PV industry could account for 40% of global silver demand by 2030
New research from Europe shows that the global PV industry may require up to 14,000 tonnes of silver per year in 2030, with global supply being only 34,000 tonnes. The scientists said more efforts should be made to reduce silver content in TOPCon and heterojunction solar cells.
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.
Italy’s Energy City Hall starts first cross-border energy community
Italy’s Energy City Hall (ECH) has launched a cross-border energy community with partners in France and Monaco, aiming to begin operations in 2026 under Italian renewable energy rules.
France allocates 971 MW in ground-mounted PV tender
The French government has awarded 165 projects at an average price of €0.07948 ($0.09315)/kWh in its latest ground-mounted PV tender.
The Hydrogen Stream: France, Germany back nuclear H2, Southwestern Corridor
France and Germany have pledged support for the Southwestern Hydrogen Corridor and have agreed to collaborate on nuclear-based hydrogen support and joint research.
Holosolis signs TOPCon patent licensing agreement with Trina Solar
HoloSolis is currently planning to open a 5 GW PV cell and panel factory in Hambach, France.
Solar panel cleaning drones for rooftop, ground-mounted PV systems
French uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) manufacturer Objectif Drone has developed a drone-based solar panel spray cleaning system for solar plant maintenance teams. It can be used on either rooftop PV or ground-mounted systems.
France to cut VAT to 5.5% for residential solar under 9 kW from October
France will cut value-added tax (VAT) to 5.5% on residential PV systems up to 9 kW starting in October 2025.
Germany offers best European policy for agrivoltaics, claim researchers
Scientists in Canada studied romaine lettuce growth under cadmium telluride thin-film solar modules with varying transparency and photosynthetically active radiation, and found Germany’s regulatory framework most effective for maximizing agrivoltaic benefits.
France’s largest battery storage system powers up
Harmony Energy has switched on a 100 MW/200 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at the port of Nantes-Saint-Nazaire. It is the largest BESS in France, with full operation expected by the end of 2025.
