United Kingdom

Big results needed in next two contracts for difference (CfD) allocation rounds to hit UK renewables targets, according to Aurora Energy Research. Solar likely to benefit from greater CfD budgets as government targets faster deployment, Marc Hedin, head of research for UK and Ireland, tells pv magazine.

Scientists have developed a multi-physics thermal model for panels with a natural convection cooling loop and tested it against experimental data. They have also experimented with varying the coolant channel thickness and different coolants. The highest measured electrical efficiency reached 15.45%.

In five key trends, pv magazine looks back over a year that saw PV module prices fall lower than many thought possible, while demand was restrained by grid congestion, among other challenges. Energy storage has had a strong year and geopolitics is seeing solar and battery manufacturing enter new regions as competition drives technical innovation.

UK startup Volter has launched software to simplify revenue generation for owners of commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar assets. It also supports installers and power purchase agreement (PPA) providers active in commercial rooftop solar markets.

Researchers in Qatar have proposed a solar-powered freeze desalination and electrolysis system for freshwater and green hydrogen production, while BP says it has made a final investment decision for its 100 MW Lingen Green Hydrogen project in Germany.

Government solar capacity figures reveal 2024 additions down on same period in 2023, well below pace required to achieve 45 GW targeted for 2030. Small-scale installations dominate with greater capacity additions needed to achieve clean power goals.

November 2024 data from certification body MCS reveal record year for UK air-sourced heat pump installations. Two consecutive months with more than 5,000 certified installs puts 2024 on track for 50% growth on previous year.

Clean Power 2030 plan unveiled by UK government includes key role for battery energy storage systems (BESS) in providing short-term flexibility. Support for long-duration energy storage (LDES) and changes to standing charges for behind the meter storage also proposed.

The National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Research (NICER) program says in a new report that the UK solar industry could generate 1.2 million tons of waste by 2050. It calls for circular economy measures to meet net-zero and solar deployment targets.

Policies and targets confirmed in 138-page government plan to decarbonize Great Britain’s electricity generation by 2030. Solar and storage to play a key role alongside market reforms, changes to planning process, and a revamped connections queue.