Global corporate funding in solar sector down 23% so far this year
Total corporate funding in the solar industry reached $22.3 billion in the first nine months of 2024, down 23% year on year. Mercom Capital Group says global uncertainties are affecting investor confidence, but an increase in debt financing and resilience in newly announced large-scale project funding are bright spots for the sector.
Global average solar LCOE stood at $0.044/kWh in 2023, says IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says the result represents a 12% year-on-year decline. The figure has fallen 90% since the start of 2010.
UK think tank predicts 593 GW of new global PV installations for 2024
UK-based energy think tank Ember says it expects 593 GW of solar to be added throughout the world this year – 29% more than in 2023. It says 292 GW were installed by the end of July.
Scientists design all-back-contact transparent solar cell
A research team from South Korea’s Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST) has designed a wire-free transparent solar cell and module with all electrical contacts placed on the rear side. A 16 cm² module achieved a power conversion efficiency of 14.7% and successfully charged a smartphone using natural sunlight.
Construction begins on 1.1 GW solar project in Tibet
JA Solar has supplied its n-type DeepBlue 4.0 Pro modules for a 1.1 GW solar installation in Tibet. The project is believed to be the world’s largest combined animal husbandry facility and solar array now under construction.
Kiwa PVEL, Kiwa PI Berlin outline best practices for PV module quality
Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin have published a white paper that uses recent module testing and in-factory data to guide the best use of testing and inspection metrics. The paper aims to ensure that solar modules meet acceptable quality standards.
Actis invests in 3.5 GW/4.5 GWh of solar-plus-storage in Philippines
Private equity investor Actis has become a strategic partner in a 3.5 GW/4.5 GWh solar-plus-storage project in the Philippines. The project is poised to become the world’s largest integrated renewables and energy storage installation upon completion. Actis is investing $600 million for a 40% equity stake.
Oxford PV starts commercial distribution of perovskite solar modules
Oxford PV is delivering its first commercial perovskite solar modules to U.S. customers. The 72-cell solar modules have an efficiency of 24.5% and, according to the company, can generate up to 20% more energy than conventional silicon modules.
QatarEnergy to build 2 GW solar plant
QatarEnergy has unveiled plans for a 2 GW solar project in western Qatar, which will more than double the country’s cumulative installed solar capacity.
ACWA Power secures $2.6 billion for 5.5 GW of solar in Saudi Arabia
ACWA Power has obtained $2.6 billion through a consortium of banks for three solar plants in Saudi Arabia, with a combined capacity of 5.5 GW.
