Poland set to reach 2 GW milestone
The country reached 1.95 GW of installed PV capacity at the end of May, after installing around 653 MW of new projects in the first five months of this year. If the current growth trend continues over the next few months, Poland could become a gigawatt market in terms of annual additions for the first time this year.
Earth’s magnetic field affecting PV panel performance
Researchers in Kenya say the geomagnetic field could reduce solar panel conversion efficiency 0.21% between the equator and a 50-degree latitude. Their analysis showed the complex magnetic field can determine increases in module fill factor and falls in maximum power.
India set to add 15 GW of wind-solar hybrid capacity in five years
Almost 10 GW of hybrid generation capacity is already under implementation despite the nation having only 100 MW of combined wind and PV projects at present, according to analyst Crisil.
US added 3.6 GW of solar in Q1
Utility-scale solar strength will cover for residential and rooftop PV weakness in 2020, according to SEIA and WoodMac.
Another floating solar park goes online in the Netherlands
Dutch water supplier Evides Waterbedrijf has commissioned a 1.6 MW floating PV plant at one of its facilities near Rotterdam. It is now considering the construction of more floating solar plants on three other reservoirs, including a 350-hectare water surface.
New 3.6 GW PV-powered hydrogen project announced in Australia
Austrom Hydrogen, a newcomer to the Australian renewable energy scene, has unveiled plans to develop a large solar project, battery storage system, and hydrogen generation facility in Queensland.
Implementing standards in floating PV
Norwegian consultancy DNV GL has gathered together big energy players, floating PV specialists and project developers into a consortium that will aim to define recommended practices for the floating solar business. Among the 14 participants are some big players in the field including EDP, EDF and Equinor, as well as French floating technology provider Ciel & Terre.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: a 15 GW factory, new standards and solar glass output
Risen Solar has unveiled plans for a 15 GW cell and module fab in Yiwu City, Zhejiang province and China South Glass is fundraising for a PV glass factory in Anhui province. Such growth, however, may be slowed by the introduction of new standards by the government.
Another PPA for large scale solar in France
The deal is the fourth power purchase agreement secured by Voltalia in its homeland. French retailer Auchan will buy the electricity under a 20-year contract.
Valmont becomes largest shareholder of Brazilian PV company Solbras
The parent of Italian tracker business Convert has entered the Brazilian solar market with plans for agri-business products and other systems.
