Longi expresses interest in solar manufacturing in Algeria
A delegation from Chinese module maker Longi met with officials from Algeria’s Ministry of Energy and Mining last week to discuss cooperation that would support Algeria’s domestic solar market, including a solar manufacturing facility.
Swiss startup inaugurates removable PV plant on railway tracks
Swiss startup Sun-Ways says it has activated what it calls the world’s first removable solar plant on active rail tracks, with passenger trains set to run over the 18 kW installation from April 28.
Global investment in off-grid solar down 30% in 2024
Off-grid solar investment fell 30% in 2024, with early-stage firms and productive-use tech hit hardest, says Gogla. The global association for the off-grid solar energy industry adds that scale-ups attracted 77% of the nearly $300 million invested, signaling stronger commercial viability among mature players.
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.
