PV modules

A UAE research team developed a hybrid 1D-CNN and random forest model to detect multiple faults in bifacial PV systems, including dust, shading, aging, and cracks. Using simulated I-V curves and a 180-day synthetic dataset, the model achieved up to 100% accuracy in general state detection and 97.6% in specific fault classification.

Statistics from Enedis show that 4.2 GW of solar connected to France’s grid in the January-September period, including 82 MW paired with storage, marking a slight decline from 2024.

South African utility Eskom is urging consumers with grid-tied rooftop solar to register their systems and integrate them with the national grid, waiving registration fees until March 2026.

pv magazine spoke with energy and environmental law expert Anatole Boute about the past and future role of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in regulating trade disputes related to clean energy technologies amid current geopolitical tensions. He noted that despite recent protectionist efforts to revive the solar manufacturing industry, the European Union still strives to remain compliant with WTO rules.

Scientists in Japan have used a deep reinforcement learning–based AI model to calculate discrepancies between the planned and actual electricity supply volumes in PV-battery systems operating in markets where grid imbalances are penalized. Through a series of simulations, they found that the proposed methodology can reduce imbalance penalties by approximately 47%.

Romania plans to amend its energy law to require the National Cybersecurity Directorate (DNSC) to define technical standards for PV and cogeneration systems up to 1 MW, aimed at preventing data breaches and safeguarding grid operations.

Mexico’s Secretaría de Energía (Sener) plans to add 6.4 GW to 9.5 GW of renewable capacity while keeping state-owned CFE’s share above 54%, integrating storage and efficiency measures to stabilize the grid.

A comprehensive new report from IEA PVPS Task 12 reveals how countries around the world are managing the growing volumes of end-of-life solar modules, implementing regulations and scaling recycling infrastructure to handle the expected increment in PV waste over the coming decades.

This week Women in Solar+ Europe gives voice to Maribel Gonzalez, Commercial Director Company at UK-based Brighter Green Engineering. She says breaking through traditional barriers required patience, confidence, and a focus on excellence. “Continuous learning became a personal compass; every challenge was a chance to adapt and grow,” she states.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that emergence of a weak La Niña in the tropical Pacific is expected to reinforce sunny conditions over the southern parts of the continent, including Chile, Argentina, and southern Brazil.