Emiliano Bellini
Fraunhofer ISE and EVG set 31.3% efficiency for silicon multi-junction solar cell
The German research institute and the Austrian semiconductor specialist have achieved a 31.3% efficiency for a silicon-based multi-junction solar cell. The result improves the previous record of 30.2%, which was also set by EVG and Fraunhofer ISE.
Afghanistan approves plan to deploy 65 MW of solar
The Afghan government has approved a plan for the deployment of 100 MW of renewable energy capacity. The plan includes 65 MW of solar tendered by the government in 2016.
EIB and Eiffel Investment Group launch €200 million clean energy fund for bridge financing
The European Investment Bank and Eiffel Investment Group have launched a fund devoted to investments in the green economy in France and Europe. The fund will provide bridge financing for, among others, projects in the solar and storage sectors.
Iran’s PV market expected to see strong growth over next 12 months
Between 750 MW and 800 MW of renewable energy generation capacity will be installed in Iran in the country’s current calender year. Most of this capacity will come from solar and wind. Meanwhile, the country has reached approximately 22 MW of cumulative installed solar capacity, as of the end of February 2017.
Uzbekistan set to launch 500 MW solar plan
The Government of Uzbekistan announced that five 100 MW solar plants will be installed in the country in the period 2017-2021. Total investments for the plan are expected to reach $1.1 billion.
PV Crystalox posts lower shipments and revenue for 2016, closes UK ingot production
The UK-based polycrystalline wafer manufacturer posted a decrease in shipments and revenue in 2016. Its UK ingot production is expected to be closed this year due to “deteriorated” market conditions.
Enetronica reports revenue and profit drop for 2016
The Italian solar developer saw its turnover and profits decline slightly last year. The company acquired Italian solar inverter manufacturer Elettronica Santerno in late 2016.
UAE-based Ocean Holding plans to invest $100 million in solar in Armenia
Armenia’s Ministry of Energy has signed a MoU with UAE-based Ocean Holding for the construction of PV plants with a combined capacity of over 100 MW.
EDF joins consortium building phase III of Dubai’s 1 GW solar plant
The French power utility will join forces with a consortium led by Abu Dhabi-based developer Masdar to build the third 800 MW phase of the largest PV project in the UAE.
Ukraine’s PV capacity tops 530.8 MW
Ukraine installed almost 100 MW of new PV systems in 2016. The country’s cumulative installed PV power reached 530.8 at the end of last year. Local agency SAEE predicts 150 MW of new PV installations for 2017, while the association UARE expects between 300 MW and 400 MW.
