Pumping underground water in the desert with PV, wind
Scientists have designed a system that combines solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to operate water pumping systems in Jordan. They simulated it under several scenarios in search of the optimal size.
Botswana seeking companies to deploy off-grid solar projects
Botswana Power Corp. (BPC) is seeking local companies to develop small-scale PV plants for off-grid power, as part of the government’s efforts to expand access to affordable electricity.
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.
Gibraltar opens tender for rooftop solar arrays
The Gibraltar government is seeking developers to install rooftop solar systems at selected sites across the British Overseas Territory. It will also consider proposals for solar canopies and floating solar as part of the tender. The deadline for expressions of interest is Jan. 24, 2025.
Suriname starts building hybrid solar microgrids to power 25 villages
PowerChina is building three hybrid solar microgrids in Suriname, combining solar panels, energy storage, and diesel backup to power 25 remote villages across the country.
France deployed 3.5 GW of new solar in January-September period
France added an additional 3.5 GW of solar during the first three quarters of this year, compared to 2.3 GW during the same period of 2023. The country’s total installed solar capacity now stands at 23.7 GW, including 22.9 GW in mainland France.
Researchers complete Europe’s first PV soiling loss assessment
A European research group has adapted a soiling model for use across the continent, analyzing scenarios with complete and partial rain cleaning to calculate energy losses and increases in the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), marking Europe’s first techno-economic PV soiling assessment.
PV-powered system to desalinate water, produce H2 for desert agriculture
Scientists have proposed a standalone system that uses freeze desalination and ice for air conditioning. It requires 10,785 square meters of c-Si bifacial PV panels and can operate throughout the day. Energetic efficiency is calculated as 17.8% during the day and 56% at night.
UN invests $700,000 in 120 kW hybrid solar plant in DR Congo
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has invested nearly $700,000 to build a 120 kW hybrid solar plant in Mambasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The community PV project will supply power to more than 300 users, including six health centers, 224 small businesses, and 89 households.
Agrivoltaics for peppers
Scientists have built in India a 1.8 kW agrivoltaic setup to grow peppers under the PV modules. The proposed project design is described as an agrivoltaic insect net house that could be use for all crops that require rigorous pest management.
