SMA to raise inverter capacity to 40 GW
SMA Solar Technology has announced plans to build a new manufacturing facility at its headquarters in Niestetal, Germany.
Achieving a zero-carbon grid with virtual power plants
Jigar Shah reflects on the challenges that come with achieving a zero-carbon electric grid and how virtual power plants (VPPs) can turn those challenges into opportunities for all Americans.
Australian prefabricated solar array manufacturer raises $21.8 million
5B has completed a AUD 30 million ($21.8 million) Series B funding round with its existing shareholders to help fund the development of its flagship modular Maverick solar array, while also accelerating the progress of the company’s pipeline of multi-megawatt projects.
New York announces 2 GW of new solar across 22 projects
New York has announced its largest land-based renewable energy procurement effort to date. Once installed, the selected projects will bring the state’s renewable energy mix to 66% renewable, in pursuit of 70% by 2030.
Retractable 1.2 kW solar awning for RVs
The Xponent Power solar awning, a recent winner of the German Innovation Award, is a wind-resilient electricity producer for off-grid adventures.
Solar beehive in South Korea
Hanwha Group has marked World Bee Day by unveiling the country’s first solar beehive. The PV modules on the beehive generate electricity to automatically monitor and control internal conditions.
Ultra-thin inverted perovskite solar cell with 20.2% efficiency
Chinese scientists have developed an ultralight solar cell with perovskite film based on a 3-µm-thick polymer. It purportedly has a power conversion efficiency in line with that of perovskite cells of conventional thickness.
Reaching beyond efficiency limits
An international group of scientists experimented with a concept known as a “hot junction” carrier cell, which holds the potential for efficiency beyond the theoretical limits assumed today. The group modeled various cell designs, seeking those that would be least affected by imperfections in the actual materials, compared to how they are modeled.
Austria launches second round of solar-storage rebate program
The Austrian authorities allocated €40 million ($42.8 million) in the next round of the nation’s solar-plus-storage rebate scheme, across 11,000 projects. Rebates are available for PV installations up to 10 kW in size.
France deployed 484 MW of PV in Q1
France’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 14.6 GW at the end of March.
