powerplant
Apr 24, 2025
PV Magazine
From pv magazine France
Chinese solar module manufacturer DAS Solar plans to build a 3 GW solar module assembly factory in Mandeure, a commune in Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France.
“Work on the new manufacturing facility is progressing rapidly,” Frédéric Barbier, the director of the factory project, told pv magazine France, noting that it will require an initial investment of €109 million ($124.1 million).
Das Solar purchased a production site from the French government on Nov. 18, 2024, for €1.4 million. The site had been abandoned since French automotive company Faurecia vacated it in 2020. Asbestos removal began on Dec. 16, 2024, and the main building – set to house PV module assembly lines – has since been cleaned.
“We are therefore meeting our deadlines for the three planned 1 GW lines,” said Barbier. “We plan to commission the first two by the end of 2025 and the third by 2026.”
The modules will be based on n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology, already in use at the group’s Asian facilities, and designed for floating, rooftop, and carport PV applications.
Das Solar will import PV cells produced in China. It also plans to build a 5 GW cell manufacturing plant – using the same technology as in China – in a building next to the first facility. The project could require a €650 million investment and create 2,500 jobs. The company aims to apply for a building permit in May 2025, begin construction in October 2025, and start operations in 2026.
Das Solar said on April 11 that it had signed its first two agreements in France: one with Suez to reprocess end-of-life solar panels, and another with the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute for technological development. The company aims to build a regional industrial hub for the solar sector, though it did not discuss its future projects. For the other components of the solar panels, it plans to work with its Chinese and European subcontractors.
Das Solar operates 14 factories throughout the world, with a total panel and cell capacity of 55 GW. It exports its products to 73 countries. Its revenue reached $3.71 billion in 2023.
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PV Magazine
Solex Energy To Open 2 Gw Topcon Cell Plant In 2027From pv magazine India
Gujarat-based Solex has started working on its new 2 GW n-type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility, with operations scheduled to begin in early 2027.
The company has already secured land. The site is part of an integrated solar cell-module facility that will also house a 2 GW TOPCon module production line, Chairman and Managing Director Chetan Shah told pv magazine.
This development represents a big step forward for Solex, which is already operating 1.5 GW of module production capacity and is working on bringing a 2.5 GW module line online by September 2025, boosting its total module output to 4 GW annually.
Looking ahead, the company aims to hit cumulative module capacity of 15 GW and cell capacity of 5 GW by the end of the decade.
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25 April 2025
PV Magazine
Us Solar Industry To Add 502 Gw (Dc) Of Capacity In Next DecadeFrom pv magazine USA
After years of record-breaking installation totals and double-digit growth, .growth in the US solar industry is expected to be relatively flat over the next decade, said Sylbia Leyva Martinez, principal analyst, Wood Mackenzie at the company’s annual solar and energy storage summit.
Wood Mackenzie said in 2024, US solar added about 50 GW, a record for the nation, and possibly a peak year. The analyst group projects that the United States will now add between 40 GW and 50 GW of average annual installations, declining annually through 2028 before resuming modest growth through the end of the decade and mid 2030s.
This represents nearly tripling the total cumulative solar capacity installed in the United States through the end of 2024, which the Solar Energy Industries Association said reached 236 GW.
However, Wood Mackenzie warned that policy outcomes change this forecast significantly.
“Our forecasts show a potential 24% upside in the high scenario and a 25% downside in the low scenario compared to our base case,” said Leyva Martinez. “The future of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other policy measures will play a key role in project materialization, and many things can change during this uncertain policy environment.”
Leyva Martinez highlighted key uncertainties that account for the wide spread in forecast outcomes, including:
Much of the projected exponential growth in electricity demand is driven by AI datacenters, with electrification also playing a role, said Wood Mackenzie.
“The Trump administration will need to balance its AI and data center ambitions with the energy reality,” Leyva Martinez said. “These mixed market and policy dynamics are driving uncertainty in solar project development, and the industry will need to navigate these challenges carefully.
Persistent challenges related to grid interconnection delays and labor availability may also constrain future development, said Wood Mackenzie.
Leyva Martinez noted the rapid growth of US solar manufacturing capacity. She said module manufacturing capacity is projected to increase from 17 GW in 2023 to potentially 144 GW by 2027, with additional growth in wafer and cell manufacturing capacities.
“We’ve seen exponential growth in domestic manufacturing over the past three years,” said Leyva Martinez. “However, challenging trade policies may jeopardize new investments in the sector.”
Solar manufacturing also took large strides in 2024, with domestic solar module assembly growing 190% from 14.5 GW at the end of 2023 to 42.1 GW by the end of 2024. Solar manufacturing facilities are largely concentrated in the South, with 8.6 GW of annual production added in Texas and 8.4 GW in Georgia.
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24 April 2025
PV Magazine
Das Solar Plans 3 Gw Solar Module Factory In FranceFrom pv magazine France
Chinese solar module manufacturer DAS Solar plans to build a 3 GW solar module assembly factory in Mandeure, a commune in Doubs department in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France.
“Work on the new manufacturing facility is progressing rapidly,” Frédéric Barbier, the director of the factory project, told pv magazine France, noting that it will require an initial investment of €109 million ($124.1 million).
Das Solar purchased a production site from the French government on Nov. 18, 2024, for €1.4 million. The site had been abandoned since French automotive company Faurecia vacated it in 2020. Asbestos removal began on Dec. 16, 2024, and the main building – set to house PV module assembly lines – has since been cleaned.
“We are therefore meeting our deadlines for the three planned 1 GW lines,” said Barbier. “We plan to commission the first two by the end of 2025 and the third by 2026.”
The modules will be based on n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology, already in use at the group’s Asian facilities, and designed for floating, rooftop, and carport PV applications.
Das Solar will import PV cells produced in China. It also plans to build a 5 GW cell manufacturing plant – using the same technology as in China – in a building next to the first facility. The project could require a €650 million investment and create 2,500 jobs. The company aims to apply for a building permit in May 2025, begin construction in October 2025, and start operations in 2026.
Das Solar said on April 11 that it had signed its first two agreements in France: one with Suez to reprocess end-of-life solar panels, and another with the Île-de-France Photovoltaic Institute for technological development. The company aims to build a regional industrial hub for the solar sector, though it did not discuss its future projects. For the other components of the solar panels, it plans to work with its Chinese and European subcontractors.
Das Solar operates 14 factories throughout the world, with a total panel and cell capacity of 55 GW. It exports its products to 73 countries. Its revenue reached $3.71 billion in 2023.
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24 April 2025
PV Magazine
Germany Allocates 2.63 Gw In Latest Utility-Scale Pv TenderFrom pv magazine Germany
Germany's Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has allocated 2,638 MW of PV capacity in the nation's latest tender for utility-scale solar.
It assigned the capacity across 271 bids. The new allocations slightly exceed the capacity that the Bundesnetzagentur initially planned to hand out. The tender was significantly oversubscribed, with 420 project proposals totaling 3.83 GW.
The average price came in at €0.0466 ($0.0532)/kWh, with final prices ranging from €0.0399/kWh to €0.0488/kWh.
From a regional perspective, the largest volume awarded was in Bavaria (607 MW), followed by Brandenburg (367 MW) and Lower Saxony (315 MW).
In the previous auction of the same kind, the German authorities allocated 2,150 MW of PV capacity across 242 bids. The auction's average price was €0.0476/kWh, with final prices spanning from €0.0388/kWh to €0.0495/kWh.
In another auction finalized in September 2024, the Bundesnetzagentur awarded 2.15 GW of PV capacity at a final average price of €0.0505/kWh, with final prices being between €0.0450/kWh and €0.0524/kWh.
In a procurement exercise held in May 2024, the allocated capacity was 2.23 GW of PV and the average final price was €0.0511/kWh. Final prices were between €0.0362/kWh and €0.0549/kWh.
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23 April 2025
PV Magazine
Japan’S Toyo Begins Production At 2 Gw Solar Cell Plant In EthiopiaTokyo-based solar company Toyo has started production at its new solar factory in Ethiopia. The 2 GW facility, located in the central Ethiopian city of Hawassa, is scheduled to deliver more than 80 MW of cells by the end of April.
Toyo said the plant is on course to be fully operational by May or June, producing a monthly capacity of 150 MW to 200 MW.
The company, which specializes in TOPCon solar cell manufacturing, first announced plans to build the PV factory in October 2024, mostly to serve the US market. It was backed with an initial investment of $60 million.
Toyo has since shared plans to expand its nameplate capacity at the location to 4 GW, a decision it said was based on “robust external customer demand and the internal needs of its new module facility” in Houston, Texas.
CEO and Chairman Junsei Ryu said 2025 is shaping up to be a “year of massive growth” for the company. “We are very positive about the strong demand we are seeing in the market and are working diligently to execute the additional 2 GW expansion in Ethiopia,” he said.
The company added that its entry into Ethiopia “marks a strategic move to diversify manufacturing locations and leverage regional advantages.”
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23 April 2025
PV Magazine
Worldone Energies Commissions 1.2 Gw Solar Module LineFrom pv magazine India
India-based WorldOne Energies has commissioned a 1.2 GW solar module manufacturing line designed for high-speed, high-efficiency production of n-type TOPCon monocrystalline bifacial Supreme Series modules ranging from 525 watts-peak (Wp) to 650 Wp.
“The new line operates 33% faster than standard Indian production lines, enhancing output efficiency and reducing lead times,” said WorldOne Energies. “A key innovation is India’s largest chamber laminators, enabling higher module laminations per cycle while maintaining stringent quality standards.”
The company said its Supreme Series features modules with up to 23.26% efficiency, built with 144/156 half-cut cells to ensure high performance across residential, commercial, and utility-scale applications.
WorldOne Energies plans to expand its solar module production capacity from the current 1.2 GW to 7 GW by 2027 and 10 GW by 2030. It also plans a 2 GW solar cell facility, scalable to 5 GW.
Beyond solar panels, the company offers battery energy storage systems (BESS) using high-capacity lithium-ion batteries and hybrid energy management solutions. It also provides solar inverters to optimize energy conversion for on-grid, off-grid, and hybrid applications.
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22 April 2025
PV Magazine
France Deploys 1.4 Gw Of Solar In Q1From pv magazine France
French grid operator Enedis has revealed that around 1,407 MW of new PV systems were connected to the French grid in the January-March period. By comparison, the nation added 956 MW in the fourth quarter of 2024 and around 1 GW in the first quarter of 2024. The country reached 23.5 GW of cumulative installed PV capacity at the end of March 2025.
“This growth will continue if the sector is not hindered and if public decision-makers remain firm in their support for renewable energy,” said French PV association Enerplan on its LinkedIn account, referring to recent regulatory changes, particularly the feed-in tariff cuts for rooftop PV system under 500 kW.
It is still too early to determine whether the tariff reduction in this segment will disrupt the momentum seen in France over the past two years. The effects will likely become clear by the end of the year.
Xavier Daval, CEO of solar and storage technical consulting firm KiloWattSol, called it a “very good start, with a pace that, if maintained, would lead to another record year.”
Reviewing the different market segments, he said growth is primarily driven by the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment, which continues to show strong momentum. The residential segment remains stable but shows signs of slowing for smaller projects. Large-scale projects show a mixed trend, but developments over 5 MW have started to rise again.
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22 April 2025
Power News
Group Projects 100-Gw Rise In Global Nuclear Power Capacity Across Next DecadeA new report from GlobalData, a data and analytics group, projects global nuclear power capacity will hit 494 GW by 2035. The group’s “Nuclear Power Market, Update 2025–Market Size, Segmentation, Major Trends, and Key Country Analysis to 2035” said capacity gains will be tied to advancements in deployments of small modular reactors (SMRs), along with the continuing worldwide shift to cleaner forms of energy.
The report released April 21 said recent gains in nuclear power have been driven by moves toward more low-carbon baseload power. Measures promoting energy security, in addition to interest in decarbonization of industrial sectors, also is supporting increased use of nuclear power, according to GlobalData.
The group said the increase in capacity to 494 GW over the next 10 years is about a 100-GW increase from the 2024 level of 395 GW. GlobalData said power generation from nuclear will rise from 2,616 TWh in 2024 to 3,410 TWh in 2035, a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 2%. The group said nuclear power at present accounts for about 9% of the world’s electricity production. The report also notes that countries with older reactors are still pursuing extensions to those units’ operating licenses, and some countries—notably China and other Asian nations—are expanding their nuclear power fleets.
“The growing focus on energy security due to geopolitical tensions, increasing demand for low-carbon dispatchable power, government support through regulations and incentives such as grants, loan guarantees, production and investment tax credits (PTCs and ITCs), and market-based mechanisms like Contracts for Difference (CfDs), advancements in SMRs and next-gen technologies, and a surge in electricity demand from data centers are the major reasons behind the increasing adoption of nuclear energy worldwide,” said Mohammed Ziauddin, a power analyst at GlobalData, in comments about the report.
The U.S., which relies on nuclear power for about 18% of its power generation, leads the world with 97 GW of installed generation capacity, and had 787.6 TWh of generation last year. That figure was helped by two new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Georgia, the first utility-scale units built in the U.S. in decades.
France ranks second with 61.4 GW of installed capacity, and nuclear’s share of power generation in that country is more than 60%. GlobalData said France has 333.3 TWh of annual nuclear power output.
China’s generation capacity is about 56 GW, producing 386.1 TWh. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) said China, which has at least 55 operating reactors, with another two dozen or so under construction, has added more than 34 GW of nuclear generation capacity in the past decade.
Nuclear power analysts who have spoken with POWER have continually touted the promise of SMRs, which due to their smaller size (typically 300 MW or less) could be deployed more quickly than traditional reactors and in more locations. Companies working on SMR designs also have noted advanced safety features, and significant cost savings compared to traditional nuclear power plants because SMRs can be fabricated in factories, transported, and then assembled on-site.
Eric Packer, senior vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Rexel USA, one of the largest electrical distribution companies in the U.S., recently told POWER: “The opportunity for our industry in the data center space is tremendous. With the acceleration of artificial intelligence (AI), ultramodern data centers require an ultra-high-density foundation, optimizing space and presenting the ideal solution for companies aiming to scale their AI infrastructure efficiently and effectively. Additionally, the incredible growth demand for data centers and issues of power availability are leading data center providers to explore microgrids and nuclear small modular reactors.”
GlobalData on Monday said more than 100 SMRs are in various stages of development worldwide, though only a few are currently operational, most notably Russia’s floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) Akademik Lomonosov. The ship is equipped with two KLT-40S reactors, with power capacity of 70 MW.
China National Nuclear Corp. in late 2023 said it had started commercial operation of a high-temperature gas-cooled modular pebble bed (HTR-PM) reactor demonstrator. The HTR-PM project, with two small reactors driving a single 210-MW turbine, was built in Rongcheng, Shandong Province, about midway between Beijing and Shanghai in eastern China.
The group said SMR deployment, particularly in China and Russia, is expected to bring more than 10,000 MW of SMRs online in the next decade.
“With growing concerns over climate change and energy security, nuclear power has re-emerged as a crucial pillar in the global energy transition,” said Ziauddin. “Governments across the world are implementing ambitious net-zero targets and investing in clean, dispatchable energy sources to decarbonize their economies. Nuclear energy, with its ability to provide reliable baseload power and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, is playing a vital role in this transition.”
“As countries ramp up their focus on SMRs, lifetime extensions, and advanced nuclear technologies, the nuclear power market is poised for long-term growth, driven by the dual goals of energy resilience and climate neutrality,” said Ziauddin.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.powerplant
21 April 2025
PV Magazine
Almost 9 Gw Of Utility-Scale Solar Under Construction In AfricaClose to 9 GW of solar is currently under development across Africa, according to an update from the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).
Data from the association says utility-scale solar projects are under construction in 45 out of 54 African countries. The five most active countries – Algeria, Angola, Egypt, South Africa and Zambia – are responsible for 70% of the new capacity being built.
AFSIA says the project pipeline contains a growing number of hybrid utility-scale projects combining solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS). While only 4% of utility-scale solar projects built before 2024 encompassed storage, 20% of projects either built last year or currently under development include storage.
The association told pv magazine the sharply decreasing cost of BESS is making its inclusion both technically possible and commercially viable, helping African countries to address challenges around grid stability.
The largest share of utility-scale solar projects under development are the result of bilateral negotiations between developer and host government, AFSIA also noted, moving away from the dominance of international tenders in Africa.
“This approach has proven very successful and has in some cases significantly reduced project development time,” AFSIA said, while adding that the new approach has led to an evolution in the leading private developers on the continent.
“While Scatec and ACWA Power continue to consistently be among the top solar developers in Africa, utility giants such as Enel Green Power, Engie, EDF, Globeleq or Acciona to cite a few, have barely added any new solar capacity since 2020,” AFSIA added.
“They have been replaced by a group of new players led by AMEA Power, MCA, Sun Africa and Copperbelt Energy. These companies seem to be more agile in their project development approach and achieve better and faster results by engaging in direct negotiations with their governmental clients,” it emphasized.
AFSIA’s Africa Solar Outlook 2025 report, published in January, revealed that only 2.5 GW of solar was deployed across the continent last year, the majority of which was utility-scale.
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21 April 2025
PV Magazine
Turkey’S Solar Capacity Surpasses 21 GwTurkye’s total installed solar capacity reached 21,620 MW by the end of March, according to figures from the country's Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEIAŞ).
The figure represents a strong start to solar deployment in 2025, when compared to the 19.8 GW of cumulative capacity installed by the end of 2024.
According to the recently published Türkiye Electricity Review by energy think tank Ember, Türkiye has been enjoying a solar boom as of late, with a total of 8.9 GW of solar installed across 2023 and 2024, an 82% increase when compared to the end of 2022.
Speaking to pv magazine during the 17th edition of SolarEx Istanbul, Ufuk Alparslan, Ember’s Regional Lead of Turkey, Ukraine & Western Balkans, and author of the report, explained that the rise of unlicensed solar power facilities for self-consumption has been key to Türkiye’s solar growth over the last years.
Under current regulations, unlicensed solar power generations are permitted if the installer will use some of the electricity generated themselves. Up until around two years ago, such facilities had to be installed at the same point as consumption. This restriction was relaxed to allow installation and consumption to take place in different locations, provided they were in the same distribution zones, and has since been further reduced, to now allow installation and consumption to take place in different distribution zones.
“For example, if you have a facility in Istanbul, you can now install your solar panels in Antalya, where there is more sunshine. There was a marked take up [in unlicensed solar power plants] after this regulation,” Alparslan explained.
The amendment has been particularly beneficial to the C&I segment, with most unlicensed installations ground-mounted, rather than rooftop. Alparslan says he hears of many unlicensed, self-consumption facilities between 50 MW and 100 MW in size, even up to 200 MW in some cases.
During a talk held at SolarEx Istanbul, it was revealed that unlicensed solar power facilities made up to 90% of new solar installations in Turkey over the last two years. Muhammed Albayrak, a representative of the country’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, said the government is expecting that trend to continue in the coming years.
Alparslan also told pv magazine that while the ongoing outlook for the Turkish solar market is strong, the country’s vast project pipeline means there is currently little available capacity for future projects, which is leading to many new proposals being rejected, regardless of size.
While he said that the transmission network could be expanded to facilitate further installations, Alparslan also suggested that hybrid power plants, via installing solar as an auxiliary source at existing power generation facilities, as a way to bypass application and capacity restrictions.
Solar looks particularly attractive at the site of existing hydroelectric power plants, of which Turkey boasts dams close to 24 GW of capacity, as it could benefit from solar co-installations to compensate for shortfalls during drought conditions.
Alparslan added that to date, there is 1 GW of hybrid solar capacity in Turkey which is not accounted for in official statistics. According to Ember’s Türkiye Electricity Review, there was a further 3.5 GW of hybrid solar attached to licensed projects at the end of last year.
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18 April 2025PV Magazine
Pexapark Records 24 European Ppas For Over 1.5 Gw In MarchEuropean developers signed 24 PPAs totalling 1,556 MW in March, according to the latest report from Pexapark.
The result is a 129% month-on-month increase in February’s disclosed volumes but matches the same amount of deals as recorded the month prior.
Corporate PPAs accounted for almost two thirds (62%) of disclosed volume in March, totalling 962 MW, which is more than double February's equivalent. Utility PPAs also saw a sharp jump in volumes month-on-month, from 51 MW in February to 594 MW in March.
Solar was the leading technology in March, accounting for 1,389 MW of the signed capacity across 17 deals.
The largest deal of the month was an intra-group PPA in Spain. As part of an M&A transaction which saw Spanish multinational electric utility Endesa sell a 49.99% minority stake of EGPE Solar’s 446 MW solar portfolio to Masdar, it also signed 15-year PPAs to offtake all the power generated from across the four solar assets.
Meanwhile in Italy, Edison Energia signed two solar PPAs, a 150 MW deal with industrial corporate Prysmian and a baseload offer from a 148 MW asset with IT firm Data4. The two agreements are Italy’s largest solar PPAs linked to individual assets to date and rank fourth and fifth in the country’s largest deals ever.
Across the first quarter of 2025, Pexapark recorded 73 PPAs totalling 3,026 MW in capacity. This is down on the first quarter of last year, when 93 deals were signed for 4,279 MW.
Pexapark noted that tracked PPA prices fell 1.4% month-on-month in March, settling at €49.50 ($56.26)/MWh.
Poland experienced the steepest decline, with prices falling by over 4.7% month-on-month. PPA prices were also down across the British, French, German, Italian, Nordic, Portuguese and Spanish markets. The exception was the Dutch market, where a 1% month-on-month increase was recorded.
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18 April 2025PV Magazine
Us Distributed Solar Grew 5.4 Gw In 2024From pv magazine USA
The ILSR provides its annual snapshot in its “The State(s) of Distributed solar – 2024” report on the rate of distributed solar adoption, state by state. It found that of the 32 new gigawatts of total solar capacity installed, 5.4 GW was distributed.
ILRS defines distributed solar as residential, commercial and industrial (C&I) and community solar. Generally, distributed solar can be owned by individuals, small businesses and public entities.
Key findings noted the states in which distributed solar made the most gains since ILSR’s 2023 update:
While the residential solar market has dropped by an estimated 25% to 31%, according to Ohm Analytics, the ILSR study finds that in 23 states and the District of Columbia, approximately one in every 25 households now has rooftop solar, an increase of two states over the 2023 study.
Community solar
Community solar provides a way for people to benefit from solar energy who may be unable to install solar either due to financial restrictions or because they do not have a suitable rooftop for solar. Nineteen states have adopted community solar policies, which support local decision-making and promote its adoption.
In its 2024 Community Power Scorecard, ILSR states that “a model community solar policy has no cap, has a fair compensation rate, simplifies the billing process for subscribers, meaningfully accounts for the challenge of reaching low- and moderate-income (LMI) subscribers, and rewards other beneficial development or small subscriber-friendly practices.”
Using its Community Solar Tracker, the recent ILSR study finds community solar saturation in nine states: Colorado, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon. Community solar saturation is calculated by dividing installed community solar capacity by state population.
Key findings on community solar saturation, 2024:
Overall capacity
In 2024, the top five solar capacity states include: California (39.4 GW), Texas (25.4 GW), Florida (13.8 GW) and North Carolina (7.3 GW) and Arizona (1.8 GW).
In terms of distributed solar saturation, Hawai’i, Maine, Massachusetts, California and Arizona are the leaders, as measured by installed distributed solar capacity per person.
Massachusetts, California, Arizona, Nevada, New York are all in the top ten for both total solar capacity and distributed solar saturation.
ILSR analysis combined data from its community solar tracker data in Colorado, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon with the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) figures on small-scale solar capacity by state. (The U.S. EIA did not provide data on Alabama.) ILSR then used state population estimates to calculate distributed solar per capita (watts per person).
John Farrell, director of ILSR’s Energy Democracy Initiative, and Timothy Denherder-Thomas, general manager of Cooperative Energy Futures, discussed utility attacks on distributed solar in a recent presentation to Just Solar Coalition.
They made the case that, despite the many benefits of local ownership, utility companies oppose it and prefer to build their own generation and distribution infrastructure because they are guaranteed to earn a guaranteed return on their investments. The presenters said that the clean energy transition requires both utility-scale and distributed generation and encouraged “maximizing local solar to maximize local benefits.”
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17 April 2025PV Magazine
Emmvee Expands Solar Module Capacity To 6.6 GwFrom pv magazine India
Emmvee has inaugurated a 2 GW solar module facility near Bengaluru’s international airport, raising its total module capacity to 6.6 GWp and cell capacity to 2.5 GWp. The expansion marks a significant step in scaling its solar manufacturing footprint in India.
“This is yet another step in the company’s dedication to supporting India’s renewable energy goals and achieving solar manufacturing self-reliance,” said D.V. Manjunatha, Emmvee chairman and managing director.
The new manufacturing unit spans approximately 400,000 square feet and will accommodate more than 500 new employees, including core engineering professionals, senior management, factory operations, and administrative staff. Emmvee currently employs over 2,000 people, and the additional hires will expand its workforce further.
“The new facility will bolster our production capacity, which will enable us to better service our customers,” said Suhas Donthi, president and CEO of Emmvee. “We are not merely increasing capacity but also enhancing our technological advancements and business operations. The unit is designed with advanced automation, multiple level of quality control and is versatile to produce different module sizes and formats.”
Emmvee serves customers across Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.
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17 April 2025PV Magazine
South Korea’S 2024 Solar Additions Surpassed 3.1 GwSouth Korea deployed over 3.1 GW of solar last year, according to provisional figures published by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).
The utility’s figures are considered provisional as they currently exclude self-consumption installations. Solar deployment in Korea is broadly categorized into power generation for sale and self-consumption installations.
To put the figures in a wider context, South Korea deployed almost 3.7 GW of solar across both categories in 2023, according to figures from KEPCO, with almost 2.8 GW based on power generation for sale and just under 900 MW of self-consumption installations. The preliminary result is already an improvement on estimates made after the first half of 2024.
Jiyhe Gwak, principal researcher at the Korea Institute of Energy Research, told pv magazine that deployment recovered to the 3 GW level last year thanks to improved investment conditions.
As of March this year, Korea’s cumulative solar capacity was estimated at 28.15 GW.
Gwak added that the Export-Import Bank of Korea is expecting the country to maintain an annual installation level of around 3 GW of solar through to 2030, but noted this would be insufficient to meet targets set by the country's 11th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand. Finalized in February, the plan sets a target of 55.7 GW of solar by 2030, increasing to 77.2 GW of solar by 2038.
“To meet the 2030 target set in the 11th Basic Plan, an average of 4.5 GW of new solar capacity must be added annually. When extended to 2038, this translates to an annual average of approximately 3.5 GW,” Gwak explained. “Given that the current short-term target for new capacity is around 4 GW per year over the next two years, more aggressive efforts will be required to stay on track.”
Gwak went on to say that while Korea’s solar market has strong growth potential, it continues to face structural challenges including grid constraints, policy uncertainty, complex permitting procedures, high generation costs, declining profitability and supply chain vulnerabilities.
“Key areas for improvement include regulatory support for corporate power purchase agreements, resolving grid connection issues, expanding long-term fixed-price schemes, providing incentives for RE100-aligned companies and enhancing local acceptance,” Gwak said.
Last month, Korea’s Energy and Just Transition Subcommittee announced plans to mandate solar installations on 2,995 parking lots, establish guidelines to expand the available area for floating solar systems on multipurpose dams and launch a local government funding program to improve setback regulations for solar installations.
Gwak added that these efforts, along with various policies being implemented by the government and across multiple sectors, “are expected to have a positive impact on the future outlook for solar expansion in South Korea.”
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17 April 2025PV Magazine
Uk Grid Connections Reform Approved To ‘Axe Zombie Projects’, Fast-Track 65 Gw Solar DeploymentGreat Britain’s grid connection queue will be overhauled in a move the UK government claims could unlock GBP 40 billion in cleantech investment. UK energy regulator Ofgem told pv magazine 65 GW of solar projects are expected to secure a firm connection offer under the reformed queue system.
The connections queue for Great Britain's grid has grown tenfold over the past five years and stands as a significant barrier to solar, wind and energy storage deployment. New connection applications were paused by National Energy System Operator (NESO) on Jan. 29, 2025 as a result.
NESO’s “TM04+” reform package puts a greater premium on project readiness and the needs of the energy system when assigning grid connections. It represents a marked shift from the “first come, first served” methodology that previously governed the connections queue.
Now approved by regulator Ofgem, the connection reforms will reorganize the queue to prioritize projects that are both ready and needed to meet the government’s clean energy targets. The UK government has committed to clean sources accounting for 95% of Great Britain’s energy generation by 2030. A recent update to the amount of solar the UK government expects in the generation mix by 2030 means 65 GW of solar projects in development are expected to receive a firm connection offer under the new connections methodology, up from the 39 GW originally targeted in government plans.
Changes will apply to existing projects in the queue as well as new applications, meaning so-called “zombie” projects can be cleared to make way for viable generation, storage and interconnector projects. NESO and network companies are expected to issue revised connection offers in the second half of 2025, with an initial focus on those connecting in 2026 and 2027.
Progress through the connections queue will now be determined by a gating system that takes project readiness into account. Proposed transmission-connected projects that do not meet new readiness criteria will be able to apply for a “Gate 1” indicative connection date and indicative connection point. Developers that can satisfy land rights or planning consent requirements can apply for “Gate 2”, the fast stream for projects at transmission and distribution level. Gate 2 projects will be offered a firm connection date.
The change comes as NESO continues to develop its Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) for Great Britain, expected in 2026. The plan will provide a blueprint for developing large-scale generation and energy storage. Projects that align with the SSEP are expected to have an easier time securing planning consent – which would support a Gate 2 grid connection application
In a press release, NESO Chief Operating Officer Kayte O’Neill said the system operator will bring projects that are “critical and shovel ready” to the front of the queue, “giving developers the certainty they need to support investment decisions.”
UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the reforms will “axe zombie projects” while fast-tracking connections for energy generators.
“Our message to the global clean energy industry is clear; come and build it in Britain because we are a safe haven,” Miliband said.
Ofgem CEO Jonathan Brearly said the more targeted approach to grid connections was expected to unlock GBP 40 billion of investment each year.
“The reforms would cut through red tape, consign ‘zombie projects’ to the past and accelerate homegrown renewable power and energy storage connections as we head to 2030,” Brearly said.
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16 April 2025PV Magazine
European Renewables Ppa Market Hit 19 Gw In 2024, Says Wood MackenzieNearly 19 GW of renewables were contracted under PPAs in Europe in 2024, according to Wood Mackenzie.
The consultancy’s “Europe Renewables PPA Tracker Report” says Europe’s PPA market surged last year, led by solar and wind projects, which represented 80% of the total contracted capacity.
Spain and Germany were the leading European markets, accounting for 30% of total capacity, with Poland, the United Kingdom, and Greece rounding out the top five across all deal counts.
Corporate PPAs continued to dominate the market, representing over 70% of last year’s deals. Dan Eager, research director of European renewables at Wood Mackenzie, said the technology and data sectors were the primary offtakers in 2024. He added that these sectors are “increasingly relying on PPAs to sustain their future operations and meet sustainability goals.”
Wood Mackenzie’s report also noted an increase in PPAs for renewables co-located with battery storage, which it said helps to address negative pricing periods.
“While still a small part of the overall market, hybrid storage arrangements that combine renewables and batteries in a single contract are gaining traction, particularly among energy-intensive industries and data centers seeking 24/7 energy matching,” added Eager.
Wood Mackenzie said it expects continued opportunities for competitive PPA deals this year and next, especially in solar and select onshore wind markets. The report also projected that hydrogen PPAs could emerge, depending on regulatory clarity.
According to Wood Mackenzie’s wholesale market modeling, capture rates are set to decrease over the next five to seven years, with demand growth expected to lag behind renewable supply additions.
“Over this period, average market prices will also be falling as European gas prices decline. In turn, the capture price and risk components in PPA pay-as-nominated prices will evolve,” Eager explained. “While market conditions vary, our fundamentals-based forecasting indicates that there are still opportunities for mutually beneficial PPA deals. The key will be navigating the complexities of each market and technology to find the right fit for both developers and offtakers.”
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16 April 2025Power News
Kentucky Energy Group Breaks Ground For New Rice Power PlantA Kentucky energy provider has broken ground for a new 75-MW power plant that will use reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) technology from Wärtsilä.
The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency on April 15 held a groundbreaking ceremony for its Energy Center I, what the group calls a state-of-the-art gas-fired RICE power plant. Commercial operation is expected to begin in the summer of 2027. KYMEA is a public power agency formed in 2015 that serves communities across Kentucky.
“This innovative facility will enhance energy reliability and support KYMEA’s commitment to integrating renewable energy sources into a sustainable energy portfolio,” KYMEA said. The KYMEA Energy Center I will feature four advanced Wärtsilä 18V50SG RICE generators, each with a nominal output capacity of 18.8 MW.
The plant is engineered for both continuous and peaking services, with the capability for multiple quick starts and stops per day. “This flexibility enables the facility to rapidly respond to fluctuations in renewable energy availability, thereby ensuring a consistent and reliable power supply,” KYMEA said.
Doug Buresh, KYMEA’s CEO, said, “KYMEA’s groundbreaking ceremony marks a critical milestone in the agency’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix while promoting a cleaner, more resilient power grid. The Energy Center I RICE Power Plant will be an essential part of the energy infrastructure that will serve Kentucky’s municipals for decades to come.”
KYMEA said support from the city of Madisonville was instrumental in the plant’s development.
“Local officials and community leaders have actively collaborated with KYMEA to ensure the project meets both regional energy needs and local economic goals, fostering a collaborative spirit that underscores the collective commitment to sustainable growth,” the agency said.
The construction phase of Energy Center I is expected to create about 100 local jobs, with up to 15 permanent positions available once the facility is operational.
The Christman Co. and Stanley Consultants will lead the engineering and construction efforts for the plant. “We are honored to contribute to such a transformative project,” said Troy Moulton, Vice President-Industrial and Power, for The Christman Co. “By bringing our expertise and dedication to local job creation and superior development, we are proud to support KYMEA in powering Kentucky’s future.”
“The KYMEA Energy Center I represents KYMEA’s commitment to providing environmentally intelligent and reliable energy solutions,” the company said. “This project is a testament to our dedication to serving the community with integrity and innovation,” KYMEA said.
—Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.powerplant
16 April 2025Power Technology
Eos And Frontier Sign Mou For 5Gwh Energy Storage FrameworkEos Energy Enterprises has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Frontier Power for a 5 gigawatt-hour (GWh) energy storage framework agreement.
The partnership marks Eos’ entry into the UK market, utilising its zinc-based long-duration energy storage systems.
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The agreement aligns with Frontier’s plans to bid in the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets’ (Ofgem) new long-duration energy storage cap and floor scheme.
The collaboration between Eos and Frontier will extend beyond the UK, exploring opportunities in new international markets.
Frontier Power CEO Humza Malik stated: “This agreement reflects Frontier Power’s commitment to driving innovation in clean energy while fostering international collaboration.
“By working with Eos, we are advancing our portfolio of long-duration storage projects and strengthening trade relations between the US and UK. The prospect of local manufacturing in the UK could further boost economic growth and job creation.”
The partnership could also lead to local manufacturing in the UK, fostering domestic supply chains and job creation, contingent on significant project volumes materialising with Eos technology.
The UK’s cap and floor scheme, managed by Ofgem and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, aims to provide revenue certainty for innovative energy storage technologies.
It encourages investment in alternatives to lithium-ion, aligning with the UK’s goals of grid stability and increased renewable integration.
Eos’ eight-hour technology is well-suited for the scheme, supporting the UK’s broader objectives.
Eos CEO Joe Mastrangelo stated: “Our supply chain strategy was designed to be transportable. We can co-locate manufacturing capacity near customer demand and not only provide innovative energy storage, but sustainable jobs in regions that have demand for our technology. As that demand grows, both domestically and internationally, we’ll expand our manufacturing footprint, and we’re excited to partner with Frontier to execute on that vision in the UK market and beyond.”powerplant
16 April 2025PV Magazine
India Set To Hit 30 Gw Of Rooftop Pv Capacity In Fiscal 2027From pv magazine India
India’s rooftop solar capacity is set to rise from 17 GW in fiscal 2025 to 30 GW by fiscal 2027, driven by 33% annual growth led by the commercial and industrial segment, according to CareEdge Advisory & Research.
“With a total renewable capacity of 220 GW as of fiscal 25 and a national target of 300 GW solar capacity by 2030, rooftop solar, particularly in the commercial and industrial (C&I) segment, is expected to play a pivotal role in this growth with increasing awareness among businesses about reducing operating costs and meeting sustainability targets fueling adoption,” said the analysts. “Government incentives, reducing technology costs, and policy support such as net metering and [production-linked incentive] schemes are expected to further accelerate deployment.”
Analysts said rooftop solar accounts for about 20% of India’s total solar capacity. The C&I segment continues to lead the rooftop market with a 66% share. Payback periods of three to five years, falling module prices, and innovative financing models are driving adoption across sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, retail, and data centers.
The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana aims to install rooftop solar in 10 million households, offering subsidies of up to INR 78,000 ($910). The scheme supports low- and middle-income households by lowering electricity bills and targets the creation of nearly 1.7 million jobs, strengthening the domestic solar supply chain. The residential rooftop program reached 1 million installations as of March 10, 2025.
“Rooftop solar installations in India have gained momentum. With the growing C&I demand backed by an improving policy ecosystem, we expect the market to reach nearly 25-30 GW over the next two years,” said Tanvi Shah, director at CareEdge Advisory & Research.
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15 April 2025PV Magazine
Australian State Backs 20 Gwh Pumped Hydro ProjectFrom pv magazine Australia
The Queensland government has announced it will invest AUD 50 million via state-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo into the proposed Mt Rawdon pumped hydro project to help progress the development toward a final investment decision.
The project – a 50:50 joint venture between gold miner Evolution Mining and an affiliate of advisory firm ICA Partners – involves converting Evolution’s Mt Rawdon gold mine, located about 75 km southwest of Bundaberg, into a pumped hydro facility that is expected to provide up a 2 GW/20 GWh of renewable energy storage capacity.
CleanCo said in a statement it has committed to working with Evolution Mining and ICA Partners to progress feasibility works, including geotechnical studies, environmental assessments and detailed design.
CleanCo Chief Executive Officer Tom Metcalfe said the project is a “practical, deliverable” energy storage project that can help safeguard reliability of supply in a net-zero future.
“Long-duration energy storage is essential in soaking up excess renewable energy when it’s plentiful and delivering it back into the grid when demand is high,” he said. “Mt Rawdon presents a unique opportunity to repurpose existing mining infrastructure to become part of the long-term solution to securing a renewable energy future for Queensland.”
The investment commitment comes just months after the Queensland government scrapped the proposed 5 GW/120 GWh Pioneer-Burdekin pumped hydro project planned for the state’s north.
Speaking to the Queensland Energy Club on Tuesday, Queensland Energy Minister David Janetzki said the state’s focus has now shifted to building multiple smaller projects.
“We committed to progressing smaller, more manageable pumped hydro projects, and this fires the starter’s gun on the first of these projects,” he said.
Evolution Mining Executive Chair Jake Klein welcomed the funding, describing the Mt Rawdon site as an ideal site for pumped hydro with its steep topography, proximity to the grid and well-known environmental and geological footprint.
“The Mt Rawdon Pumped Hydro project is one of the most advanced, lowest capital intensive pumped hydro projects in Australia,” he said.
Image: CleanCo
In addition to the Mt Rawdon funding, Janetzki also announced the government would transfer oversight of Queensland Hydro, the entity charged with delivering the 2 GW / 48 GWh Borumba pumped hydro project, to Queensland Investment Corp. (QIC).
“We’ve made this decision following revelations from Queensland Hydro in December the cost to deliver Borumba had blown out by AUD 4 billion to a total of AUD 18 billion and would take an additional three years to complete,” he said.
The previous Queensland government had set a target of achieving 50% emissions reduction targets by 2030, and 75% by 2035, and phasing out the state’s reliance on coal-fired power by the same date.
The laws also locked in an 80% renewable energy generation target by 2035 and entrenched public ownership of energy assets.
Janetzki said the state government is committed to net zero by 2050 but has committed to repeal the renewable energy targets.
“The legislation, which both contains the emissions and renewables targets, will be reviewed during the course of the year as we develop the energy roadmap,” he said, adding that coal-fired plants will not be closed just to meet the needs of a “media release or brochure.”
“This will be done very methodically and calmly and that review will be undertaken during the course of the year,” he said. “There will be coal generators that operate beyond 2035.”
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15 April 2025