PERC: Gintech achieves 21.44% efficiency; demand to continue
Kicking off 2016s PERC news, Taiwan-based Gintech Energy Corporation has achieved a solar PV cell efficiency of 21.44% using its PERC technology, thus ranking it number three in terms of global monocrystalline PERC efficiencies, behind Trina and SolarWorld. Predictions are PERC demand will continue well into 2016.
Sonnedix acquires 23.6 MW solar portfolio in France
Sonnedix has acquired SunEdisons 23.6 MW AES Solaire France portfolio. The purchase takes the IPPs installed solar asset base to over 150 MW.
Canadian Solar's Recurrent Energy closes financing for 75 MW PV project
Subsidiary of the Chinese solar firm finalizes tax equity investment commitment and $180 million debt facility for development of 75 MW Astoria 2 solar farm in California.
Analysis: More needed from Indian government to fulfill 40 GW rooftop solar ambitions
While the Indian Governments recent announcement of a significant funding boost for rooftop solar PV projects has been welcomed, experts say a lot more needs to be done, financially and in terms of policy and regulations, to drive installed capacity up from just 525 MW today, to 40 GW by 2020. Despite this, the sector is expected to see CAGRs of up to 70% in the next five years.
1.28 GW of new solar installs in Germany over 12 months
Germany saw 1.28 GW of solar PV become operational in the 12 months from December 1, 2014, to November 30, 2015, according to official figures. Due to the low installation rate, FITs for January to March will not change.
Trig to invest $61 million in French solar projects
Channel Islands-based The Renewable Infrastructure Group Ltd is to invest in 15 ground-mounted a rooftop solar projects across France, with the assistance of French clean energy company, Akuo Energy Group.
Germany: Frustration over wait for new PV storage subsidy announcement
Funding for battery storage for small solar PV systems in Germany ceased at the end of 2015. The Federal Government is said to still be working on the new program, which should start “as early as possible in 2016,” and end in 2018. When and how exactly the support will work is still anyones guess, however.
NREL, CSEM set new efficiency record for dual-junction solar cell
The U.S./Swiss collaboration has yielded a 29.8% efficient PV cell based on gallium indium phosphide and crystalline silicon layers, without concentrated sunlight.
China: Qinghai targets additional 7.1 GW of renewables in 2016
Qinghai Electric Power, the sub-company of Chinas State Grid Corporation aims to install 7.1 GW of renewable energy in 2016, the majority of which will comprise solar PV, up from the provinces cumulative capacity of 6 GW.
India to install 4.2 GW of rooftop solar under increased budget
The Indian Government has unveiled plans to install 4.2 GW of grid connected solar PV up until 2019-20 under its National Solar Mission. A budget of around US$751 million has been allocated. It is still unclear how its 40 GW 2020 rooftop target will be met, however.
