Ecuador could host floating PV facilities at 11 hydropower plants
An international team has researched the potential to deploy floating photovoltaics at hydroelectric stations in Ecuador, finding 11 out of 70 sites that could host at least 15 MW up to 200 MW.
Airports Company South Africa issues tender for three PV plants totaling 9.5 MW
The tender covers the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of three proposed projects to be based at Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport. Closing dates for submission is March 17.
Brazilian plastics manufacturer offers reflective membrane for bifacial PV plants
Azul Pack has developed a new reflective membrane to increase albedo and energy yield in photovoltaic plants with bifacial modules. In a fixed structure plant located in Minas Gerais, the technology reportedly resulted in a 7% increase in energy at the inverter output.
Argentina launches 500 MW storage auction
The Argentinean authorities plan to install the new storage capacity in critical nodes of the metropolitan area of Buenos Aires, with an estimated investment of $500 million and an execution period of between 12 and 18 months.
Peru installs 195.4 MW of solar in 2024
At the end of December 2024, the country reached a cumulative installed PV capacity of 476 MW.
Problems with Brazil’s planned battery auction
A crippling tax burden; an inability to bank energy arbitrage income; and uncertainty about grid fees, network ancillary payments, and solar-plus-storage eligibility could all affect a procurement exercise planned for June.
New database for PV module fault detection
Scientists in Colombia have created a 10-year open dataset for PV panel fault detection. Data was acquired using an electronic load system, oscilloscope, and thermographic camera in outdoor environmental conditions.
South America sees strong solar gains despite weak La Niña conditions
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that South America saw widespread above-average irradiance in January, despite weak La Niña conditions. However, storm systems fueled by Atlantic moisture suppressed solar generation in parts of Brazil and Bolivia.
Colombia deploys 1.6 GW of solar in 2024
Colombia installed 1.6 GW of solar in 2024, bringing its total capacity to 1.87 GW by year-end. Industry group Ser Colombia says 33 utility-scale projects accounting for 1,410 MW were added to the grid.
Argentina installs 307 MW of solar in 2024
Argentina installed 307 MW of solar in 2024, bringing its total PV capacity to 1.67 GW by year-end, according to energy market operator Cammesa.
