Vehicle integrated PV potential measured over a million km in Netherlands, Germany
Researchers have collected data from solar sensor-equipped vehicles, racking up over a million km mainly in the Benelux and German region, to be able to make more accurate efficiency and yield predictions. The research project is part of an ongoing three-year European assessment of VIPV.
Solar output up sixfold in Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia
Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia’s cumulative solar generation increased sixfold between 2019 and 2024, while each country made efforts to reduce its coal dependency. However, energy think tank Ember says a lack of battery storage uptake and solar targets below the EU average risk derailing progress.
Azerbaijan builds largest BESS, Uzbekistan launches storage hub
Azerbaijan has started construction of 250 MW/500 MWh battery systems, the largest in the country, while Uzbekistan is securing financing for its first utility-scale wind farm paired with battery storage, marking a regional milestone in renewable integration.
Saharan dust events can reduce PV power output in Mediterranean area by up to 50%
New research from Hungary shows that Sarahan dust events can reduce PV power output in five Mediterranean countries by an average of 25-40%. The scientists stressed the need for including real-time dust monitoring and cloud interactions in solar forecasting.
Czech cybersecurity agency warns against Chinese solar inverters
Czechia’s cybersecurity office said Chinese solar inverters in small power plants are a potential security threat. The Czech solar association told pv magazine work needs to be done on incentivizing European manufacturing to resolve the reliance on imports.
Montenegro utility launches 240 MWh battery storage tender
EPCG, Montenegro’s state utility, aims to procure two grid-scale battery storage systems (BESS) totaling 240 MWh in a €48 million ($55.9 million) tender.
Moldova brings 60 MW of solar online from first renewables auction
Moldova’s Ministry of Energy says 60 MW of solar awarded in the country’s first renewables auction is now online, with developers receiving 15-year fixed-price guarantees at MDL 1.16 ($0.069)/kWh.
Freen launches scalable sodium-ion battery storage
The Estonian home and commercial storage systems come in low- and high-voltage models. The high-voltage option can scale to ten modules, for 100.8 kWh, and a six-module, low-voltage version to 45 kWh.
Azerbaijan, Chinese PV firm plan export-focused solar factory in free zone
Azerbaijan and Chinese solar manufacturer Sichuan Sunsync have revealed plans to build a solar panel factory in the Alat Free Economic Zone, south of Baku.
Panasonic expands air-to-water heat pump factory in Czechia
Production has begun at an expanded air-to-water heat pump facility belonging to Panasonic Heating & Ventilation Air-Conditioning Czech, s.r.o.. The company says the site will respond to growing demand in the European market.
