configuration is more complex than that of standalone systems but offers several advantages in terms of cost efficiency and energy reliability.
Costa Rica doubles feed-in rates for new distributed solar producers
Costa Rica’s state utility has approved an average 111% rate increase for new distributed generators under revised eight-year contracts.
Chile loses $562 million to rising solar and wind curtailment
Ember says Chile has curtailed 11,900 GWh of renewable generation since 2022 due to grid congestion, costing operators $562 million.
