Author: solarenergy

The California Public Utilities Commission has voted to approve one revised proposal for decision on the state’s community solar program on May 30, which solar advocates warned would not correct course for a failing sector. Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA), provided the following response to the CPUC’s vote on the future of the state’s community solar program: “Today’s Commission vote ignored the will of the California Legislature and the broad coalition of taxpayer, equity, environmental, labor, agriculture and business groups that have been demanding a functional community solar program for more than…

Canada’s Brookfield Asset Management has unveiled plans to buy France-based Neoen for 6.1 billion euros. May 31, 2024 Gwénaëlle Deboutte By pv magazine FranceCanada’s Brookfield Asset Management has entered exclusive negotiations with Neoen’s major shareholders to acquire a 53.32% stake in the French renewable energy company.If the deal is completed, Brookfield Asset Management will acquire a 100% stake in Neoen. Brookfield offered €39.85 per share, for a total amount of approximately €6.1 billion.“The acquisition of Neoen strengthens Brookfield’s global reach, while diversifying operations in key renewable energy markets and providing significant expertise in battery storage technology,” said Connor Teskey, CEO…

The carbon offset market shrank dramatically last year, from US$1.9 billion ($1.5 billion) in 2022 to US$723 million in 2023, a new report shows. The decline came after a series of scientific and media reports showed that many compensation schemes are doing nothing to alleviate the climate crisis and biodiversity loss.The research from Ecosystem Marketplacea non-profit initiative that collects data on the carbon market from brokers and traders found that the market had shrunk by 61%.It attributed the cutback to a flurry of scientific studies and media reports that concluded millions in compensation were “worthless,” with some projects linked to…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineOPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a brief overview of the major price trends in the global PV industry. May 31, 2024 OPISFOB prices in China for M10 wafers continued their downward trend this week. Prices for Mono PERC M10 and n-type M10 wafers decreased by 5.37% and 7.95% from week to week, reaching $0.141 per unit (pc) and $0.139/pc, respectively.G12 wafer prices in FOB China remained relatively stable this week, with Mono PERC G12 and N-type G12 wafer prices flat at $0.236/piece and $0.238/piece, respectively.According to OPIS market research, the average transaction…

Evolution Mining is moving forward with a AUD7 billion ($4.64 billion) plan to build a 2 GW/20 GWh pumped hydroelectric power plant in the pit of a 20-year-old gold mine in Australia. May 31, 2024 David CarollBy pv magazine AustraliaEvolution Mining has submitted an environmental impact statement for the proposed 2 GW/20 GWh Mount Rawdon Pumped Hydro Project to the office of the Queensland Coordinator-General.The Mount Rawdon project, which was declared a coordinated project by the Queensland Coordinator General in 2022, is being jointly developed by Evolution Mining and financial consultancy ICA Partners.The parties plan to develop and operate the…

An Indian-American research team has fabricated a four-terminal perovskite-cadmium telluride tandem solar cell by using a highly conductive and sputtered transparent electrode to increase the current density of the bottom cell. The tandem device combines an 18.3% efficient perovskite cell on top and a 19.53% efficient cadmium telluride bottom unit. May 31, 2024 Emiliano BelliniAn international research group led by the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has developed a four-terminal (4T) tandem solar cell based on an upper cell with a perovskite absorber and a lower device made of cadmium telluride (CdTe).“Perovskite materials have already proven their efficiency and suitability…

Apricus generation has acquired a controlling interest Nexus Renewables Inc., the Toronto-based developer of solar and energy storage projects and Independent Power Producer (IPP).Apricus is a new holding company designed to build a nationally distributed solar and battery and IPP development platform. By joining the Apricus platform, Nexus will gain the additional expertise, support and capital to effectively scale its pipeline and bring its current 500+ MW project portfolio to production.Nexus, led by founder and CEO Keith Sandor, has built an industry-leading development and IPP platform that, when combined with Apricus’ capital and strategic oversight, will be one of the…

Chinese developer Eging PV Technology says it will build a 200 MW solar power plant in southwestern Tajikistan. The country will also build its first solar equipment manufacturing plant, with investments from South Korea’s Global Solar Wafer. May 30, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Tajikistan Ministry of Economic Development and TradeEging PV Technology will build a 200 MW solar power plant in the Panj Free Economic Zone in Khatlon Province, Tajikistan.Earlier this week, Eging PV Technology Co signed a memorandum of understanding with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development for the construction of the project.The project will take place in four phases,…

Shining Light on Sustainability Picture a world where the sun’s rays not only power our homes and businesses but also sustain life’s most precious resource: water. As our planet grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and dwindling water supplies, the need for innovative solutions has never been more urgent. Enter solar energy – a beacon of hope in the search for water conservation.Let’s explore the fascinating intersection of solar power and water conservation, and how harnessing the sun’s energy can pave the way for a greener, more water-secure future. Using Solar Energy to Address Water Conservation Challenges: The…

Play Mart recently broke ground for a more than $3 million expansion project in Pulaski County, Kentucky, that will add equipment, personnel and materials to meet the growing demands of this global playground manufacturer. This expansion features a 252-kW solar project powered by 20 dual-axis trackers from Oregon-based Stracker Solar, making Play Mart one of Kentucky’s first net-zero manufacturing facilities. These trackers will provide clean energy for the facility, shade in the parking lot, lighting and power charging stations for electric vehicles. Credit: STracker Solar Play Mart is a family-owned industry leader in playground and outdoor early childhood play products.…