The impact of different substrates on solar module performance
A research team has analyzed the effects of different substrates on PV module performance and has found that ground soil achieves the highest efficiency at 21.1%, followed by grass (19.6%), wood (17.95%), concrete (16.2%), roof tiles (14.3%), and iron sheets (11.5%).
Airports Company South Africa issues tender for three PV plants totaling 9.5 MW
The tender covers the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of three proposed projects to be based at Tambo International Airport, King Shaka International Airport, and Cape Town International Airport. Closing dates for submission is March 17.
The Hydrogen Stream: H2 projects in Algeria and Mauritania under the spotlight
As Saudi-Algerian researchers report on the northern African country’s hydrogen potential, Denmark’s GreenGo Energy starts its 6 GW electrolysis hydrogen project in Mauritania.
Eskom calls for registration of all grid-tied solar installations
South African utility Eskom is urging consumers with grid-tied rooftop solar to register their systems and integrate them with the national grid, waiving registration fees until March 2026. Off-grid installations must still prove they operate independently.
Somalia opens solar-plus-storage tender
The Somali government has kicked off a tender for the design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of a 55 MW solar plant with a 160 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in Mogadishu. The deadline for applications is April 14, 2025.
What’s cooking in PV?
Scientists have conducted an analysis of 20 years of academic publications about PV-powered electric cooking and have found interest in the field peaked in 2021-2022 in both developing and developed countries. They have also outlined some potential future developments.
Liberia seeks consultancy services for solar, battery storage auction
The government of Liberia is seeking transaction advisers to develop the legal, technical, commercial and financial mechanisms for the country’s first solar and battery energy storage auction. The deadline for expressions of interest is Feb. 25, 2025.
Uganda opens tender for 40 MW of ground-mounted solar
Companies interested in an engineering, procurement and construction contract for two 20 MW ground-mounted solar plants in eastern Uganda must request pre-qualification questionnaires by Feb. 21, one week before a deadline for expressions of interest.
Load shedding returns to South Africa
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) says that despite the return of load shedding over the weekend, the nation is still on track to permanently eliminate power outages.
UN refugee agency to power most of its offices with PV
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revealed plans to install solar systems in 18 offices by 2025, aiming to cut emissions and reduce reliance on diesel.
