Hungary adds 1.4 GW of solar in 2024
Utility-scale solar accounted for around half of new solar in Hungary last year, but with no new connection permits for large-scale projects over the last two years, this market segment is predicted to slow in the coming years.
Axpo offtakes 60 MW from Hungarian solar plants
Swiss power producer Axpo has signed its first power purchase agreement (PPA) in Hungary for three solar plants that began operations in 2024.
Novel BIPV concept integrates louvers to enhance power production
Scientists have proposed a building-integrated PV system that integrates airflow to cool the panels and control room temperature. The system, which also acts as a shading device, can reportedly mitigate drops in power generation efficiency without additional energy consumption.
India’s rooftop solar scheme could drive $13.9 billion opportunity
India’s PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana initiative (PM-SGMBY) could create a INR 1.2 trillion ($13.9 billion) opportunity for PV module, inverter, and component manufacturers, benefiting project developers and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors, according to SBICAPS.
China begins building first GW-scale residential VPP
China is building its first gigawatt-scale residential virtual power plant (VPP) in Jiangsu province. The project will connect millions of high-power household appliances to a cloud-based energy pool to improve grid stability and boost renewable energy use.
India eyes self-reliance in battery cells with lithium recycling push
India could achieve self-reliance in battery cell manufacturing by domestically recycling lithium and reusing it in batteries, an Indian government official claimed this week at a battery manufacturing conference in in New Delhi.
Exide Industries invests $17.2 million in lithium battery plant in India
Kolkata-based Exide Industries has invested INR 1.49 billion ($17.2 million) in Exide Energy Solutions through a rights offering. The investment will support the construction of a greenfield lithium battery plant in Bengaluru, India, in addition to other funding needs.
China’s CGN New Energy announces winning bidders in 10 GWh BESS tender
CGN New Energy has selected seven winners from 50 bidders in its 10 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) tender, with the lowest bid at CNY 0.458/Wh ($63/kWh).
US bans five Chinese PV firms under Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the US authorities have banned five Chinese companies from providing products and services in the United States.
Hungary approves measures for solar on apartment buildings
Hungary has decided to allow apartment owners to jointly install solar panels and will only permit solar plants equipped with grid-connected inverters from July 2025.
