MENA region hits 24 GW (AC) of total solar capacity
The Middle East Solar Industry Association’s (MESIA) latest report says solar capacity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grew by 25% in 2024, with local manufacturing and energy storage also accelerating.
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.
A copper-bottomed answer to solar’s silver dependence
The solar industry has dragged its heels on the issue of silver-dependence for cell metallization, but China’s Jiangsu Xianghuan Technology (JXTC) is moving into commercial production with a copper plating process that overcomes many of the challenges that have limited interest from cell manufacturers.
Africa adds 2.5 GW of solar in 2024
The African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) says utility-scale projects dominated Africa’s new solar additions in 2024, with storage installations surging tenfold.
Bolivia’s YLB signs lithium deals with Russian, Chinese companies
The agreements provide for the installation of carbonate industrial plants in the department of Potosí, which will receive royalties and investments of around $2 billion.
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.
Solis releases three-phase string C&I inverters with fuseless design
The Chinese inverter said its new inverters have an MPPT current of up to 54 A and support more than a 150% DC/AC ratio. The new products also feature a maximum efficiency of 98.8% and a European efficiency rate of 98.3%.
Tunisia launches 200 MW solar tender
The Tunisian authorities have launched tenders for two 100 MW solar plants.
Tunisia tenders 498 MW of solar projects
Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has approved four solar projects in the first phase of a 1.7 GW solar tender. The lowest price awarded was TND 98.8 ($0.03113)/kWh.
