Weekend Read: Gray skies over Californian solar
There may be a global solar boom but a drastic revision of California’s net metering program has ruptured the industry overnight and is affecting everyone from installers to financiers to makers of power electronics.
Israeli startup develops PV-driven cooling system based on compressed air
Storage Drop has secured a grant from the European Union to develop its PV-driven cooling system technology for low temperature environments. The system is based on compressed air energy storage technology and a hydraulic isothermal compressor with a water pump that compresses the air in an isothermal process.
Israel’s new PV installations hit 1.1 GW in 2023
Official data from the Electricity Authority of Israel show that the country installed 1,108 MW of new solar capacity in 2023. Renewable energy covered 12.5% of Israel’s electricity demand last year.
SolarEdge announces reduction of global workforce
SolarEdge, an Israel-based inverter manufacturer, says it plans to cut about 900 jobs as part of a restructuring plan “designed to reduce operating expenses and align its cost structure to current market dynamics.”
Israel raises tariffs for commercial PV by up to 33%
Israel’s Electricity Authority says it has reached a decision on tariffs, as current rates do not ensure the viability of large rooftop PV projects. It has also raised the tariff for stored electricity sold at peak times.
Shikun & Binui wins tender for 130 MW solar highway project in Israel
Israeli developer Shikun & Binui Energy says it will operate a 130 MW solar project next to a highway in Israel for a period of 25 years. It will also include up to 240 MWh of storage.
BlackRock increases stake in SolarEdge to 15.8%
US investment firm BlackRock says it has increased its ownership interest in Israel’s SolarEdge.
Israeli startup launches 530 W bifacial PVT panel
P.G. Solar Greener says that its new panels have a thermal capacity of 1,280 Wh. They can reportedly achieve an overall dual electrical efficiency of 26%, due to an embedded cooling technique.
Israeli regulator grants grid access to 2.5 GW of renewables
Israel’s Electricity Authority has approved a 2.5 GW capacity extension plan for renewable energy. The initiative will enable the connection of plants in the southern and northern parts of the country.
Israel to build energy communities in villages destroyed by Hamas
Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure says it is currently developing a multi-year program for communities attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7. It aims to deploy 5 GW of energy in the destroyed areas, once residents return.
