Switzerland’s solar installations hit 602 MW in January-April
Switzerland installed 602 MW of solar in the first four months of the year, bringing its total installed PV capacity to around 6.8 GW by the end of April.
Low tilt angles ideal for regions with high summer load demand
New research from India shows the advantages of deploying fixed tilt PV systems with low angles in regions with high summer load demand like India. The scientists said that, although PV systems with low tilt angles may not achieve maximum power yield or the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE), they can reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity during high-demand periods.
Large scale battery storage on the rise in Chile
Three utility scale battery energy storage projects co-located with solar plants were announced last week in Chile. Enel is building a 67 MW/134 MWh battery, while CJR Renewable and Uriel Renovables are planning 200 MW/800 MWh and 90 MW/200 MWh projects, respectively.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: NEA moves forward with curtailment plan
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says that utilization rates of solar and wind projects in specific provinces must not fall below 90%.
India’s NHPC launches tender for 2.4 GW of solar
NHPC has started accepting bids from developers to set up 2.4 GW of solar power projects on a build-own-operate basis anywhere in India. Bidding closes on June 29.
Romania turns on first floating PV plant
Romanian energy company TMK Hydroenergy Power has switched on the country’s first floating solar project. The facility, located on a pond in Caras Severin county, is connected to a hydropower plant.
India launches 2.4 GW of renewables tenders
Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has kicked off 2.4 GW of renewables tenders, including a 1.2 GW procurement exercise and a 1.2 GW round.
Study finds excessive row spacing has limited effect on improving PV system performance
Scientists in China have tested the influence of panel row spacing in increasing a PV system performance in a full-scale outdoor PV array experimental platform. They found that larger row spacing plays a limited role in improving thermal convection, observing that solar irradiance and wind speed are the key parameters for optimal PV system design.
United Kingdom closes in on 16 GW installed solar capacity
The latest government installation figures reveal a slower start to the year for the United Kingdom, with small-scale installations accounting for the majority of additions. As the UK General Election approaches, there are calls from industry for the next government to act quickly on the issues hindering capacity expansion.
Amea Power switches on 26.6 MW solar farm in Burkina Faso
Amea Power has connected the Zina solar plant to the grid in Burkina Faso, to power the Mana gold mine in Mouhoun province.
