Global sales of off-grid solar energy kits hit 9.5 million units in 2022
In 2022, off-grid solar kit sales reached a record-breaking 9.5 million units. This is almost 1 million more than the 8.5 million units sold in 2019.
German cabinet approves measure to expedite solar deployment
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs has approved measures to streamline solar deployment, with a target of 215 GW of installed capacity by 2030.
Teralight announces 314 MW of new solar in Israel
Teralight, via its Solar Tech subsidiary, plans to install new solar fences, rooftops, walls and aquaculture PV projects across Israel. The projects will be built in dozens of villages.
Novel AI-based tech to identify rooftop solar systems from aerial images
The model utilizes deep learning and image processing techniques and is said to offer “superior performance.” In the future, it might be able to differ between panels of PV and solar thermal systems.
Israel surpasses 2.2 GW of rooftop PV capacity
New figures from the Israeli authorities show that the country continues to deploy rooftop PV systems at a rapid pace. New rooftop installations hit 703 MW in 2022, up significantly from 537 MW in 2021 and 296 in 2020.
US community solar to exceed 6 GW in 2023
Following a suppressed 2022, US community solar is expected to have an upward trajectory, boosted by new state laws, the implementation of billions in grant money from the Inflation Reduction Act, and the smoothing of bumps in the supply chain.
Breaking through ‘status quo bias’ with co-designed solar power plants
A group of Dutch researchers assessed the impact of including stakeholder input in the design process of solar power plants. It found that a co-designed approach may help counter the resistance of local inhabitants and result in more positive evaluations of the project.
Financing implementation of solar energy solutions in the Pacific Island countries
The International Solar Alliance said that securing financing for renewable energy projects in Pacific Island Countries (PIC) may be complex due to the need for stand-alone solar energy systems and mini-grids, which to be viable for larger investments would require aggregation at a sectoral or programmatic level to become feasible. In its monthly column for pv magazine, the organization describes the types of finance required to scale technologies.
Building to last in the Global South
PV initiatives should be designed to last, as several well-meaning off-grid solar projects for the developing world have floundered over the years.
Italian startup offers solar kits packed in barrels
Italy’s Barrel claims that solar kits packed in barrels are ideal for remote areas and conflict zones. Its standard packages consist of 6 kW solar modules, 5.6 kW single-phase hybrid inverters, and 3.55 kWh lithium batteries.
