Gstar has completed the first phase of its factory in the Philippines, set to produce 1 GW of solar modules and 1.5 GW of solar cells. The Singapore-based solar manufacturer says a planned second phase will take its solar module nameplate capacity to 2 GW.

Romania has opened its second renewables auction under a contracts-for-difference (CfD) scheme, offering 3.47 GW of capacity, including 1.47 GW of solar. The auction sets a maximum strike price of €73 ($81.81)/MWh for solar energy.

pv magazine is compiling a guide to home solar installations, aimed at those who are interested in installing but are new to the market and want to make an informed decision. We have spoken to associations, installers and industry specialists in major solar markets across the globe to compile best practice guidance and advice that aims to be applicable to home solar installations anywhere in the world. The first part of the series aims to help homeowners looking to embrace PV identify the best installers on the market.

Wood Mackenzie forecasts the Middle East and North Africa region will emerge as a tariff haven and overtake Southeast Asia as a top solar export hub, becoming the primary exporter of solar panels to the US towards the end of this decade.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is backing a 62 MW solar project in Togo with a financing package totaling €26.5 million ($29.4 million). French power utility Électricité de France is developing the plant.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says Georgia holds vast potential for solar, with most prime sites for deployment concentrated in the country’s east, based on a recent zoning assessment.

A company in Fiji has launched a tender for a consulting firm to carry out a feasibility study for a proposed 10 MW ground-mounted solar plant. The deadline for applications is May 30.

AleaSoft Energy Forecasting says increases in solar energy production contributed to lower electricity prices across major European markets last week. Most analyzed markets also continued to experience negative hourly prices.

FuturaSun and The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research will work together on advancing the design of bifacial n-type silicon solar cells, with the technology to be integrated into FuturaSun’s Silk Nova solar modules.

The SunPower M Class product portfolio offers solar panels for the residential and commercial markets featuring the company’s latest back contact solar technology. The panels are expected to reach 25% efficiency for residential applications up to 500 W and 24.4% for commercial applications up to 660 W.