Strategies to develop ‘solar neighborhoods’
A group of scientists across the world have created a list of recommendations that can help create solar neighborhoods. In a recently published study they highlight the importance of legislative frameworks and advanced computing.
Israel temporarily waives 600 KWh energy storage permits due to war
The Israeli planning regulator says that some storage facilities will not need permit approvals over the next 18 months.
Israeli regulator approves regulatory framework for storage
Israel’s planning administration has approved the terms for deploying up to 16 MWh of storage facilities. The government said that due to the Gaza conflict, storage has become ever more important for emergencies.
Italian Council of State clarifies rules for agrivoltaics
The Italian Council of State has issued new rules to address a number of regulatory gaps, according to lawyer Andrea Sticchi Damiani, who recently won two cases related to agrivoltaic projects. In both instances, the council confirmed that agrivoltaic facilities are distinct from conventional ground-mounted PV plants.
Romania removes legal barriers to development of large-scale solar
The Romanian president has passed a new law to shorten the permitting process for solar projects installed on less than 50 hectares of buildable land.
Maxeon sues Tongwei for patent infringement in Germany
Maxeon Solar Technologies has filed a lawsuit against Tongwei Solar in Germany’s Dusseldorf district court for the alleged infringement of its European patent for shingled solar cell technology.
Serbia launches first renewables auction with 50 MW of solar
The Serbian authorities have launched the nation’s first renewable energy auction, with 50 MW of PV and 400 MW of wind power. The projects will be supported through contracts for difference for 15 years.
Chinese PV executives reportedly detained by police in Munich
German police have detained an executive from a Chinese solar company, the day before the start of the Intersolar Europe trade show this week in Munich, according to Chinese media reports.
Heat pump theft rising in Sweden
The Gothenburg district court in Sweden has charged eight people for allegedly stealing nearly $416,000 of air source heat pumps, geothermal heat pumps, white goods and tools from multiple locations in the western part of the country.
Global solar additions to hit 310 GW in 2024, says IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) said in a new report that solar will remain the main source of global renewable capacity expansion in 2023, accounting for 286 GW. In 2024, the figure is set to grow to almost 310 GW, driven by lower module prices, greater uptake of distributed PV systems, and a policy push for large-scale deployment.
