Netherlands deploys 1.76 GW of solar in H1
The Netherlands added 1.76 GW of solar capacity in the first half of 2024, with 148,166 new PV projects. By the end of June, the country’s total installed PV capacity had reached 26.06 GW.
Colombian researchers design agrivoltaic system with hydroponic towers
Colombian researchers have designed an agrivoltaic system integrating hydroponic growing towers. The modular array, consisting of stackable 20 cm rings, creates a structure up to 2.5 meters tall, optimized for cultivating approximately 80 plants per square meter.
India on track to hit 132 GW of solar by 2026, says ICRA
ICRA, an Indian credit rating agency, says India could add 22 GW of solar capacity in fiscal 2025 and 27.5 GW in fiscal 2026, pushing the nation’s total installed PV capacity to 131.5 GW by March 2026, up from 82 GW as of March 31, 2024.
Sunways unveils three-phase inverters for rooftop PV
Sunways’ new three-phase inverters have efficiency ratings of up to 98.6% and European efficiency ratings of 98.2%. They are available in five versions, with power outputs ranging from 15 kW to 30 kW.
BIPV likely linked to recent fire at Brussels’ first net-zero building
A fire broke out at Brussels’ first net-zero energy structure, the Treurenberg building, in late October. The blaze, likely caused by building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) panels on the facade, led to an evacuation, with no injuries reported.
Irish utility Bord Gáis acquires solar installer Swyft
Bord Gáis has purchased County Cork, Ireland-based Swyft Energy for an undisclosed sum to help it meet its target of 10,000 solar PV installations over the next five years.
Open-source tool to eliminate redundant engineering costs in rooftop PV deployment
Researchers in Canada have developed an open-access online tool that reportedly helps homeowners achieve considerable savings in deploying rooftop PV systems. The tool is claimed to offer accurate structural engineering calculations while ensuring compliance with building codes.
Lithuania bans remote Chinese access to solar, wind, storage devices
Lithuania has decided to tighten its cybersecurity laws, banning manufacturers from countries deemed national security threats, including China, from remotely accessing management systems of solar, wind, and storage facilities. The European Solar Manufacturing Council has backed the move.
France publishes new provisions making solar mandatory on parking areas
France has enacted provisions mandating solar installations on parking areas, detailing calculation methods, exemptions, and fines for non-compliance.
Horizon Power projects cut diesel reliance in remote towns with solar, BESS
Horizon Power, in partnership with Pacific Energy, has completed six federally funded solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) under its Midwest solar program in Western Australia.
