European electricity prices stabilize as gas, CO2 prices drop
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis finds electricity prices across the major European markets during the second week of April were largely in line with the week prior, despite gas and CO2 futures reaching their lowest settlement since September and April last year. Meanwhile, France and Italy broke their daily records for solar production.
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.
CATL unveils 587 Ah battery energy storage cell
The competition in the development of large-capacity cells is heating up, with the industry’s top player stepping up to shape the new standard in the battery energy storage space.
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.
