Spain curtails PV for first time
The Spanish authorities applied solar curtailment for the first time on Easter Sunday, when power generation exceeded demand and the wholesale electricity price went from €168.50 ($182)/MWh to just €3.70/MWh.
Philippines utility Meralco relaunches 850 MW renewables tender
Meralco has decided to reopen a renewables tender, following its initial failed launch in late January.
District heating via solar-powered heat pump using industrial waste heat
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems is assessing how a solar-powered heat pump system that uses waste heat from a distillery at a low-temperature level could be used to provide district heating. Waste heat is injected into an ice storage tank, to which heat pumps are connected on the source side.
Three-year commercial PV payback expected via roof mount cost reductions
Solar Atmospheres says a 772 kW PV solar array, installed on S-5! metal roofing mounts, and a 1,561 kW/3,122 kWh Tesla battery storage system will help it to meet its varying energy demands.
Glass-integrated BIPV module from Japan
Japanese glass manufacturer AGC has developed a building-integrated PV (BIPV) panel for different building requirements. It can be installed on facades, canopies, and curtain walls where normal glass can be placed.
Mini perovskite solar module with 11.9% stabilized efficiency
An international research group has developed a perovskite solar panel on a 192 square-centimeter surface. The researchers claim the panel has one of the highest efficiencies reported at this size to date.
India’s GUVNL seeks 1 GW of solar
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) has issued a tender to procure up to 500 MW of solar power, on top of an additional 500 MW. Bidding closes on May 18.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Hoshine expands PV glass output, Tongwei raises cell prices
Hoshine plans to expand PV glass production, while Tongwei is raising PV cell prices, with a particular focus on monocrystalline cells. Maxwell Technology has secured a 4.8 GW production line order from India’s Reliance Industries, while JA Solar has reported a net profit increase of 35% for 2021.
Morocco allocates 333 MW in Noor II solar tender
Amea Power, Taqa Maroc, Enel Green Power and Voltalia were the main winners of Morocco’s solar procurement exercise.
Panasonic combines fuel cells, batteries, PV to power factory in Japan
Japan’s Panasonic claims its new pilot solar-plus-hydrogen facility marks the first attempt to create a factory powered by 100% renewables, via the full-scale use of hydrogen.
