How to address imbalance datasets in solar panel dust detection
Researchers from South Korea improved solar panel dust detection by using SMOTE and stable diffusion (SD) augmentation, with SD boosting detection accuracy from 76.5% to 98.9% while preserving spatial realism.
South Korea eases solar siting rules to cut permitting delays for PV projects
South Korea has passed legislative amendments to limit the ability of local authorities to impose separation distances on solar projects, removing a major permitting barrier for PV developers.
High PV curtailment expected in Spain through 2027
Aurora Energy Research says uncompensated PV curtailment will remain elevated in 2026 and 2027, reaching 3.05 TWh next year and 3.38 TWh in 2027, as grid constraints persist despite planned reinforcements.
CHN Energy switches on 2 GW solar plant at coal-mining subsidence area
The PV facility transforms a coal-subsidence zone into one of China’s largest utility-scale solar and transmission hubs. It is part of a 6 GW solar cluster, of which 4 GW are now operational.
India expected to install about 42.5 GW of new solar capacity in 2026
India installed around 37.8 GW of solar capacity in 2025, according to JKM Research. This comprised about 28.6 GW of new utility-scale solar, a 54.6% increase from 2024, and 7.9 GW of rooftop solar, up 72% year on year. Off-grid additions stood at 1.35 GW, compared to 1.48 GW in 2024.
Philippines mandates energy storage for renewables plants over 10 MW
Department of Energy (DOE) order sets out new rules for mandatory energy storage, including a minimum capacity of at least 20% of the generating plant’s installed capacity. DOE also calls for energy storage systems (ESS) installations to have grid supporting capabilities, such as grid-forming inverters to help stabilize voltage and frequency.
Tropical downpours cut northern irradiance as southern heat lifts sunshine in South America
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that January in South America featured dramatic weather contrasts with persistent floods and cloud cover in northern regions sharply reducing solar irradiance, while extreme heat, drought and wildfires in the south boosted sunlight yet also generated aerosol smoke that complicated irradiance outcomes. Severe storms, tornadoes and industrial fires further punctuated the month’s highly variable irradiance patterns across the continent.
Greece to open applications for 130 MW agrivoltaics plan
Greece’s distribution grid operator will begin accepting applications for agrivoltaic systems on March 4, marking the first step in implementing a new law targeting 130 MW of capacity nationwide.
Spain’s self-consumption solar boom leaves trail of technical faults in C&I installations
A survey of more than 800 Spanish C&I PV installations following the 2019–2022 self-consumption boom found significant administrative, technical and monitoring deficiencies in all audited systems, with 13.2% of businesses reporting savings far below expectations.
UK solar hits 21.8 GW
State support for solar should result in a record year for PV deployment in the United Kingdom, with strong provisional January data putting market on a good footing. Pipeline of CfD plants due in 2026 plus ramping up of support for rooftop set the stage for accelerated capacity additions.
