China identifies major high-purity quartz deposits for PV industry
China has identified two new high-purity quartz deposits as it seeks to localize supply for solar and semiconductor production and reduce dependence on US imports
Dutch utilities to test lower tariffs during solar production peaks
Dutch utilities Eneco and Delta Energie will test lower electricity tariffs for consumers – regardless of PV system ownership – who shift consumption to periods of peak solar generation. The pilot aims to encourage flexible demand during midday hours.
South Korea’s 2024 solar additions surpassed 3.1 GW
With last year’s figures yet to include self-consumption installations, the preliminary statistics show an upward trend in installations categorized under power generation for sale. As of March this year, the country’s cumulative solar capacity was estimated at 28.15 GW.
Global corporate solar funding falls 41% to $4.8 billion in Q1 2025
Corporate funding in solar fell considerably in the first three months of this year due to policy reversals, tariff shocks and regulatory uncertainties, says a report from Mercom Capital.
Fraunhofer ISE developing heterojunction solar cells with silver consumption of less than 2 mg per W
Researchers at the German institute are seeking to reduce silver use in heterojunction PV devices under the umbrella of an extensive research projects. Among their recent achievements there is the fabrication of a heterojunction cell that requires a minimal silver consumption of only 1.4 mg per W.
Texas Senate passes anti-solar, wind bill
The bill places permit restrictions, fees and new regulatory requirements for solar and wind projects.
Fire risks in industrial rooftop solar systems due to poor installation
Clean Energy Associates (CEA) has inspected more than 600 industrial PV systems and has found widespread safety risks, largely stemming from poor installation practices, but many issues are easily identifiable and fixable.
Romania’s energy authority proposes new grid connection rules
Romania’s energy regulator has proposed new grid connection rules to extend connection agreement terms and set a firm deadline for paying the 5% financial guarantee required to secure a permit, with public consultation open through April 21.
Hithium debuts 587 Ah cell and 6.25MWh storage system
The Chinese manufacturer said that several battery energy storage system integrators have already started incorporating the 587 Ah cell into their platforms and believes this new specification is well-positioned to become an industry benchmark for lithium iron phosphate (LFP)-based energy storage systems.
European renewables PPA market hit 19 GW in 2024, says Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie says Europe’s power purchase agreement (PPA) market was dominated by solar and wind deals in 2024, with an increase in battery-linked contracts as buyers looked to hedge against negative pricing periods.
