Trina Solar, a global leader in smart PV and energy storage solutions, has partnered with Philippine renewable energy developer PetroGreen Energy Corporation to supply 117 MW of high-performance PV solar modules to projects spearheaded by PetroGreen’s subsidiary, Rizal Green Energy Corporation. These projects, spanning provinces like Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan, aim to generate 129.14 GWh annually, equivalent to powering approximately 53,800 homes each year. This collaboration builds on the delivery of modules to 27 MW PetroGreen’s Dagohoy PV project. The agreement explores Trina Solar’s Vertex products beyond residential use and opens doors for future collaboration in tracking and storage. This partnership aligns with the Philippines’ goals of achieving 35% renewable energy by 2030, supporting its climate targets under the Paris Agreement and the National Renewable Energy Program.
Astronergy enhances its ASTRO N7s solar panels
Astronergy has upgraded its ASTRO N7s residential solar panels with its 460 W power and 23% efficiency focusing on aesthetics and environmental impact. The new design removes grid lines from the solar cells’ corners for a sleek black appearance and utilizes 20% less silver paste in production. The ZBB-TF manufacturing process boasts lower process temperature, lead use, and zero VOC emissions. These improvements, combined with the panel’s previous power output of 450 W and 22% efficiency, are estimated to generate 20 to 45 W more clean energy, and shorten its carbon footprint by 26% compared to similar models. Astronergy has already shipped over 43 MW of these upgraded panels to the EU market earlier in 2024.
Scatec ASA secures PPA with Statkraft Energia
Scatec ASA has secured a 10-year PPA with Statkraft Energia do Brasil Ltda, a subsidiary of Statkraft AS, for a 142 MW PV plant in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The deal marks Scatec’s third solar project in Brazil, raising its total capacity to 835 MW. The PPA, valued in Brazilian Real (BRL), covers 75% of anticipated power output. The solar plant’s total capital expenditure stands at $94 million, mainly financed by non-recourse financing and Scatec’s equity. The plant’s financial close and construction commencement are slated for the latter half of 2024, targeting commercial operations by late 2025. Scatec will manage the project’s EPC, retaining 100% ownership initially, with plans to onboard equity partners post-commercial operation.
PVH provides trackers for Wandoan solar project
Solar tracking leader PVH has joined forces with Vena Energy to supply trackers for the Amazon Solar Project Australia – Wandoan. This 125 MW solar facility in Woleebee, Queensland, utilizes over 250,000 advanced solar panels. The project is part of Amazon’s commitment to reach 100% renewable energy by 2025 and is expected to generate enough clean energy to power over 60,000 Australian homes.
PVH signs 200 MW solar project deal in Colombia
PVH has recently signed a collaboration with a leading renewable energy firm to develop a 200.6 MW PV plant in Colombia. This project boosts PVH’s total supplied capacity in the region to over 3 GW. The solar plant will feature PVH’s Monoline 2P model trackers along with the ProInsights SCADA system for enhanced operation and maintenance. Virtual scheduling of the plant optimizes the TBox control units to maximize efficiency and performance. The project schedule is aligned with PVH’s recent establishment of a 12 GW per year factory in Houston, set to cater to all of PVH’s American projects.
Huasun unveils zero busbar technology for high-efficiency solar modules
Huasun Energy introduced high-efficiency modules with zero busbar (0BB) technology. This advancement has been integrated into Huasun’s mass production lines, including the Himalaya G12 series and Everest G12R rectangular series of large-format modules. In the manufacturing process of 0BB cells, Huasun utilizes a simpler two-step SP printing technology for superior product quality and enhanced electrical and CTM performance, demonstrating advantages over SMBB products. The design reduces metal coverage on the back, expanding the light-receiving area and achieving bifaciality of up to 90%. The implementation of fine ribbons and low-weight encapsulants reduces production costs. The 0BB technology supports the trend towards thinner silicon wafers by providing higher reliability with no main grid, thinner ribbons, minimal stress, and lower fragmentation rates.
SunPower announces strategic business changes
SunPower, a solar energy company, has recently announced significant restructuring measures aimed at improving financial stability and operational efficiency. The company outlined the plans including the winding down of SunPower Residential Installation (SPRI) locations and the closure of SunPower Direct sales operations. These changes are expected to impact approximately 1,000 jobs. SunPower will work to ensure a smooth transition for customers by transferring pre-installation through system activation operations to partners such as Blue Raven Solar and SunPower-certified dealers. The company will concentrate on serving its Dealer Network and installation partners, invest in the New Homes business, and continue to provide customer service and honor the Complete Confidence warranty.
TERREPOWER unveils PV panel recycling line in Tennessee
TERREPOWER, BBB Industries’ solar division, has introduced a solar panel recycling line at its Sparta, Tennessee facility. Using its automated recycling machine, TERREPOWER aims to efficiently separate aluminum, glass, precious metals, silicon, plastic, and components for reuse. The new facility can process up to 160,000 panels annually, covering both monocrystalline and polycrystalline types. In the past year, TERREPOWER recycled over 2,000,000 lbs. (about 907,184 kg) of solar panels, equivalent to about 40,000 panels, through partnerships. With in-house recycling, it aims to recycle 8,000,000 lbs. (about 3,628,736 kg) annually. The company is also planning to collaborate with partners to repurpose materials like glass for construction and aluminum locally.
GameChange Solar wins 500 MW deal in Southern Africa
GameChange Solar, a global solar tracking solutions provider, has secured four contracts for over 500 MW of solar projects in Southern Africa. The projects, situated in South Africa and Zimbabwe, aim to bolster regional energy supply, particularly for mining operations. In South Africa, projects include a Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Program (RMIPPP) project and two private sector initiatives in the Northern Cape and Limpopo regions for mining operations. The Zimbabwe project involves phase 1 of the Zimplats solar plant, catering to Zimplats’ platinum mining operations. These ventures underscore collaboration among private entities, government bodies, and energy stakeholders. Additionally, GameChange Solar has recently announced the establishment of a training and service center in South Africa for its Genius Tracker products.
Azerbaijan launches its first PV auction for Gobustan
The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), has announced the nation’s inaugural renewable energy auction for a 100 MW solar power plant in Gobustan. Interested parties can access application details on the Ministry’s website and request documentation starting April 30, with submission deadlines by June 14. Azerbaijan’s recent governmental reforms and legislative efforts are geared towards attracting private green finance, with the EBRD assisting in establishing legal and regulatory frameworks. The EBRD has facilitated key green projects in Azerbaijan, including financing the first utility-scale solar plant in Garadagh and the largest wind farm in Absheron and Khizi.