by Catie Owen | Mar 6, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer
According to Raptor Maps’ latest report, the global solar sector lost a record $10bn in revenue due to asset underperformance in 2024.
The company, which specialises in software and robotics for solar asset management, recorded a 15% year-on-year increase in underperformance.
Over the past five years, power losses have risen from 1.84% to 5.77%, leading to a 214% increase in lost revenue.
Equipment issues were a primary factor, with inverters responsible for 37-39% of power loss. Strings and combiners contributed 22% and 19% of losses, respectively.
The commercial and industrial (C&I) sector faced significant challenges, with smaller sites (<5MW) experiencing an average of 264 DC health issues per MW annually.
Module damage has also surged, accounting for 50% of module-level power loss in 2024, up from 17% in 2023.
Extreme weather events posed a growing risk. Raptor Maps noted that assets in ERCOT were 16 times more likely to suffer weather-related damage than those in NYISO.
“The US is dramatically underprepared for hailstorms,” said John Sedgwick, CEO of VDE Americas. Studies suggest larger hailstones – expected to become 25-75% more frequent – pose an increasing threat.
Labour shortages and political uncertainty also contributed to challenges. While US solar capacity grew 182% from 2018 to 2023, operational labour increased by 91%.
With global solar capacity exceeding 2TW, the industry is turning to automation and robotics to mitigate these issues. “Leading players are now embracing software-driven diagnostics to combat operational challenges,” the report concluded.
by Catie Owen | Mar 5, 2025 | Everything Installer, Press Release
Press Release
JinkoSolar, one of the largest solar module manufacturers in the world, announced on 5 March that it was ranked as the most bankable solar module company in the 2024 PV Module Bankability Survey by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
JinkoSolar was the only solar module company to receive a 100% bankability rating in this year’s survey, thanks to its strong financial position, cutting-edge technological innovations, and proven product reliability.
As one of the most trusted research institutions in the renewable energy sector, BloombergNEF’s annual bankability report is a key reference for financial institutions assessing credit risks for solar projects.
This year’s survey gathered insights from major industry stakeholders, including global banks, investment funds, independent power producers (IPPs), and technical advisors, evaluating module manufacturers based on market share, reliability, after-sales service, project execution, and financial stability.
New products
By the end of 2024, JinkoSolar’s total module shipments surpassed 300GW, with Tiger Neo series modules alone exceeding 140GW in cumulative shipments, serving customers across nearly 200 countries and regions.
The latest Tiger Neo 3.0 series, built on industry-leading N-type TOPCon technology, delivers power ratings exceeding 670W, with a maximum module efficiency of 24.8% and bifaciality reaching up to 85%.
The high bifaciality alone can contribute to an approximate 3.38% increase in overall power generation, with even greater gains in high-reflectivity environments.
Beyond higher energy yield, the enhanced bifaciality also improves project economics, reducing the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) by 3.14%, ensuring greater financial benefits for solar investments while delivering safe, efficient, and cost-effective clean energy solutions worldwide.
“The results of this survey underscore how JinkoSolar leads the industry as the preferred solar partner for financial institutions and the top choice for project developers,” commented Ms. Dany Qian, Vice President of JinkoSolar.
“Looking ahead, JinkoSolar will continue to invest heavily in R&D, with N-type technology as its foundation while driving collaborative innovation in integrated “solar + storage” solutions.
“JinkoSolar aims to accelerate the global transition to sustainable energy with the most competitive green energy products available.”
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by Catie Owen | Mar 5, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer
The Port Authority of Valencia (APV) now generates 18% of the Port of Valencia’s daily electricity consumption through renewable energy sources.
The new photovoltaic installation at the Valencia Terminal Europa (VTE) vehicle silo supplies 15% of the port’s daily energy needs. Combined with the solar plant at Muelle Príncipe Felipe, which contributes around 3%, these facilities provide a significant share of the port’s power sustainably.
This initiative follows the launch of additional solar plants at the ports of Valencia and Gandia in January, and has been funded through the European Union’s Next Generation funds and Spain’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan.
During a visit to the new installation on 20 February, Federico Torres, head of Energy Transition at APV, described its role in the port’s decarbonisation strategy, which aims for carbon neutrality in the coming years.
The APV also operates a 20 kV Medium Voltage network that distributes electricity to its concessionaires and internal operations. The new installation is expected to generate approximately 8,380 MWh annually, further advancing the port’s Zero-Emissions plan.
“In the central hours of the day, the installation generates more energy than the port area consumes. For this reason, we are considering storing the unconsumed energy that is currently being fed into the electricity grid,” Torres concludes.
[Image credit: Valenciaport]
With Spain’s solar market remaining a crucial topic, don’t miss your free ticket for Solar & Storage Live España in Valencia 25-26 June 2025.
by Catie Owen | Mar 4, 2025 | Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
Zendure, an international solar energy company, will be the UNESCO World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development (WED) 2025 official partner.
The WED initiative, launched at UNESCO’s Paris HQ, aims to demonstrate the engineering sector’s key role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
WED for Sustainable Development takes place annually on 4 March as a UNESCO official international day.
Zendure’s statement announcing the news explains that UNESCO runs WED with the World Federation for Engineering Organisations (WFEO), both of which aim to promote engineering’s ability to address global climate challenges.
Overall, the awareness day itself is designed to highlight engineers’ achievements and acknowledge their pivotal role in building a sustainable future.
The partnership
For solar company Zendure, the partnership highlights the company’s commitment to providing accessible clean energy – particularly within Europe.
“We are deeply honored to partner with UNESCO and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) for World Engineering Day,” said Bryan Liu, CEO and founder of Zendure – speaking from experience growing up in a rural Chinese village without electricity.
“This partnership provides a powerful platform to amplify our message and accelerate the global adoption of household clean energy. Every individual’s energy choices directly impact the collective well-being of our planet. We’re committed to empowering people to make those choices sustainable ones.”
In 2024, Zendure’s userbase generated over 13.7m kWh of clean energy, which reduced coal consumption by around 4,386 tonnes. Overall, the company’s European cohort saved €4-6m.
by Catie Owen | Feb 24, 2025 | Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
Press Release
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has submitted its official feedback to the European Commission regarding three critical aspects of the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA):
- The regulations on renewable energy auctions.
- The selection criteria for net-zero strategic projects.
- The list of essential components for net-zero technologies.
ESMC strongly supports the ambition of the NZIA to strengthen European clean energy manufacturing but urges improvements to ensure the effectiveness and resilience of the policy framework.
“Renewable energy auctions should be a powerful tool to strengthen Europe’s energy independence and sustainability. However, without stricter criteria, there is a risk that China will continue to dominate the market, undermining the goal of building a robust European solar PV industry,” said Christoph Podewils, Secretary General of ESMC.
“A Made in Europe clause should be put in the proposal. It would send a clear signal to all EU Member States to prioritise European solar technology in public auctions.
European taxpayers’ payers’ money should support what benefits both Europe and the planet, and that is sustainably made solar modules, inverters, and other essential materials made in Europe,” Podewils added.
Strengthening renewable energy auctions to support European manufacturing
ESMC welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to establish pre-qualification and award criteria for renewable energy auctions under NZIA Article 26.
These criteria aim to promote European solar PV manufacturing capacity and align with the EU’s target of achieving 30 GW of solar PV production across the full value chain by 2030. However, ESMC highlights several risks and potential loopholes that could undermine these objectives:
- The proposed criteria must include a robust “Made in Europe” clause to ensure that European manufacturers benefit from the auctions.
- A comprehensive carbon footprint assessment methodology should be implemented, preventing greenwashing and ensuring transparent sustainability standards.
- Stronger cybersecurity and data security measures are needed to prevent foreign control over critical solar PV infrastructure.
- Provisions against the use of forced labour should be explicitly incorporated, with clear references to EU legislation such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the Forced Labour Regulation.
by Catie Owen | Feb 24, 2025 | Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
The UK government is consulting on reforms to its renewables auction scheme, including extending the target commissioning window (TCW) for solar PV.
The proposed changes aim to support the growth of renewables by 2030, reflecting the increasing scale of solar projects in the UK. As part of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan (CP30), the government seeks to address barriers to deployment by refining the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme to provide investment certainty and consumer benefits.
According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), the UK currently has 30.7 GW of offshore wind installed or committed, with an additional 7.2 GW consented. The target range for 2030 is 43-50 GW.
Other proposed reforms include relaxed planning consent criteria for fixed-bottom offshore wind and extending CfD contracts beyond 15 years. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband stated:
“Our bold new reforms will give developers the certainty they need to build clean energy in the UK, supporting our mission to become a clean energy superpower and bring down bills for good.”
Applications for Allocation Round 7 (AR7) are expected to open this summer, with the consultation running until 25 March. A government decision is anticipated before AR7 begins. Last year’s allocation round, AR6, had a record budget and awarded contracts for 128 projects with 9.6 GW of capacity.
Currently, solar PV projects must specify a three-month TCW. If commissioning is delayed beyond this period, payments are reduced on a day-for-day basis. The government recognises that increasing project sizes may pose deployment challenges.
Solar Energy UK “warmly welcomes” the consultation. Chief executive Chris Hewett said: “The consultation provides an opportunity to refine the CfD mechanism, ensuring it remains fit for purpose and continues to drive investment in clean energy infrastructure.”
With the London edition of Solar & Storage Live only weeks away, don’t forget to register for your free ticket and join us at the London ExCeL from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
by Catie Owen | Feb 20, 2025 | Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
The European Commission has shared a new policy document, titled “A Vision for Agriculture and Food”, which acknowledges the role of solar energy in the EU’s journey towards a sustainable and competitive agricultural market.
According to a statement by the European Commission, the policy document notes that food security and sovereignty are a European priority – as “the agri-food chain is under pressure from the impact of climate change to global competition and higher energy prices.”
The document explains how agrisolar installations can improve both international energy security and financial security for farmers, by offering additional sources of income while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
By providing insights into how Europe’s agricultural and agrisolar sectors can together contribute to the EU’s transition to a low-carbon economy, the document provides guidance for future-proofing Europe’s farming industry.
Agrisolar
There are already over 200 agrisolar systems across Europe, which can generate 2.8 GW of clean energy. The installations have also been proven to:
- Benefit wildlife by encouraging biodiversity and building habitats.
- Offering shade to wildlife and livestock during sunny weather.
- Providing a 20-30% improvement in water efficiency*.
- Create a 60% increase in pollinators*.
- Support regenerative agriculture, potentially providing large farms with profit increases of up to €235,000 per annum**.
In response to the paper recognising the role of solar in agriculture for the first time, SolarPower Europe calls the acknowledgement “a landmark moment.”
In its statement, SolarPower Europe implores the European Commission to take further action into future-proofing the sector. Lina Dubina, Policy Advisor at SolarPower Europe, says:
“The Commission should now turn this Vision into action. We ask for concrete amendments to the EU Common Agriculture Policy as well as dedicated guidance to better inform Member States and spread the benefits of Agrisolar to many more farmers and rural economies across Europe.”
* SolarPower Europe’s Agrisolar Best Practice Guidelines v2.0
** Boston Consulting Group and BayWa r.e, 2024
by Catie Owen | Feb 20, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer
Press Release
TrinaTracker, a global leader in smart solar tracking solutions and a subsidiary of Trinasolar, has announced the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, set to begin operations in Q1 2025.
The facility represents a key milestone in the company’s ongoing commitment to localisation and enhancing its distribution and service capabilities in the region.
The factory is part of a land lease agreement with the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones (MODON).
Located in the 3rd Industrial City in Jeddah, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 3GW, specialising in the manufacturing of TrinaTracker’s Vanguard series of solar trackers and smart control systems.
This will mark TrinaTracker’s fourth manufacturing plant, joining its existing operations in China, Spain, and Brazil.
The Middle East has become a key driver in the solar tracker market, its vast land mass and high irradiance providing ideal conditions for solar power plants.
TrinaTracker offers a smart solar tracking solution that includes its Vanguard highly reliable tracker structure, smart control systems and professional life cycle services.
Through this tailor-made solution, the TrinaTracker solar tracking system is highly suitable for an environment characterised by sand, strong winds and high temperatures.
In addition, with real project data collected from global projects, using TrinaTracker smart control system will produce up to 8% more energy a year for the solar plant, which will significantly increase the internal rate of return for the project owners.
In line with Trinasolar’s broader strategy to enhance regional service, the factory will also ensure faster delivery, improved technical support, and comprehensive pre-sales and after-sales services.
A dedicated service team will provide training programs and on-site support, reinforcing Trinasolar’s commitment to its partners and clients.
This initiative will further strengthen TrinaTracker’s global footprint and expand its presence in the region and beyond.
Till the end of Q4 2024, TrinaTracker has delivered 27GW of smart solar tracking systems worldwide, and it will continue to provide better intelligent solutions and local services to customers around the world through its localisation strategy.
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by Catie Owen | Feb 20, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer
Alotta, a Norwegian renewable energy company, has signed a contract with Emilsen Fisk, a Norwegian fish farming company, to deploy a floating solar array.
The solar project will be built at the farm in Båfjordstranda in Norway’s Trøndelag region – making it the northernmost floating PV plant in the world.
According to a post on Alotta’s social media, its installation for Norwegian seafood company Hofseth had previously been the planet’s most northern floating PV site. However, Emilsen Fisk’s installation will beat this record.
Egil Hjelmeland, Chief Sales Officer of Alotta, comments: “Emilsen Fisk is showing real leadership by taking a major step toward sustainability. It’s inspiring to see fish farmers actively reducing their footprint.”
According to Emilsen Fisk CEO Roy Emilsen, the Alotta Solar Hybrid 120 system will be installed in March-April 2025 and will be specifically designed to withstand the harsh marine conditions of the Norwegian Sea.
The country’s governmental green transition agency Enova has supported the floating PV project through a 45% grant – delivered by the government’s Climate and Energy Fund.
Land of the Midnight Sun
Despite the country’s drastically variable daylight hours, due to Norway’s location in the Arctic Circle, solar installations are picking up the pace. Trøndelag sees over 20 hours of daylight per day in mid-summer, but fewer than five hours in mid-winter – but this hasn’t deterred Alotta.
In an official commentary to trade outlet Fish Farming Expert, Hjelmeland explained:
“Due to the seasonal variations in daylight, the system will provide the highest output during the summer months when long days and high solar irradiation allow for largely emission-free operations.
“During winter, the contribution will be lower, but the system will still help reduce diesel dependency.”
Overall, Alotta’s solar system is anticipated to produce 80,000–90,000 kWh annually for Emilsen Fisk, aiding the farm in significantly reducing its on-site CO2 emissions and reliance on diesel.
In the company’s social media post, Hjelmeland concludes: “Emilsen Fisk is showing real leadership by taking a major step toward sustainability. It’s inspiring to see fish farmers actively reducing their footprint.”
[Image credit: Alotta, Marius Beck Dahle]
by Catie Owen | Feb 19, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer
SolarPower Europe has released a new report, which provides best practice guidelines for the solar PV industry, which also supports its sustainable growth.
The report was released during the association’s annual Solar Quality Summit Europe and has contributions from over 30 of its Lifecycle Quality Workstream.
These contributors have provided input from their sectors: Operation & Maintenance (O&M), recycling and circularity, waste management, utility-scale solar, and manufacturing.
Stelios Antellis, Chair of the SolarPower Europe Lifecycle Quality workstream, and Head of Global Strategic Operation at Astronergy, says: “The future of solar power relies on lasting quality, durability, and well-maintained systems that meet performance expectations.
“With the sixth version of these guidelines, we keep integrating and refining best practices which highlight the critical importance of proper O&M and ensure that our solar PV power plants generate value for investors and communities for generations to come.”
Old and new guidance
SolarPower Europe’s Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Best Practice Guidelines include updated advice on:
- Solar power plant maintenance.
- Innovation and trends.
- Data management.
The report additionally has new chapters on:
- Electrical safety.
- Common tests and inspections.
- How to sustainably handle end-of-life (EoL) solar panels after a project has been repowered or revamped.
According to the trade association, the guidance has been designed with solar PV systems of all sizes in mind, to be used as a crucial part of an O&M service provider’s toolkit – in addition to as investors, financiers, asset owners, asset managers, monitoring tool providers, technical consultants, and other stakeholders.
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe, comments: “A thriving solar industry with quality solar installations is the cornerstone of a successful energy transition.
“These guidelines will ensure that the sector installs solar systems that foster growth, strengthen trust, and accelerate the solar revolution across Europe.”
by Catie Owen | Feb 18, 2025 | Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar, Video
With Solar & Storage Live London 2025 just six weeks away, the spotlight is on the UK’s solar industry and its path to net zero.
In this interview from the Birmingham show, Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy and Climate Change, shares her insights on the policies shaping the solar sector, the need for upskilling new talent, and how to bring communities on board with agrivoltaics.
Interview with Wera Hobhouse, MP for Bath, UK
“The truth is that energy transition and food security are not in competition.”
Xtra: What legislation do you think will positively contribute to the UK’s solar industry?
Wera: We have the net zero legislation, and we have the Committee on Climate Change, which monitors the government’s progress toward net zero. Overall, legislation currently is quite strong, especially in international comparisons.
I think the biggest challenge we currently face is investment – creating a regulatory framework with the right incentives and disincentives to move away from fossil fuels and accelerate the renewable energy transition.
Xtra: How can we incentivise more talent to join the industry?
Wera: We know there are skills gaps, and a lot of the transition will depend on people who actually know how to deliver ed to engage with colleges, schools, and universities – building clear career paths and promoting a positive vision for the future.
Instead of seeing the transition as doom and gloom, we need to show people that green energy offers a bright future with plenty of job opportunities. Some roles require only a relatively short reskilling, while others offer long-term career paths that begin in school and continue through college or university courses.
Xtra: Considering your background in renewables, how do you see the solar industry evolving over the next decade?
Wera: I was disappointed to see that the previous government didn’t meet its targets for rolling out solar across the UK. With the new government, we have an opportunity – but of course, it’s still early days.
As a Liberal Democrat in opposition, our role is to hold the government accountable and push for a fast, transformational rollout of solar.
We will face some backlash from communities that don’t want installations in their backyard or infrastructure like cables and pylons in their area. Persuading people will take effort, and we need to involve communities in decision-making, giving them a sense of ownership. The landscape will change, but it’s for a positive future.
Still, we need to do a lot of outreach to bring some communities on board.
Xtra: How can installers and the government work together to gain more public support for agrivoltaics installations?
Wera: Some concerns are purely about visual impact, and there are ways to mitigate that. We also need to do a lot of myth-busting – for example, the idea that solar takes away good arable land for food production. The truth is that energy transition and food security are not in competition.
Politicians still have a long way to go in making that argument and countering misinformation, much of which comes from the fossil fuel industry and is amplified by certain media outlets. We must acknowledge people’s concerns while ensuring they have access to accurate information.
Building trust between local communities and installers is also key. That’s why mandatory accreditation is important – it should be a properly regulated market where only qualified professionals can call themselves installers.
The MCS is doing great work to ensure installations are carried out by accredited professionals, which is crucial for maintaining public confidence.
Xtra: Why do you think attending Solar & Storage Live UK is important?
Wera: For me, it’s been eye-opening to see how strong the support for solar is and how fast the industry is growing. I understand the event has doubled in size since last year – congratulations! That’s a real success story.
We need you: the solar industry is a key part of our journey to net zero.
With the London edition of Solar & Storage Live only weeks away, don’t forget to register for your free ticket and join us at the London ExCeL from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
by Catie Owen | Feb 18, 2025 | Everything Installer, Large Scale Utility Solar
Solar panels have been installed at a service station in Oxfordshire, UK, as part of a £1.1m project to reduce energy costs and support carbon neutrality.
Moto Hospitality selected Geo Green Power to install solar panels at 13 motorway service stations, including Cherwell Valley Services near Bicester. The project generates over 1,464kWp of solar energy and cuts CO2 emissions by 311 tonnes annually.
Jess Lockwood, property director at Moto, stated: “We recognise the critical role we play in driving the UK towards a more environmentally friendly and net zero future.
“A key element of this is helping the motorway network embrace green energy and renewable solutions. That’s why we chose Geo Green Power… to carry out this solar installation.”
Alongside Cherwell Valley, panels were installed at Winchester North, Wetherby, Grantham, Pease Pottage, Donnington Park, Stirling, Trowell, Woolley Edge Southbound, Thurrock, Southwaite, Woolley Edge Northbound, and Rugby. The installations are expected to generate 1,240MWh of energy annually.
Moto is also investing in electric vehicle charging and has installed its 1,000th charging site.
Geo Green Power secured the contract through a competitive tender involving 12 companies and will provide a five-year maintenance plan.
James Cunningham, managing director of Geo Green Power, said: “We aim to inspire other businesses to evaluate their environmental footprint and adopt sustainable practices.”
To stay up to date with the UK’s solar industry, don’t miss the London edition of Solar & Storage Live from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
by Catie Owen | Feb 17, 2025 | Commercial & Industrial Solar, Everything Installer
DMEGC Solar has achieved ‘A’ in PV ModuleTech Bankability Ratings. The company announced last month that it has commissioned a new 6GW N-Type cell plant, bringing its total cell production capacity to 23GW and its annual module production capacity to 21GW.
In several 2024 module shipments lists, DMEGC Solar has been ranked among the top 10 manufacturers, with cumulative shipments of over 50GW. In the latest Wood Mackenzie’s Global Solar Module Manufacturers List, DMEGC Solar was ranked eighth.
PV Tech’s Bankability Score is derived from extensive statistical analyses that include data from PV module suppliers over the previous 5-10 years.
The two main factors influencing the score are financial position and manufacturing capability, which in turn includes shipments, capacity and technology. The analysis compares each company’s strengths and weaknesses across multiple metrics of finance and manufacturing from a bankability perspective to calculate the score and final rating.
DMEGC Solar has long prided itself on its healthy financial position. Throughout its manufacturing career, which spans more than four decades, it has consistently posted stable and growing numbers.
Over the past two years, during which the entire PV industry has been mired in price declines and losses, the company has beaten most of its peers to maintain a respectable profitability.
The health of the financial indicators is reflected in the company’s leading Altman-Z score: DMEGC Solar has consistently been placed in the “Safe zone” in PV Module Manufacturer Ranking Reports published by SINOVOLTAICS, and outperforms all competitors from China in the latest ranking.
The upgrade from ‘BBB’ to ‘A’ in bankability rating is expected to help DMEGC Solar gain an edge in the competition for PV projects globally, especially in Europe, and thus continue to expand its market share and shipment growth.
Also thanks to the availability of financing, the company has been awarded the BloombergNEF Tier 1 PV Module Maker for 6 consecutive years and has remained among the EUPD Research ‘Top Brand PV Modules’ since 2018.
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by Catie Owen | Feb 14, 2025 | Everything Installer
Press Release
DMEGC Solar, a Tier 1 solar manufacturer, has achieved a positive Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) score for water safety and climate change action.
CDP is the world’s largest environmental disclosure platform, is dedicated to driving green and low-carbon transformations across businesses and financial institutions. DMEGC Solar
In 2024, over 25,000 companies globally disclosed their environmental data through CDP, including more than 3,600 Chinese enterprises.
CDP’s annual environmental disclosure and scoring process is widely regarded as the gold standard for corporate environmental transparency. Its results play a critical role in guiding investment and purchasing decisions, helping companies enhance their environmental impact transparency, improve sustainability (ESG) performance, and reduce financing costs.
DMEGC Solar has long prioritised the sustainable use of water in its photovoltaic manufacturing processes. By integrating advanced equipment and innovative production techniques, the company has significantly reduced water consumption at the source.
It has also optimised water usage structures and methods to strengthen water conservation efforts while maintaining high product quality standards.
Furthermore, DMEGC Solar employs cutting-edge technologies such as pure and concentrated water reuse, enabling cost savings through recycling and comprehensive utilisation. These initiatives have resulted in a win-win scenario, delivering both economic and environmental benefits.
In response to the global challenge of climate change, DMEGC Solar actively conducts greenhouse gas emission verifications and explores energy-saving and carbon reduction opportunities across its production, storage, transportation, and packaging processes.
These efforts have effectively reduced carbon emissions throughout its operations. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, aiming to achieve a carbon peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
Through strategic initiatives such as green power deployment, CCER projects, renewable energy adoption, and energy storage solutions, DMEGC Solar rigorously controls energy consumption levels.
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by Catie Owen | Feb 6, 2025 | Everything Installer, Storage
At Solar & Storage Live UK 2024 in Birmingham, Zacc Farodoye, Business Development Manager for Europe (BESS) at Jinko Solar, discussed storage solutions with Solar&StorageXtra.
Zacc introduced the storage tech that Jinko brought to the show, spotlit the growing demand for energy storage in data centres, and gave details on Jinko’s partnership with kIEFER and Athens International Airport.
Interview with Zacc Farodoye, BDM for Europe (BESS) at Jinko Solar
“In the UK and across wider Europe we’re seeing a lot of interest in attaching energy storage systems to data centres.”
Xtra: What is Jinko Solar introducing at Solar & Storage Live?
Zacc: We’re quite excited to bring to the market our Sunterra utility-scale energy storage system and our SunGiga, a commercial and industrial-sized system, at Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham.
The C&I solution, SunGiga, is sized at around 215 kWh, but we also offer a larger 344 kWh system. It’s a fantastic solution for commercial and industrial applications. We have an all-in-one 215 kWh system, which integrates the energy management system and PCS into one convenient unit.
This is ideal if you’re limited in space and need a compact solution.
Xtra: What trends in the UK or international solar industry is Jinko keeping an eye on?
Zacc: In the UK and across wider Europe we’re seeing a lot of interest in attaching energy storage systems to data centres.
Data centres are massive energy consumers, so anything we can do to reduce their grid consumption is fantastic. We believe this will be a significant market in the future.
Xtra: What conversations have you been having with your clients at the show?
Zacc: We’ve had some really interesting conversations with clients about big news at Jinko. Back in July, we announced a partnership with kIEFER to supply Athens International Airport with our energy storage solutions. This will be instrumental in helping the airport achieve its net-zero goals.
Once completed, Athens International Airport will be the largest self-sufficient airport in the world, a key milestone for Jinko. It will be able to run self-sufficiently for five hours – an impressive feat for a building of that size.
We see this project as a symbol of the future for Jinko, where we can incorporate both our PV and ESS into the same project and deliver it successfully to market.
Xtra: Why is it important for Jinko to attend Solar & Storage Live?
Zacc: These events are super important because they give us access to new clients and markets. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase our products to the community and the industry. Plus, we get to visit the wonderful city of Birmingham.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the London edition from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
by Catie Owen | Feb 6, 2025 | Everything Installer
Press Release
HDM Solar Wholesale, a leading national wholesaler of solar energy products and electric vehicle charging solutions, is delighted to invite solar installers and customers to an open event at its new Basildon branch on Friday, 21st February.
The event, taking place from 10 am to 2 pm, is open to solar and EV installers as well as businesses or individuals interested in learning more about renewable energy systems.
Spanning an impressive 11,000 square metres, the Basildon facility is headed up by Malcolm Campbell and has created seven new jobs in the local area.
While orders are already being taken from the branch, the open event provides a fantastic opportunity for local installers to explore the new facilities, connect with the HDM Solar team and discover more about the products and services on offer.
A key highlight of the day will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at noon. Leading suppliers, including SolaX, Sunsynk, GivEnergy, Growatt, Mounting Systems, Genius Roof Solutions, Canadian Solar and Astronergy, will also be in attendance.
They will showcase their latest products, share technical advice and assist with any upcoming solar projects attendees may have.
HDM Solar Wholesale supplies solar panels, batteries, inverters and electric vehicle (EV) chargers to trade customers, businesses and individuals. The opening of the Basildon branch marks the first of several new branches planned for 2025, designed to offer greater support for solar installers across the UK.
Malcolm Campbell, Branch Manager of HDM Solar Basildon (pictured), said: “Our Basildon branch is ready to serve Essex, London, East Anglia and the South East. We pride ourselves on our great-value in-time delivery service which is second to none.
“This open event is an opportunity for local installers to see the new branch, meet the team and connect with the industry-leading suppliers who help us deliver exceptional value – and grab a drink and a bite to eat! I’m looking forward to welcoming everyone to the new branch on the 21st of February.”
To place an order or register your interest in attending the open event on Friday, 21st February, call 0800 0016 802. To browse HDM Solar Wholesale’s full range of solar products, visit https://www.hdmsolar.co.uk
by Catie Owen | Feb 5, 2025 | Everything Installer, Storage
Clarke Energy, a multinational sustainable energy solutions and EPC business, and Trina Storage, a leading provider of integrated energy storage solutions, completed the construction of a 40MWh battery storage site in Newport, Wales, on behalf of renewable energy infrastructure company Field.
Field Newport is operational and offers dynamic frequency response to balance fluctuations in electricity demand, also enabling wholesale market arbitrage to reduce the price of energy during off-peak periods.
Clarke Energy was responsible for the full engineering, procurement and construction, delivered on time and within budget, while Trina Storage acted as supplier and integrator.
The battery solution, provided by Trina Storage, includes tier-1 battery racks, power conversion systems (PCS), and an advanced software and control system, seamlessly integrated for optimal performance and lifetime.
This is the third UK project Trina Storage has finalised in partnership with Field and follows on from a 20 MWh battery storage site that opened this July in Gerrards Cross, on the outskirts of London.
A fourth venture managed by the pair is expected to be commissioned before the end of the year. Once complete, the partnership will see a total of 180MWh of storage capabilities delivered for the UK grid.
Commenting on the news, Gabriel Buccini, Head of Energy Storage at Trinasolar said: “Our collaboration with Field is driving the development of a more resilient national grid, with this latest site increasing the flexibility of energy supply in South Wales.
The opportunity to utilise Clarke Energy’s considerable project management expertise was invaluable, proving crucial to delivering this project within the expected timeline. The facility’s opening underscores Trina Storage’s commitment to promoting innovative solutions that support the vital work of our partners and help move the UK towards a net-zero future.”
Ben Saward, VP for Procurement and Supply Chain at Field, said: “Pleased to partner once again with Trina Storage. Our sites, including Field Newport, play an important role in supplying the national grid – meeting demand during periods of peak output and storing cheaper, cleaner power when supplies are abundant.
“This, in turn, balances increasingly intermittent supplies across the grid to bolster energy security, bring down costs for customers and will help decarbonise the power sector by 2030.”
Adam Wray-Summerson, Technical Sales Director at Clarke Energy, said: “We are proud to have been involved in the delivery of the Field Newport BESS facility.
As this site enters commercial operation, our client is actively helping to support the transition to a net-zero future while balancing renewable electricity generation and demand across the South Wales region.
We thank our customer, Field, and all delivery partners, including Trina Storage, for the collaborative contracting approach that has been instrumental in the successful completion of this project.”
[Images credit: Clarke Energy]
by Catie Owen | Feb 5, 2025 | Everything Installer, Storage
Press Release
Dale Power Solutions is delighted to announce its participation in Solar & Storage Live London 2025, taking place 2 – 3 April at ExCeL.
As one of over 200 exhibitors, the team will join industry leaders at this premier event dedicated to driving the transition toward a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
To mark the event, Dale Power Solutions has expanded its CurrentTalks Podcast Series with two new episodes featuring Dean Callow, Head of Energy Storage & Renewables and Hannah Magowan, Lead Engineer of Energy Storage & Renewables.
They share their expertise and insights on the benefits of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Solar Generation solutions designed to help businesses maintain reliable power while reducing their carbon footprint, optimising energy use and cutting operational costs.
The CurrentTalks Podcast series delivers in-depth discussions with industry experts and influential leaders, exploring key topics across the power solutions landscape. You can watch the episodes on YouTube and Spotify.
Since exhibiting at Solar & Storage Live Birmingham, Dale Power Solutions has gone from strength to strength, securing new business, including a 4MWh Behind-the-Meter BESS project for a leading UK client, with completion set for August 2025.
This cutting-edge solution, delivered in partnership with BYD and Energy For Tomorrow (EFT), integrates the BYD MC Cube ESS with a 4.6MWh total capacity in a compact 20ft skid design. In addition, a newly commissioned 1.9MWp solar PV system will be DC-coupled with solar carports to store excess solar energy and be used during low-generation periods.
This project supports the client’s commitment to maximising the self-consumption of renewable energy, reducing reliance on the national grid, and achieving significant cost savings while advancing its net-zero strategy through the electrification of operations and the phasing out of gas.
Dale Power Solutions Dean Callow commented: “We are excited to share our latest developments in energy storage and renewables, and we look forward to illustrating how we are leading by example. In 2024, we built the Dale Towers of Power, an onsite BESS at our Head Office in Scarborough.
This system plays a key role in our sustainability strategy, cutting CO₂ emissions by an incredible 90% and reducing electricity bills by up to 60%.
“Building on this project, this year we will integrate solar panels on our newly renovated factory roof and support our expanding service and maintenance hybrid fleet of vans with four 22kW EV charging points, further reducing our environmental impact.”
With a nationwide team of over 250 experts, including over 80 engineers, Dale Power Solutions delivers fully integrated, end-to-end sustainable energy solutions – from initial planning and design to installation, integration, and ongoing lifecycle support. It ensures
businesses can transition seamlessly to low-carbon energy solutions without compromising reliability.
You can visit the Dale Power Solutions team at Stand F39 next to the keynote speaker stage, where they will be on hand to discuss Battery Energy Storage Systems, Solar Generation solutions, and HVO-fuelled Generators.
For more information about Dale Power Solutions, contact hello@dalepowersolutions.com, call 0330 999 3000 or visit www.dalepowersolutions.com.
by Catie Owen | Feb 4, 2025 | Everything Installer
In this interview from 2024’s Solar & Storage Live in Birmingham, Marina Shi from AIKO Energy shared her insights with Solar&StorageXtra.
Marina discussed the company’s cutting-edge ABC modules, recent efficiency breakthroughs, and provided more context on how AIKO is positioning itself for long-term growth in the UK market.
Interview with Marina Shi, Regional GM for Northern Europe, AIKO Energy
“What we’re really focused on is maximising output for the general public while making the best use of limited-service areas.”
Xtra: What is AIKO Energy’s role in the industry?
Marina: For people involved in solar cell manufacturing, AIKO is one of the biggest names in the world. We’re known for our high-efficiency cells. That’s still a core part of our business, but since 2022, we’ve launched a new module division featuring our ABC modules.
These use our newest ABC solar cells, which differ from the major technologies like TopCon, HJT, or previously PERC, that we’ve worked with before.
Xtra: What products are AIKO Energy demonstrating at Solar & Storage Live?
Marina: We’ve brought our most popular module to the show: the 455W all-black ABC module. It’s 1757x1134mm and is currently the most quoted module for residential projects.
We’ve also brought our commercial and utility modules. These are available as bifacial modules, with 645W and above at a 2382mm size, compared to others currently offering around 610W.
We’re also showcasing our newest product, which incorporates infinite technology in our generation three modules. This boosts another 20W above our current offering for the 54-cell module.
Xtra: Can you talk about the new record AIKO just reached?
Marina: Since AIKO started making solar cells, we’ve supported world-record-breaking cell modules. Now that we’ve entered the module market ourselves, our modules have been ranked number one for efficiency on Taiyang News for 19 consecutive months.
Taiyang News updates its website monthly with the most efficient commercially available modules, and our generation two commercial 655W module holds the top spot with 24.2% efficiency.
With our generation three modules, we’re aiming to push that even higher to 25% efficiency.
Xtra: How do you see AIKO Energy evolving over the next five to ten years?
Marina: This is only our second year in the UK market, and we’re already seeing great results. Installers I’ve never met before are telling me they’re quoting with our modules, which is fantastic.
I see AIKO becoming one of the major modules used across the industry over the next five to ten years. We’re focused on maximising output for the general public while making the best use of limited service areas.
Xtra: What do you think are the benefits of attending Solar & Storage Live?
Marina: Solar & Storage Live is the biggest show in the UK. I’ve attended every year since joining the solar industry more than eight years ago, and I learn something new every time I attend.
I see new products entering the market, and it gives me confidence and fresh insights into how the solar industry is evolving.
The most rewarding part is hearing from customers about how they feel about our products and how they’ve made a difference in their lives. That feedback means the world to me.
Missed out on Solar & Storage Live, or want to come back for more? Don’t miss the London edition from 2-3 April 2025 – or find a Solar & Storage Live event closer to home.
by Catie Owen | Feb 4, 2025 | Everything Installer
Online solar product marketplace Search4Solar has seen an increase in solar panel costs in Europe for “the first time in months.”
Ten undisclosed manufacturers provided the platform with updated pricing w/o 27 January, which demonstrated that prices for TOPCon modules have increased by over 20%.
Prices for TOPCon modules are now around €0.10 per watt, in comparison to €0.07 in October 2024. Meanwhile, all-black panels are now €0.12 per watt.
Search4Solar believes that this increase is indicative of growing market demand for higher-efficiency panels, which is largely due to technological advances.
Game changers
The platform’s research shows that “newer technologies” such as n-type TOPCon or heterojunction (HJT) have increased in popularity. Meanwhile, passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) panels have remained affordable – between €0.077 and €0.08 per watt.
Manufacturers are leaning into the market demand for newer and more efficient panel types, meaning that PERC panels are on the way out. Once gone from the panel market, prices of alternatives may rise again.
A reduction in polysilicon production could also be contributing to the rise in solar panel prices – as manufacturers continue to scale back the output of this popular panel material and the supply chains adjust.
New year, new prices
The price increases will not exist in a vacuum, according to Search4Solar, as the platform is anticipating another Q1 jump in costs during February 2025.
Manufacturers are no longer willing to produce below cost, increasing market pressure” Bart Wansink, CEO of Search4Solar, explains.
Overall, Search4Solar acknowledges that oversupply is still an issue in the solar market, which means an amount of price stability may continue in some sectors – but the industry should stay aware of developments.
