Germanium-based solar cell tech for agrivoltaics
German scientists have fabricated an enhanced amorphous germanium PV cell that confines light in an ultra-thin absorber. It has the potential to combine PV with photosynthesis in new solar applications on bio-reactors, greenhouses, and agricultural land.
Total, Hanwha Group to build 1.6 GW of solar, storage in US market
French energy giant Total called the 50:50 joint venture a “first significant step” into the U.S. utility-scale solar market.
Fraunhofer ISE develops technique to produce glowing colored solar modules
The German research institute has proposed a technique based on the surface structure of the wings of the morpho butterfly to produce colored BIPV panels for facades and rooftops. The process is claimed to make it possible to color the modules with an optical effect and not with color pigments, which reduce their efficiency.
Complementary hybrid PV systems can reduce reliance on storage
Looking back over years of research into the topic of hybrid systems based on different combinations of solar, wind, hydro and other renewables, an international group of scientists found strong potential for strategies to exploit complementarity between the different sources integrate more intermittent renewables onto regional and national grids. The scientists present a series of conclusions and recommendations that aim to push research in hybrid renewables forward.
Renewables cheaper than fossil fuel plants by 2030
A report by McKinsey & Company reinforces the widely-held view renewables will supplant fossil fuels in the energy system but also joins the chorus of voices warning the world is on track to fall well short of limiting global temperature rises this century to 1.5C.
More PPA-linked big solar under development in Denmark
Luxcara and Be Green want to build 415 MW of unsubsidized solar in Denmark. The authorities are planning four solar parks, with the electricity to be sold to power consumers under power purchase agreements.
Peeking into 2021: Green bonds to reach US$500 billion per year, solar on track to outrank oil and gas
Global management consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has issued a general economic prediction for 2021. Aside from some general notes on GDP recovery post-Covid, the analysts’ notes were heavily focussed on climate and energy finance and policy.
Baywa re energizes more floating PV in the Netherlands
The German renewable energy company has completed two more projects, totaling 29.2 MW, in the country.
Bangladesh mandates 2% of loans issued must be for green projects
Some 15% of the finance disbursed must fit the wider definition of being ‘sustainable’ and banks and other lenders have been warned penalties will be applied for non compliance.
Turkey added 672 MW (AC) of PV capacity in 2020
According to official statistics from grid operator TEIAS, the country’s cumulative PV capacity reached 6.66 GW at the end of December.
