Eyes in the sky: Meteosat third generation set to improve solar forecasting
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellite is now beginning operational testing. The new satellite will offer sharper and more detailed, frequent imagery, providing a significant boost to solar irradiance estimates.
Billing and services software for commercial solar rooftops
UK startup Volter has launched software to simplify revenue generation for owners of commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar assets. It also supports installers and power purchase agreement (PPA) providers active in commercial rooftop solar markets.
Assessing impact of fire on PV facades
An international research team has analyzed which factors contribute to fire accidents in PV facades and has found that the distance between the wall and the photovoltaic modules plays a crucial role. The scientists also said project developers should attentively consider what combustible materials are embedded in the wall cavity.
Christmas Day forecast delivers solar surprises for some
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that, while much of the Americas will see cloudier weather than normal for the season, particularly in the eastern United States and parts of central Brazil, Europe’s solar outlook is split with high pressure over central regions bringing clearer skies to the Iberian Peninsula. Across Asia, cloud cover is expected for India and the Far East, while Australia’s northern and eastern regions are likely to enjoy abundant sunshine.
Scientist develops machine-learning method to identify faulty solar panels
A scientist in Sweden has developed a new hybrid local features-based method using thermographs to identify faulty solar panels.
IEA-PVPS calls for harmonized testing, certification for building-integrated photovoltaics
The latest report from the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) says the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) industry is facing significant challenges due to a lack of clear testing and certification procedures. It says international consensus and the harmonization of certification processes will be crucial for widespread adoption of the technology.
EU solar installations hit 65.5 GW in 2024, says SolarPower Europe
Solar installations grew 4% year on year in the European Union in 2024, down sharply from 53% growth in 2023. The slowdown coincides with a decline in solar investment, marking the first such drop this decade. SolarPower Europe now forecasts annual growth of 3% to 7% in solar installations from 2025 to 2028.
Germany deploys 1 GW of PV in November
Germany installed 1 GW of solar power in November, bringing its cumulative capacity to 97.55 GW by the end of the month.
Spanish company fined for selling solar power at night
The Spanish authorities have hit renewable energy supplier Contigo Energía with a €6 million ($6.3 million) fine for selling PV energy at night.
TU Delft scientists integrate power electronics for MPPT in solar modules
A research team in the Netherlands investigated how copper planar air-core inductors can yield the required inductor properties to support sub-module power conversion in PV modules. The scientists claim that implementing MPPT at the sub-module level can increase the panel’s tolerance to shade.
