Solar aid in dark times
With Russia intent on destroying Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a network of NGOs is taking up the challenge to donate small and mobile energy supply solutions. Astrid Schneider, a member of clean energy nonprofit Eurosolar, shared the story of the small solar kits that are making a big difference, in this month’s edition of pv magazine.
Croatia investing in storage amid slow solar development
Croatia is preparing to build Eastern Europe’s largest energy storage project. IE Energy has secured €19.8 million ($20.9 million) to develop a 50 MW storage system, potentially extendable to 110 MW by 2024.
Slovenia set to install 258 MW of new solar in 2022
Slovenia’s cumulative PV capacity additions could grow from 466 MW in 2021 to 724 MW by the end of this year. The residential market will account for almost all new capacity, and demand is expected to grow under a net-metering scheme extension until the end of 2023.
Construction begins on Bulgaria’s largest solar plant
Bulgarian developer Sunotec says it expects to complete the 124 MW Verila solar project by the end of 2023. It says it will build the array at an altitude between 700 meters and 1,000 meters above sea level.
Romanian government accepting proposals for renewables auction
The Romanian Ministry of Energy has started seeking expressions of interest for its first renewables auction, likely to be held the end of June. Developers have until Dec. 30 to express interest.
Romania simplifies grid-connection process for distributed solar
The Romanian government has decided to make it easier to connect rooftop PV systems to the grid. The new rules, which will go into force soon, could spur the development of solar arrays under the country’s net metering regime.
Montenegrin utility reports high demand for solar rebate program
Elektroprivreda Crne Gore (EPCG), a utility in Montenegro, said that it has received about 14,000 requests to secure rebates covering up to 20% of rooftop PV system costs. The program is designed to facilitate the deployment of 70 MW of solar capacity.
Romania provides funding for C&I battery storage systems
The Romanian government has allocated EUR 103.5 million ($108.6 million) to support investments in battery energy storage systems and deliver at least 240 MW/480 MWh by 2025.
Hevel Solar unveils 450 W heterojunction solar panel with M6 cells
Russia’s Hevel Solar said its new modules are based on 166 mm x 166 mm half-cut cells. They reportedly have a bifaciality factor of 90% and a temperature coefficient of -0.26% per degree Celsius.
Poland raises rebates for residential solar, storage
The Polish government will raise subsidy levels for rooftop PV and storage systems from December under its Mój Prąd scheme. The rebate for solar will increase from PLN 4,000 ($888) to PLN 6,000 and will more than double from PLN 7,500 to PLN 16,000 for storage.
