France expands limits of ‘energy communities’
The French government has issued a long-awaited decree to expand the maximum permitted distance between members of energy communities from 2 km to 20 km.
Growth of solar, wind cuts emissions in global electricity sector
Wind and solar are the only sources of electricity that have substantially increased in terms of generation and their share in the global energy mix, according to UK consultancy firm Ember.
Japanese scientists design flexible crystalline silicon solar modules with PET front cover
The new solar panels have flexible properties and are suitable for roofs with loading restrictions. According to their creators, the modules showed high reliability under both high temperature and high humidity conditions.
Italy launches 13th renewables auction
Italy has launched its 13th renewables auction, with the authorities noting that the procurement process will consider inflation. Developers have been permitted to submit their proposals as of Oct. 18.
European electricity prices were down in first week of October
In the first week of October, average prices in most European electricity markets were below €85/MWh and lower than the previous week – but in some hours and markets, prices exceeded €200/MWh.
Key takeaways from Spain’s Foro Solar
The latest edition of Foro Solar, hosted by the Spanish solar association, UNEF, showcased Spain’s advancing market growth, but also highlighted several challenges the country may encounter in the future.
Sol-Bright introduces automated robotic cleaning system for utility-scale solar
China’s Sol-Bright Technology has developed a sixth-generation automated robotic cleaning system for solar panels in utility-scale PV installations. The robot features gear transmission and has a cleaning efficiency of minimum 99.5%.
EU Council adopts new renewable energy directive
The European Council today announced policies aimed at targeting sectors – such as transport, industry and buildings – that are ‘slow’ to adopting the recently cemented 45% by 2030 renewable energy goal.
Integrating sky images, global solar irradiance into solar forecasting algorithms
A research team in the United States has created a novel approach to integrate raw sky images and global solar irradiance measurements, solar nowcasting, and intra-hour forecasting. The methodology utilizes low-cost radiometric IR cameras instead of expensive ceilometers.
Mitsubishi testing 5.5 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyzers in Japan, Norway
Mitsubishi has conducted short-term validation tests of its 5.5 MW pressurized alkaline electrolyzers in Norway and long-term validation tests in Japan. It plans to incorporate the design of these two single-stack pressurized alkaline electrolyzers into a US project.
