Solar cell, wafer exports from China rise as panel exports fall
Ember Energy says China’s solar export market is shifting as more diverse global supply chains drive higher cell and wafer shipments, lifting combined solar product capacity 11% this year despite lower panel exports.
IFC loans $250 million for Oman polysilicon project
The investment package features a $200 million loan for the implementation of the project and a $50 million preferred equity investment. The approval is said to have been opposed by several members of IFC’s board of executive directors.
Rigsar-HILD Energy consortium wins 120 MW solar contract in Bhutan
Bhutan has awarded a contract for the 120 MW Jamjee solar project to a consortium of local firm Rigsar Construction and India’s HILD Energy. The project will be the country’s largest solar installation once completed.
Afghanistan starts building 40 MW of solar
Afghanistan has started building a 40 MW solar project, with completion expected within 18 months.
SolarPower Europe predicts negative annual growth of EU’s solar market
SolarPower Europe’s mid-year market analysis is forecasting negative annual growth in 2025 for the first time in almost a decade. It is expecting 64.2 GW of solar to be added this year, compared to 65.1 GW last year.
Global average solar LCOE stood at $0.043/kWh in 2024, says IRENA
The International Renewable Energy Agency’s latest report finds little change in the global average levelized cost of electricity for utility-scale solar plants year-on-year, while the global average total installed cost of utility-scale solar projects fell by 11%.
Photovoltaic inventions increased seventeen-fold in three decades
The European Patent Office says China has overtaken other countries in photovoltaic patent filings over the past 15 years, while European startups and universities retain a lead in agrivoltaics and niche solar applications.
Saudi Arabia signs 5 solar PPAs totaling 12 GW
Saudi Arabia has inked five solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) with a developer consortia led by ACWA Power covering 12 GW of new capacity. Alongside two wind PPAs totaling 3 GW, the seven projects have been billed as the largest renewable energy capacity signed for in a single phase globally.
Myanmar’s Prime Minister calls for increased local solar panel production
Myanmar Prime Minister Min Aung Hlaing called for greater domestic production of solar panels and raw materials during a recent visit to a factory in central Myanmar, citing the need to strengthen local supply chains for renewable energy.
World’s largest 1 MW/100 MWh sand battery commissioned in Finland
Finnish startup Polar Night Energy has commissioned the world’s largest sand battery in Pornainen, southern Finland. The industrial-scale system delivers 1 MW of thermal power with 100 MWh storage capacity, covering up to a month’s summer heat demand and nearly a week’s winter demand for the local district heating network.
