MENA region hits 24 GW (AC) of total solar capacity
The Middle East Solar Industry Association’s (MESIA) latest report says solar capacity in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region grew by 25% in 2024, with local manufacturing and energy storage also accelerating.
Corporate funding in solar sector globally falls 24% to $26.3 billion in 2024
Mercom Capital Group says inflation, high interest rates, trade disputes and policy ambiguity all contributed to a drop in corporate funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the solar sector last year.
Qcells hits 28.6% efficiency with scalable perovskite-silicon solar cell
South Korea-based solar module manufacturer Qcells has set a new efficiency world record for a commercially scalable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, produced at its pilot line in Germany.
String inverters best for partially shaded PV systems, says IEA-PVPS
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) has released a technical report exploring innovations and challenges in optimizing the performance of partially shaded PV systems.
US sets antidumping duties for Southeast Asian solar cells
US trade officials have announced preliminary affirmative determinations for antidumping duties on crystalline solar cell imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The tariffs range from 21.31% to 271.28% depending on the company and country.
New research finds utility-scale solar parks foster biodiversity
A series of longitudinal studies of three solar-pollinator sites in Minnesota have demonstrated evidence of native prairie growing under solar panels, providing both soil benefits and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Wood Mackenzie forecasts 77 GW of floating solar globally by 2033
Wood Mackenzie predicts that the global floating solar market will be dominated by the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region and led by India, China and Indonesia through to 2033. The consultancy says growth will be driven by rising demand, decreased capital expenditure and supportive policies.
Lithuania bans remote Chinese access to solar, wind, storage devices
Lithuania has decided to tighten its cybersecurity laws, banning manufacturers from countries deemed national security threats, including China, from remotely accessing management systems of solar, wind, and storage facilities. The European Solar Manufacturing Council has backed the move.
Hybrid perovskite-organic solar cell reaches record-breaking efficiency of 24%
Korean scientists have fabricated a perovskite-organic solar cell with a uniform sub-nanometer dipole layer. The device recorded a power conversion efficiency of 24% under testing, a new record for lead-based hybrid perovskite-organic solar cells.
Singapore on track to hit 2030 solar targets
Research from the National University of Singapore indicates that Singapore could reach its 2 GW solar installation target by 2028, ahead of its 2030 deadline. The study suggests that the government could increase its long-term solar goals by adopting policies that promote better area utilization, subsidies, and advancements in panel efficiency.
