Saudi Arabia launches ‘unprecedented’ geographical survey of renewable energy sites
Part of the National Renewable Energy Program, the ambitious project will identify the best sites to develop renewable energy projects throughout the country. Contracted companies will install 1,200 stations across all regions of the kingdom to measure solar and wind energy. Beginning this year, Saudi Arabia will tender new renewable energy projects with a capacity of 20 GW annually.
Chinese solar cell maker to build 10 GW factory in Oman
Chinese solar cell maker Hainan Drinda New Energy Technology plans to build a 10 GW factory in Oman to produce tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells.
Israel to provide incentives for hybrid solar inverters
Israel’s Ministry of Energy says it will exempt hybrid solar inverters from purchase tax and customs duties. It claims that these policy mechanisms will help during energy emergencies.
Reducing PV module temperature with cooled air from the ground
Researchers from Iraq have used computational fluid dynamics to simulate the operation of a 100 W panel with ground cooling. The proposed technique was reportedly able to reduce panel temperature by up to 28%, with power generation increasing by up to 6.5%.
Researchers suggest using digested polymers for PV cell coatings, encapsulants
An international research team has proposed to use recyclable biomass-digested polymers as a material for PV coatings and encapsulants. The scientists developed a coating for PV cells that reportedly allows an increase in power output of up to 10%.
Crop-responsive PV tracking system for greenhouses
An international consortium led by Israel-based Al-Zahrawi Society announced the first European installations of a multi-year project to test crop-responsive PV systems combined with carbon dioxide enrichment in greenhouses.
Dynamic modeling for building-integrated photovoltaic-thermal systems
Researchers in the Middle East have conducted a series of simulations to assess the technical and economical feasibility of building-integrated photovoltaic-thermal systems. The proposed framework could apply to various building types and geographical locations.
EU set to dig into raw materials supply
The European Union has drawn up new regulations to boost the domestic mining of raw materials and support production of renewable energy products and materials at home. Will it be enough to incentivize investment, or will Europe trail other major economies, such as the United States and China?
Jordan launches tender for solar energy systems
The Jordanian government has launched a tender for 3 kW solar energy systems for homes of National Aid Fund beneficiaries. The deadline for applications is July 4.
GCL Tech, Mubadala to open polysilicon factory in UAE
Chinese polysilicon maker GCL Tech says it is partnering with Emirati state-owned Mubadala Investment Co. to build the Middle East’s first polysilicon factory in the United Arab Emirates.
