In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that solar generation in parts of Eastern Australia is set to face significant disruptions as Cyclone Alfred hits the Queensland coast. Other areas may benefit from enhanced solar irradiance due to stabilizing atmospheric conditions on the cyclone’s periphery.

In the first anniversary of the series and International Women’s Day, Women in Solar+ Europe, WiSEu, gives voice to Emiliano Bellini, News Director at pv magazine, to reflect on the topics and the impact of the series. He says the series features diverse real experiences of women in the renewable energy sector, engaging readers as each story offers a unique perspective. Emiliano highlights that the series emphasises the importance of mentoring for all genders and showcases women’s assertiveness and struggles with imposter syndrome. Emiliano advocates for refinement and the need to evolve DEI while freeing language in debates to allow for open conversations without fear of offense, encouraging growth from mistakes.

Global awards program recognizing excellence across the solar and storage industries is open for entries. Businesses and individuals have seven categories to choose from, each of which will be adjudicated by a panel of independent industry experts.

Karl-Heinz Remmers examines Pakistan’s startling growth in solar energy use, which could serve as an inspiration not only for developing countries but also for Germany and the EU.

Stanford University professor Mark Z. Jacobson explains how the areas of Los Angeles that were recently hit by fire have now the opportunity to reduce energy bills and reconstruction costs by rebuilding only all-electric homes. “There is no reason to have both electricity and fossil gas in a building at the same time. There is nothing gas does that electricity doesn’t do better,” he states.

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Dounia Ziyati, Solar Engineer at EDF Renewables. She urges women to envision themselves thriving in leading roles. “Today, we witness women in uniforms operating heavy machinery on construction sites and bravely tackling risks head-on,” she states.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that February saw a stark contrast in solar conditions across Europe, with eastern regions benefiting from strong irradiance while western and southern areas faced setbacks due to storms and persistent cloud cover.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

The solar energy industry continues to push the boundaries of efficiency and reliability. However, as innovative photovoltaic cell and module technologies emerge, they also bring a new set of challenges in durability and performance. A new report from IEA PVPS Task 13, titled “Degradation and Failure Modes in New Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technologies,” offers a comprehensive analysis of degradation and failure mechanisms in current photovoltaic technologies.

Taking inspiration from the 3D photonic structures on a Morpho butterfly’s shimmering blue wings, scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed colored solar panels that can be incorporated into a building’s exterior practically invisibly while maintaining high efficiency.