Patrick Jowett
Kiwa PVEL, Kiwa PI Berlin outline best practices for PV module quality
Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin have published a white paper that uses recent module testing and in-factory data to guide the best use of testing and inspection metrics. The paper aims to ensure that solar modules meet acceptable quality standards.
Meralco unit increases stake in Philippines’ largest PV developer
Meralco PowerGen Corp (MGen) has acquired an additional 5.8 billion shares in SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) for PHP 7.5 billion ($133.8 million). It now holds a 50.5% stake in the business.
EliTe Solar to establish 8 GW solar manufacturing hub in Egypt
Singapore-headquartered EliTe Solar says the first phase of work at the planned 8 GW solar manufacturing facility in northeastern Egypt will establish a 2 GW solar cell production line, scheduled for completion in September 2025.
South Korea records 1.2 GW of solar in H1
South Korea installed 1.2 GW of solar in the first half of 2024, according to the Korea Energy Agency. It says the nation will deploy between 2.7 GW and 2.8 GW of PV capacity this year, continuing the market’s decline since its 2020 peak.
Spanish companies to collaborate on 49 MW of solar in Portugal
BNZ, a Barcelona-based independent power producer (IPP), has announced a 49 MW solar project in northern Portugal in partnership with GRS, a Madrid-based solar engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor.
Poland relaunches residential solar, storage rebate scheme
The sixth edition of the Polish government’s residential solar and storage rebate scheme is now open, with a total budget of PLN 400 million ($103.2 million). Applications will be accepted until Dec. 20, or until funds are exhausted.
Oxford PV starts commercial distribution of perovskite solar modules
Oxford PV is delivering its first commercial perovskite solar modules to US customers. The 72-cell solar modules have an efficiency of 24.5% and, according to the company, can generate up to 20% more energy than conventional silicon modules.
Assessing viability of agrivoltaics in corn fields
Researchers from Purdue University have studied the impact of traditional photovoltaic systems and agrivoltaics deployed in corn croplands. They conclude agrivoltaics could offer a viable strategy to ease the current tradeoff between energy production, greenhouse gas emissions, food production and farm profitability.
Q Energy secures €50.4 million for Europe’s biggest floating PV project
Renewables developer Q Energy has closed €50.4 million ($55.7 million) in financing for a 74.3 MW floating solar plant in northeastern France. Construction is already underway, with commissioning planned for the first quarter of next year.
Italian NGO seeking contractors to repair 100 kWp minigrid in DRC
AVSI Foundation, an Italian NGO, has launched a tender to repair a 100 kWp minigrid in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The project involves replacing the battery energy storage and conversion systems. Applications are due Nov. 4.
