Author: solarenergy
To keep warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius, global renewable energy capacity must triple by 2030. Image: Oskar Kadaksoo via Unsplah. A review of 2024 reports from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has found that despite record investments and capacity growth, the world is not on track to meet 2030 climate targets. IRENA’s World Energy Transitions Outlook 2024 noted that 2023 saw the highest ever increase in solar PV capacity. In 2023, approximately 347 GW of solar PV capacity was installed globally, representing 73% of the 473 GW of total renewable energy capacity added that year. The same report notes…
The result was confirmed by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). January 6, 2025 Emiliano Bellini Chinese solar module maker JinkoSolar said it has achieved an energy conversion efficiency of 33.84% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell based on n-type wafers. The company said the results were certified by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology under the CAS. In previous attempts, JinkoSolar has a cell efficiency of 33.24% for the same device configuration. “The record-breaking perovskite tandem solar cell uses that of JinkoSolar N-type high-efficiency monocrystalline TOPCon solar cell…
By Brad Kramer January 6, 2025 Five new community solar sites are up and running in Maine. Leeward Renewable Energy completed a 200 MW project in Texas. The Long Island Power Authority approved two utility-scale battery energy storage contracts in Suffolk County, New York. Read about these initiatives and more in our new feature, Projects Weekly. Five Maine community solar sites managed by Ampion Renewable Energy reached commercial operation and started producing energy in November. These community solar sites, in both Versant Power and Central Maine Power utility territories, add nearly 25 MW of renewable power to the grid and will…
Empresa de Generación Eléctrica Punta Catalina (EGEPC), the electricity company of the Dominican Republic, has issued a tender for a 40 MW solar power plant aimed at self-consumption. January 6, 2025 Luis Ini Image: Josue Ladoo Pelegrin, Unsplash By pv magazine LatAm EGEPC has launched a tender for a 40 MW solar power plant to improve the efficiency of its Punta Catalina thermoelectric plant in the Dominican Republic. The project is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by integrating solar energy into the existing coal-fired units, which generate 720 MW for the National Interconnected Electric System (SENI). EGEPC said the…
The art of winemaking dates back thousands of years, with each generation of vintners adding their own innovations to the craft. Today, we’re witnessing a revolutionary fusion of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology as solar power transforms the wine industry. From sun-drenched vineyards to solar-powered wineries, sustainable practices are reshaping how we produce one of humanity’s most beloved beverages. The integration of solar technology into winemaking represents an energy solution and an embodiment of the industry’s commitment to sustainability. As climate challenges mount and energy costs rise, wineries worldwide are discovering that solar power offers a path to both environmental…
Arizona solar owners are stuck with a flat grid rate following a recent decision by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Trade reveals anti-dumping tariffs on solar panels in Southeast AsiaWashington, DC Following the Commerce Department’s preliminary decision to impose countervailing duties (CVD) on imports of silicon solar cells from Southeast Asia, the federal government has also tentatively decided to impose anti-dumping duties (AD). The government has published the new AD rates, ranging from 0% to more than 271%. Treasury Department Announces Final Rules on Sec. 48 ITCWashington, DC The Treasury Department released final rules for the ITC and definitions of properties…
China’s Fujian Metrology Institute (FMI) and the National Photovoltaic Industry Measurement and Testing Center (NPVM) have developed a metrological traceability system for both silicon and perovskite solar cells. The calibration system consists of a monochromatic light system, a bias light system, a 3D motion measurement platform with temperature control and an electrical measurement system. January 6, 2025 Emiliano Bellini China’s Fujian Metrology Institute (FMI) and the National Photovoltaic Industry Measurement and Testing Center (NPVM) have developed a metrological traceability system for solar cell technologies based on silicon or perovskite materials. The researchers explained that there are currently three methods for…
The Port of Alicante will install three 7 MW systems, each consisting of hundreds of 14 kW modules, assembled by the Spanish startup GDV. January 6, 2025 Pilar Sanchez Molina By ESS news Alicante-based startup GDV Mobility launched its G-One “mega battery” during the Mediterranean European Battery Summit at the city’s port. GDV says its 7 MW system, composed of used electric vehicle (EV) batteries, “stands out because it is the cheapest, most profitable and safest. [product] in the [stationary energy storage] sector.” “Refurbished batteries enable significant cost savings without sacrificing performance, offering a more economical and environmentally friendly alternative,”…
The proposed Virtual Power Plant (VPP) integrates a platform-to-ship (P2S) setup to electrify anchored and bunkering ships, while simultaneously supplying excess electricity to the country’s power grid. The system is designed to operate via a 200 MW floating wind farm and a 300 MW floating PV plant, using battery and compressed air systems for energy storage. January 6, 2025 Lior Kahana A Maltese-Chinese research group is proposing the development of an offshore mooring and energy platform (OMPP) operated by PV, wind and energy storage in Malta’s national waters. The proposed Virtual Power Plant (VPP) integrates a platform-to-ship (P2S) setup to…
The acquisition of P4Q brings Kinematics expertise in full-stack electronics, including the tracker control brand Suntrack. January 6, 2025 Anne Fischer By pv magazine USA Kinematics, a US-based intelligent motion control specialist, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire P4Q, a Spanish manufacturer of electronics for solar tracker controllers, industrial automation, sensors and cloud-based monitoring. P4Q is maker of the Suntrack solar tracker controller (shown below), which the company says offers flexible integration and helps customers reduce LCOE and maximize energy yield production. The Spanish company recently celebrated its 25th anniversarye anniversary and indicated that he expects a growth of…