China mulling restrictions on polysilicon, wafer production tech exports
The Chinese government is considering the introduction of export restrictions on solar wafers, black silicon, and silicon casting equipment. It has launched a public consultation process on the proposed measures.
Swedish authorities issue warning about solar panels on balconies
The Swedish authorities have identified electrocution and fire risks posed by the improper deployment of plug-in solar modules.
Italy allocates 94.2 MW of solar in latest renewables auction
Italy’s energy agency has awarded 94.2 MW of solar capacity at 15 locations and 22 MW of wind in its latest auction.
Netherlands reports 40 PV installation accidents over past 18 months
The Netherlands Labour Authority (Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie) has provided accident statistics related to the installation of solar energy systems. It says there have been four casualties among solar installers over the past three years.
US developer moves toward licensing for 900 MW pumped storage project
Developer rPlus Hydro has submitted an application for a final license to the US Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the Seminoe project– a milestone reached by only a few pumped storage projects over the last 20 years.
Second-life batteries might beat new ones on solar LCOE in remote locations
UK scientists have discovered that second-life batteries could provide a lower levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) than conventional batteries in school buildings equipped with PV in East African schools. They said the cheapest system configuration uses either 7.5 kW or 10 kW of solar with 20 kWh of storage.
Key takeaways from Solar Quality Summit Europe
This year’s edition of Solar Quality Summit Europe started on Jan. 24 in Barcelona, Spain. With Europe set to hit record solar installations in the coming years, industry stakeholders discussed how to do that quickly. Digitalization, monitoring, revamping, and technology audits were all on the agenda.
Only5mins! – ‘Additionality’ must be adhered to in Africa’s green hydrogen development
Chigozie Nweke-Eze is an economist, geographer and founder of Integrated Africa Power. He sat down with pv magazine to discuss green hydrogen development in Africa, from the project pipeline to the necessity of “additionality” when it comes to ensuring hydrogen doesn’t become yet another exploited African resource.
Scientists assess lifetime for perovskite PV to become competitive on rooftops
Researchers say that lightweight, high-performance perovskite solar modules could soon become competitive with crystalline PV modules in the residential segment, as such products will likely have lower manufacturing and balance-of-system costs in the future.
Turkey aims to produce hydrogen at $2.40/kg by 2035
Turkey has released a hydrogen roadmap as part of its plans to meet its 2035 net-zero emission targets, hinging on solar energy and importing electrolysis technologies in the short term. Gulmira Rzayeva, research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, says this target is realistic.
