Silver prices surge, yet ‘thrifting’ poses little threat to solar cell, module quality
With silver prices nearing $75 per ounce, researchers from the University of New South Wales and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems tell pv magazine that efforts to reduce silver use in solar cells will not compromise module quality if properly engineered.
Vanuatu runs tender for supply, installation of solar systems
A tender is open in Vanuatu to deliver eight solar water pump systems and 24 standalone solar PV systems. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is October 27.
Snowy 2.0 cost blowouts might be OK if the scheme stored power more cheaply than batteries. But it won’t
Two years ago, Snowy Hydro announced a reset for its troubled Snowy 2.0 giant pumped hydro project amid cost blowouts. The supposed final cost was $12 billion.
Choose to reuse: second-hand solar panel resale certification proposed
Block chain-based tracking of a solar panel’s lifecycle or a national certification program for second-hand modules, are two strategies University of South Australia researchers studied in developing a game plan for keeping panels out of landfill.
Potentia lands IPC approval for 1 GW solar and battery project
The 1 GW Tallawang solar and battery hybrid project being developed in central west New South Wales has secured final state planning approval after being forced to an independent tribunal after attracting more than 50 objections.
IEA lowers 2025-30 forecast for solar growth
The International Energy Agency has cut its 2025–30 renewables forecast by 5%, citing lower solar additions, though PV still represents nearly 80% of 4.6 TW expected growth.
Frontier unveils expansion strategy for Waroona solar and battery project
Frontier Energy has revealed a multi-stage expansion strategy for its Waroona solar and battery project being developed in Western Australia’s southwest, targeting up to 1 GW of PV generation capacity and 660 MW of battery energy storage by 2031.
Genesis and FRV scrap solar development partnership
New Zealand government-backed utility Genesis Energy and FRV Australia, the local arm of global renewable energy developer Fotowatio Renewable Ventures, have dissolved their solar development joint venture just months after delivering their first PV project.
Amber continues overseas push with home energy management tech
Energy retailer and technology company Amber Electric has secured $10 million in new funding to continue scaling its residential solar and battery automation tech into overseas markets.
Rooftop solar install rates rise as battery market shifts
Australia’s rooftop solar market has climbed by more than 16% in the past month with the latest data revealing that 237 MW of small-scale rooftop PV capacity was installed last month as consumers increasingly turned to solar-plus-storage solutions.
