UK solar capacity hits 17 GW as government mulls PV planning reform
Greatest capacity uplift of 2024 recorded in July as provisional deployment data suggests 1.2 GW added over 12-month period. Domestic installations continue to account for the lion’s share of new additions, but the UK government is seeking views on planning reforms aimed at accelerating deployment of larger-scale solar farms.
Sweden adds 460 MW of solar in H1
Sweden installed 460 MW of solar in the first half of 2024, following a record deployment year in 2023. However, market growth has been sluggish due to lower electricity prices and uncertainty around green tax deductions for batteries, according to Svensk Solenergi.
Japanese researchers test 15%-efficient perovskite solar module for agrivoltaics
Japan’s Sekisui Chemical launched an agrivoltaics project in partnership with Terra, a unit of Japan-based Citizen Energy Chiba, to test the peformance of its perovskite solar cell technology and the effect of the PV system on plants.
Optimal locations for solar power plants in Asia Pacific
A research team from Japan and Indonesia used satellite data to investigate fluctuations of solar irradiance over the Asia Pacific region and draw conclusions on which areas are best suited for future installations.
Air Products signs 10-year solar PPA in Taiwan
Industrial gas supplier Air Products has signed a 10-year power purchase agreement (PPA) in Taiwan, under which its Taiwanese unit, Air Products San Fu Co. Ltd., will source solar energy from Tatung Forever Energy.
All-perovskite tandem solar cell based on tin-lead perovskite achieves 28.8% efficiency
Conceived by Chinese scientists, the cell was built with new surface reconstruction strategy based on the use of 1,4-butanediamine (BDA) and ethylenediammonium diiodide (EDAI2) as surface modifiers. The device was able to retain 79.7% of its initial efficiency after 550 h.
Eskom launches tender for up to 30 MW of solar
South African utility Eskom is searching for an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor to build a solar plant up to 30 MW in size at the site of an existing power station in the eastern part of the country. The deadline for applications is Oct. 29.
Varta launches Varta.wall DC high-voltage battery
Varta says it now expects high demand for its Varta.wall DC high-voltage battery. It initially presented the product at Intersolar 2022, but has struggled with its market introduction.
Metals producer signs PPA in Zambia
Jubilee, a UK-based diversified metals producer, has signed a three-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Zambia’s Lunsemfwa Hydro Power Co. The agreement will power two of Jubilee’s sites in Zambia.
PV-driven drip irrigation system with compressed air storage
The proposed system uses compressed air to store energy, as well as for the prevention of clogging in the irrigation tubes. Two experimental systems were built and tested in China and clogging was reduced by up to 93%.
