Tootfinder

"Why recycling solar panels is harder than you might think"
#Recycling #SolarPower
https://

Why recycling solar panels is harder than you might think
It's hard work soaking up sunlight to generate clean electricity. After about 25 to 30 years, solar panels wear out. Over the years, heating and cooling cycles stress the materials. Small cracks develop, precipitation corrodes the frame and layers of materials can start to peel apart.

"‘Europe is becoming a solar powerhouse’: Solar tops EU electricity as coal sinks to new low"
#Europe #SolarPower #Energy

Solar becomes EU’s largest electricity source for the first time
The Netherlands and Greece were the top solar record setters, while wind power also hit new highs in May and June.

"2025: A landmark year for solar energy"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

2025: A landmark year for solar energy
The IEA-PVPS 2025 Snapshot of Global PV Markets reveals a pivotal moment for solar power: global PV capacity surpassed 2.2 TW, with more than 600 GW installed in 2024 alone. As module prices fell due to oversupply, installation volumes continued to grow, highlighting both the strength and volatility of the global PV industry.

"Zimbabwe starts construction on 10 MW solar plant"
#Zimbabwe #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Zimbabwe starts construction on 10 MW solar plant
China's Sany Silicon Energy is building its first solar plant in Zimbabwe. The project uses the company's EP+F business model combining engineering, procurement and financing.

Some things I don't know and would like to know:
1. What is the life expectancy of current generation photovoltaic #solarpower panels?
2. What is the physical process which causes degradation?
3. At the end of economic life, could they be refurbished for reuse, and if not, why not?
4. If they cannot be refurbished, what proportion of the components can be recycled?

"India installs 22.5 GW of solar capacity in fiscal 2025"
#India #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

India installs 22.5 GW of solar capacity in fiscal 2025
India added 17.4 GW of utility-scale solar and 5.15 GW of rooftop PV capacity in fiscal 2025, according to JMK Research. Rajasthan led new installations with 6.5 GW, followed by Gujarat with 3.6 GW and Maharashtra with 2.3 GW.

Might be a shot in the dark, but is there anyone out there self-hosting Navidrome on a Raspberry Pi (or other device), and powering it using solar power?
#navidrome #raspberrypi #solarpower

"Ireland to meet 2030 target of 8 GW solar, claims Wood MacKenzie"
#Ireland #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Ireland to meet 2030 target of 8 GW solar, claims Wood MacKenzie
Wood MacKenzie predicts that Ireland will meet its 8 GW 2030 solar target but wind, heat pumps, and electric vehicles (EVs) are all lagging behind theirs. Ireland's current installed solar capacity is just under 2 GW, but this could be increased thanks to favorable policy, grid investments, and energy storage.

"In a First, Solar Was Europe’s Biggest Source of Power Last Month"
#Europe #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

In a First, Solar Was Europe's Biggest Source of Power Last Month

"Solar farms and sheep grazing show how farming and clean energy can share land"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Solar farms and sheep grazing show how farming and clean energy can share land
Solar panels now double as shade for sheep and a tool for rural energy production in Georgia, where some farmers are balancing land conservation with renewable energy development.Emily Jones reports for Grist.In short:A solar farm in Lee County, Georgia, uses sheep for vegetation control, allowing t...

Harnessing the power of the sun to boost agriculture in California's Central Valley. #climatechange #climatesolutions #climate

Farming and solar power complement each other in California’s Central Valley
Farmers and landowners are finding new ways to protect farmland and food security while supporting clean energy.

"Swiss pilot takes big step closer to solar plane altitude record"
#Switzerland #Aeroplane #SolarPower #Energy

Swiss pilot takes big step closer to solar plane altitude record
Swiss pilot Raphael Domjan got within around a thousand meters of setting a new altitude record in a solar-powered plane on Sunday as he chases the goal of breaking the 10,000 meters barrier.

"Breakthrough Solar Panel Window Technology Reaches Commercial Viability Milestone"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Breakthrough Solar Panel Window Technology Reaches Commercial Viability Milestone | Happy Eco News
Solar panel windows developed by Danish researchers achieve record 12.3% efficiency while maintaining transparency. The breakthrough technology combines perovskite and organic materials to generate electricity from building windows without blocking visibility. Commercial deployment could transform urban buildings into clean energy generators, supporting carbon neutrality goals while reducing installation costs and space requirements.

"Nearly three-quarters of solar and wind projects are being built in China"
#China #Energy #Renewables #SolarPower

Nearly three-quarters of solar and wind projects are being built in China
China is rapidly scaling up its solar and wind energy infrastructure, accounting for nearly three-quarters of all utility-scale projects currently under construction worldwide, according to a new report from the Global Energy Monitor (GEM). With 510 gigawatts (GW) already under construction and a total pipeline of over 1.3 terawatts (TW), China is consolidating its position […]

"Just 2% of tidal and offshore solar energy could make a dent in carbon dioxide emissions"
#Oceans #Energy #Renewables

Just 2% of tidal and offshore solar energy could make a dent in carbon dioxide emissions
Harnessing just 2% of the energy potential from tidal and offshore solar sources could make a significant dent in global CO2 emissions, new research has found.

"Researchers launch five-year study on floating solar for farm dams"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Researchers launch five-year study on floating solar for farm dams
AgEcon Australia has launched a five-year research project to assess the feasibility of floating PV systems on farm irrigation dams in Australia, aiming to reduce water loss, lower on-farm energy costs, and create new income streams for landholders.

"New research confirms residential PV tends to increase household power consumption"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

New research confirms residential PV tends to increase household power consumption
New Swiss research shows PV-powered homes can increase power consumption by up to 11% compared to non-solar households. This rise is linked to electric vehicle adoption or other high-usage appliances, which the study’s author notes is not inherently negative or wasteful.

"China ramps up solar and wind power as clean energy output shatters global records"
#China #SolarPower #WindTurbines

China ramps up solar and wind power as clean energy output shatters global records
China installed enough solar and wind power between January and May to match the total electricity use of countries like Indonesia or Turkey, even as its clean energy industry faces deep financial strain.Amy Hawkins reports for The Guardian.In short:China installed 198 gigawatts of solar and 46 giga...

"French company offers router capable of redirecting surplus solar to water heating"
#France #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

French company offers router capable of redirecting surplus solar to water heating
French energy cooperative Solarcoop has launched a solar router that redirects surplus photovoltaic power from self-consumption systems to electric water heaters or other resistive loads, and can also control additional devices such as heat pumps.

"Trump moves to kill $7 billion in solar panel grants"
#US #USA #America #SolarPower

Trump moves to kill $7 billion in solar panel grants
President Donald Trump's administration on Thursday moved to kill a $7 billion program designed to bring rooftop solar to low-income and disadvantaged communities across the United States.

"The areas where householders are missing out on cheaper solar electricity, mapped"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #SolarPower #Energy

The areas where householders are missing out on cheaper solar electricity, mapped
Areas with some of the highest sunshine levels in the country have been found to have just 1-3 per cent of rooves where solar panels are fitted

"Netherlands installs 4.32 GW of solar in 2024"
#Netherlands #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Netherlands installs 4.32 GW of solar in 2024
The Netherlands installed 4.32 GW of solar capacity in 2024, bringing its cumulative total to 28.62 GW by year-end, according to official data.

"Spanish researchers claim nest boxes in PV plants often misused for greenwashing"
#Solar #SolarPower #Greenwashing

Spanish researchers claim nest boxes in PV plants often misused for greenwashing
Researchers in Spain have warned that nest-box installations at PV plants are often poorly planned or used for greenwashing, with boxes placed in unsuitable locations, installed incorrectly, or lacking post-installation monitoring.

"Gila River Tribes Intend to Float Solar Panels on a Reservoir. Could the Technology Help the Colorado River?"
#US #USA #America

Gila River Tribes Intend to Float Solar Panels on a Reservoir. Could the Technology Help the Colorado River? - Inside Climate News
On its surface, floating solar appears to conserve water while generating carbon-free electricity. River managers are cautious, but some say the West can’t afford to wait.

"Turning closed coal mines into solar farms could power a country the size of Germany, report finds"
#Germany #CoalMine #SolarPower

Report reveals huge solar power potential of abandoned coal mines
“The same ground that powered the industrial era can help power the climate solutions we now urgently need,” analysts say of the 300 GW solution.

"Bhutan awards 120 MW solar contract"
#Bhutan #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Bhutan awards 120 MW solar contract
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.

"Solar myths and misconceptions"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Solar myths and misconceptions
In a new monthly column for pv magazine, the International Solar Energy Society (ISES) debunks old and new urban legends about solar energy.

"A solar panel recycling scheme would help reduce waste, but please repair and reuse first"
#SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

A solar panel recycling scheme would help reduce waste, but please repair and reuse first
Older rooftop solar systems are being scrapped – often well before the end of their useful life. Establishing a product stewardship scheme is part of the solution.

"‘Balcony solar’ may at last become a reality for flat residents in Britain"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #SolarPower #Energy

"Italy deploys 2.33 GW of solar in H1"
#Italy #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Italy deploys 2.33 GW of solar in H1
Italy added around 1,092 MW of new PV systems in the second quarter of this year, with the rooftop segment driving demand.

"Egypt approves four solar, wind projects totaling 400 MW"
#Egypt #SolarPower #WindTurines #Renewables

Egypt approves four solar, wind projects totaling 400 MW
The Egyptian government has approved four solar and wind projects totaling 400 MW, with a combined investment of $388 million. The two solar and two solar-wind hybrid projects will sell energy directly to industrial customers.

"Largest UK solar plant goes online"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #SolarPower #Energy

Largest UK solar plant goes online
The 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park is now exporting 100% of its capacity to the grid. Under construction, co-located energy storage to come online at a later date. The project has broken UK records for financing and offtake agreements, according to developer Quinbrook.

"US adds 7.4 GW of clean power in Q1 2025, led by solar and storage"
#US #USA #America #SolarPOwer

US adds 7.4 GW of clean power in Q1 2025, led by solar and storage
The United States also installed a record 1.6 GW of grid-scale energy storage in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report from the American Clean Power Association (ACP).

"UK government unveils solar roadmap, outlines steps to 47 GW by 2030"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #SolarPower #Energy

UK government unveils solar roadmap, outlines steps to 47 GW by 2030
The UK government has published its plan to support solar deployment to 2030 and beyond. Policies include updating the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, a safety review of plug-in solar for balconies and rooftops, consulting on car park solar, and engaging with industry on skills and training.

"Analysis: Reform-led councils threaten 6GW of solar and battery schemes across England"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #Solar #SolarPower

Analysis: Reform-led councils threaten 6GW of solar and battery schemes across England - Carbon Brief
Reform UK’s local-election victories in May 2025 could put 6 gigawatts (GW) of new clean-energy capacity at risk, according to Carbon Brief analysis.

"Türkiye installed around 2.8 GW of solar in first five months of 2025"
#Turkey #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Türkiye installed around 2.8 GW of solar in first five months of 2025
A strong start to solar installations in 2025 helped the country's cumulative solar capacity surpass 22.6 GW by the end of May.

"Britons could soon install balcony solar panels in flats and rental homes"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #SolarPower #Energy

"Chart: Which countries get the most power from solar and wind?"
#SolarPower #WindTurbines #Energy #Renewables

Chart: Which countries get the most power from solar and wind?
These two clean energy sources are growing quickly around the world. Here are the 10 countries that rely on them the most.

"UK records 513 MW of January-May solar additions"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #Energy #SolarPower

UK records 513 MW of January-May solar additions
Inclusion of deployment figures sourced from Ofgem bring UK solar capacity close to 19 GW. Latest electricity generation data shows strong start to 2025 for solar.

"Analysis: UK’s solar power surges 42% after sunniest spring on record"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #Solar #SolarPower

Analysis: UK’s solar power surges 42% after sunniest spring on record - Carbon Brief
The UK’s solar farms and rooftops generated more electricity than ever before in the first five months of 2025.

"Composite material keeps solar panels cool, boosting longevity by more than 200%"
#Solar #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Composite material keeps solar panels cool, boosting longevity by more than 200%
A team of international researchers led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has developed a new composite material made of acrylate that enhances the performance of solar cells. Adhering the composite material to solar cells deployed in Saudi Arabia for weeks significantly raised the power output and longevity while reducing the electricity consumed by the cells. The study can be read in Materials Science and Engineering: R: Reports.

"South Africa approves six solar projects totaling 1,290 MW"
#SouthAfrica #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

South Africa approves six solar projects totaling 1,290 MW
An additional six solar projects have been approved as part of South Africa’s seventh renewables procurement round following the reallocation of unused onshore wind capacity to solar bids.

"Aldi confirms £7.7m solar scheme for 90 UK stores"
#UK #UnitedKingdom #Aldi #SolarPower

"Meta adds another 650 MW of solar power to its AI push"
#Meta #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Meta adds another 650 MW of solar power to its AI push | TechCrunch
The company already has more than 12 gigawatts of capacity in its renewable power portfolio.

"Australia approves 250 MW agrivoltaic solar farm in Tasmania"
#Australia #Tasmania #Solar #SolarPower

Australia approves 250 MW agrivoltaic solar farm in Tasmania
Australia's federal government has approved a 250 MW agrivoltaic solar farm in Tasmania, following a 20-day review. The landowner-led project is designed to minimize environmental impact and integrate solar generation with agricultural use.

"Poland pilots solar arrays near major highway"
#Poland #Solar #SolarPower #Energy

Poland pilots solar arrays near major highway
Poland has installed solar arrays along the S5 expressway as part of a project to cut infrastructure operating costs. Surplus electricity will feed the grid or supply electric vehicle charging stations.

"India’s solar potential estimated at 10.8 TW"
#India #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

India’s solar potential estimated at 10.8 TW
A new study by the Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has estimated India’s total solar potential at 10,830 GW, significantly higher than the previous 2014 assessment of 748 GW by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). The study revisits conventional solar deployment areas such as barren and unculturable lands and explores additional avenues to expand the country’s solar potential.

"Solar surpasses 10% of U.S. electrical generation for a full month for the first time"
#US #USA #America #SolarPower

Solar surpasses 10% of U.S. electrical generation for a full month for the first time
In April, solar photovoltaics accounted for 10.64% of all electricity generation, according to the EIA. Combined with wind, the two sources neared 25%, while carbon-free electricity edged above 49%.

"France deploys 2.76 GW of solar in H1"
#France #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

France deploys 2.76 GW of solar in H1
France installed 1.35 GW of solar in the second quarter of 2025, bringing its cumulative PV capacity to 24.85 GW.

"Study finds a 15% solar power boost could cut US CO₂ emissions by millions of metric tons annually"
#US #USA #America #SolarPower

Study finds a 15% solar power boost could cut US CO₂ emissions by millions of metric tons annually
Increasing solar power generation in the U.S. by 15% could lead to an annual reduction of 8.54 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, according to a new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The researchers found that the climate benefits of solar power differ markedly across U.S. regions, pinpointing where clean energy investments return the greatest climate dividends.

"UK rooftop solar installations surge, new battery storage record set"
#UK #UnitedKigdom #Solar #SolarPower

UK rooftop solar installations surge, new battery storage record set
Latest MCS data for small-scale renewables reveal a strong month for solar installations up to 50 kW, double-digit growth for battery energy storage installations and a milestone reached despite a muted month for heat pump installations.

"Nigeria expected to hit just 1.5 GW of solar by 2035"
#Nigeria #Solar #SolarPower #Energy

Nigeria expected to hit just 1.5 GW of solar by 2035
UK-based consultancy GlobalData forecasts that Nigeria may install only 678 MW of solar capacity by 2030. The country is expected to surpass 1 GW in 2033 and reach 1.5 GW by 2035.

"France, Italy break daily solar production records"
#France #Italy #SolarPower #Energy

France, Italy break daily solar production records
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis finds weekly electricity prices fell across most major European markets last week. In France and Italy, new records for daily solar production helped lower prices.

"Brunei to host 30 MW solar plant"
#Brunei #Solar #SolarPower #Energy

Brunei to host 30 MW solar plant
A joint venture partly owned by a subsidiary of Malaysia’s Solarvest will build Brunei’s first utility-scale solar plant under a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Brunei government.

"Iceland accelerates rooftop solar rollout with new PPA deal"
#Iceland #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

"Pakistan’s solar surge is turning the energy system on its head"
#Pakistan #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Pakistan’s solar surge is turning the energy system on its head
With power bills soaring and the national grid failing, Pakistanis are taking the energy transition into their own hands—and creating a bottom-up solar revolution.Beth Gardiner reports for Yale Environment 360.In short:Pakistan’s solar use exploded from 4% to 14% of electricity generation in just th...

"Saint Lucia plans 10 MW solar project"
#SaintLucia #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Saint Lucia plans 10 MW solar project
Electric utility company St Lucia Electricity Services is set to tender a 10 MW solar project with accompanying battery energy storage later this year.

"Brazil may add 36.5 GW of solar by 2029, says grid operator"
#Brazil #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Brazil may add 36.5 GW of solar by 2029, says grid operator
Brazil’s installed solar capacity is expected to rise from 51.7 GW in December 2024 to 88.2 GW by the end of 2029, according to the national grid operator’s 2025–29 Energy Operation Plan.

"Maldives resort islands expand solar to meet half of power demand"
#Maldives #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

Maldives resort islands expand solar to meet half of power demand
The Fari Islands in the Maldives are developing a mix of floating and ground-mounted solar installations expected to meet up to 50% of the archipelago’s electricity demand on sunny days. The systems form part of a broader plan to expand renewable energy use across the four-island resort development.

"AI, First Nations data boost solar forecasts by 14.6% in Australia"
#Australia #SolarPower #AI #ArtificialIntelligence

AI, First Nations data boost solar forecasts by 14.6% in Australia
Australian researchers improved solar generation forecasts by 14.6% by integrating advanced AI methods with First Nations seasonal knowledge, offering new potential for more accurate renewable energy planning.