India may add 12.5GW of solar in 2022-23
Indian ratings agency ICRA expects the solar boost based on the backlog of PV projects awarded by central and state electric utilities.
Brazil introduces new rules for distributed generation, net metering
The Brazilian authorities have introduced new rules to ensure that PV systems below 5 MW in size will still be eligible for net metering tariffs until 2045. A grid fee for prosumers will go into effect from 2023, but the economic profitability of rooftop PV and small solar parks is expected to remain high.
RTI International seeks developers for three solar mini grids in Uganda
The U.S.-based non-profit organization is supporting the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in the development of the three mini grids. The incentives for the projects will be provided in the form of grants.
Perovskite solar cell with 24.33% efficiency via ionic liquid capping layer
Developed by scientists in China, the cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.192V, and a fill factor of 80.67%. Its perovskite capping layer was treated with a special ionic liquid that had a positive influence on both the device’s efficiency and stability.
South Korea installed 4.4 GW of PV capacity in 2021
South Korea’s cumulative installed PV capacity hit 22 GW at the end of 2021, according to provisional figures from the Korea Energy Agency.
New Yorkers fund 4 GW of solar for less than a cup of coffee per month
The New York Governor’s Office has submitted its financial proposal for 4 GW of distributed solar capacity by the year 2030, at an expected cost of $0.00082/kW.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Jinko switches on 8 GW TOPCon factory, Tongwei announces skyrocketing profits
Solar manufacturer JinkoSolar announced on Wednesday that its 8 GW TOPCon cell factory in the Anhui Province has started manufacturing activities. Polysilicon supplier and solar cell maker Tongwei announced on Thursday it expects to achieve a net profit of up to RMB 8.5 billion ($1.33 billion) with a YoY increase of around 136%.
Solar-plus-storage for aquaculture aeration
Recent research from Thailand has shown that solar-plus-storage on floating platforms could be the cheapest option to power energy-intensive aeration systems in aquaculture projects. The battery accounts for around 54% of the capital costs, which is why system sizing would be key for economic viability.
India cabinet approves intrastate transmission scheme backing 20 GW of renewable energy capacity
The second phase of the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) scheme for the Intra-State Transmission System will facilitate grid integration and power evacuation of approximately 20 GW of renewable energy power projects in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
Central America’s largest PV plant goes online
A new solar project has been switched on in Penonomé, in the province of Coclé, Panama. It was built with 450,000 solar panels and 89 inverters.
