Several recent developments are shaping the solar photovoltaic (PV) landscape in 2024, particularly as the industry anticipates strong growth and technical innovation:

1. Global PV Installation Growth: A report from UK-based think tank Ember predicts a record-breaking 593 GW of global PV installations by the end of 2024, up 29% from 2023. China remains the leading contributor, with an anticipated 334 GW in new installations, accounting for more than half of the total global growth. Other significant contributors include the U.S., India, and Germany, while countries like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are rapidly expanding their solar infrastructure through consistent monthly imports of solar panels exceeding 1 GW.

2. Anti-Soiling Innovations: Research from Egypt is addressing performance losses due to soiling—common in arid regions—by developing a hydrophilic nano-coating. This coating, which makes the surface attract water and thus clean itself, showed a substantial 64.7% increase in current output over uncoated panels in trials. This advancement could improve energy yields in dust-heavy regions where solar performance is often compromised.

3. Huawei’s Top 10 FusionSolar Trends: At its recent FusionSolar event, Huawei identified key trends to enhance PV reliability, efficiency, and integration with storage systems. Innovations highlighted include advancements in high-voltage systems to reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), improved safety features extending from cell to grid level, and enhanced energy density through next-generation semiconductors. Huawei’s insights underscore a future where PV systems are safer, more efficient, and increasingly integrated with grid-scale energy storage.

4. Expanding Solar Markets: Countries in South America, Asia, and Africa are stepping up investments in solar PV. For instance, Mozambique recently issued tenders for 17 new PV systems, aiming to diversify energy sources and bolster its grid’s resilience and sustainability.

These advancements reflect a global push not only to expand solar capacity but also to tackle longstanding efficiency and reliability challenges, positioning solar PV as a cornerstone of future energy systems.