Japan’s Toyo begins production at 2 GW solar cell plant in Ethiopia
Toyo Co. has started production at its 2 GW solar cell facility in Ethiopia, with plans to deliver more than 80 MW of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cells by the end of April before scaling capacity to 4 GW.
South Africa targeting up to 5 GW of new renewables per year
The South African Renewable Energy Master Plan (SAREM) aims to deploy at least 3 GW of new renewables per year, increasing to 5 GW by 2030, while creating 25,000 jobs in the country’s renewable energy and storage sectors.
Myanmar earthquake disrupts solar wafer production, global supply chain
The recent 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar has disrupted solar wafer production in western China, where about 50% of the country’s wafer capacity is concentrated. Major manufacturers have suspended operations due to equipment failures, raising concerns over supply shortages and higher global solar prices.
Nigeria proposes ban on solar panel imports
The Nigerian government plans to ban solar panel imports to boost domestic production, but the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, a Lagos-based consultancy, warns the country is unprepared for such a restriction.
Solar module, cell, wafer prices to rise in Q2 2025, says TrendForce
TrendForce says solar module, cell, and wafer prices will rise in the second quarter as China accelerates installations ahead of looming regulatory changes. It notes that prices are expected to decline in the third quarter as demand eases.
Solar adds record 452 GW to global renewables capacity in 2024
Global renewables capacity grew by a record 585 GW in 2024, with solar accounting for 452 GW, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Solar and wind together made up 96.6% of the increase.
Fraunhofer showcases hydrogen microgrid platform
The Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology IWU will showcase a new hydrogen microgrid platform at the end of March. The researchers say it could help to serve hospitals, remote rural areas and war-torn regions.
Prices rising across China’s PV supply chain, says EnergyTrend
Taiwan-based research firm EnergyTrend says market optimism in China has driven up solar module prices, while production of modules, cells, and wafers has increased month on month.
Scatec signs PPA for large-scale solar-plus-storage project in Egypt
Norway’s Scatec Asa has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Egypt Aluminium for a 1.1 GW solar plant with 100 MW/200 MWh of battery energy storage. The agreement has been billed as Egypt’s first utility-scale PPA with an industrial offtaker.
Africa’s solar capacity forecast to double over next four years
A report from the Global Solar Council says Africa’s solar deployment is set to accelerate in the coming years, but stresses that mobilizing finance and strong regulatory frameworks will be required to attract investors.
