Emiliano Bellini
German scientists use germanium to improve performance of kesterite solar cells
Although current efficiencies for solar cells based on kesterite do not exceed 12.6%, the use of germanium may enable the development of cells with a higher energy band gap.
Zergoun Green Energy to open 180 MW module factory in Algeria
The Algerian manufacturer will distribute its modules mainly to the Algerian market, but also in other African countries, including Senegal, Ivory Coast and Benin.
Comtec to focus on downstream and 156mm x 156mm “Super Mono” wafer business
In the past financial year, the Chinese solar manufacturer and project developer implemented a plan to expand activities in the downstream solar sector, while downsizing its wafer manufacturing. In the future, Comtec will focus on its 156mm x 156mm “Super Mono” wafer business, and will ship no more than 500 MW per year.
Belgium: Flemish government to support pilot floating solar projects with €6 million
The funds are part of a €100 million investment plan. The pilot projects will be developed on water surfaces that are not utilized for other purposes.
Fotowatio wins Armenia’s 50 MW solar tender
The solar facility will sell power to the local grid at around US$0.04/kWh. The project is part of Armenia’s six-year $58 million solar program.
US researchers mull zinc oxide as solar cell manufacturing alternative to titanium dioxide
The group of scientists has identified a new process by which holes get trapped in nanoparticles made of zinc oxide.
Canadian Solar buys 97.6 MW project in Argentina
The solar facility, planned to be built in the northwestern province of Salta, was awarded a 20-year PPA in the second round (Ronda 1.5) of the Argentinean program for large-scale renewable energy projects, RenovAr.
Israel issues 1.6 GW scheme for rooftop solar
The scheme, set to be implemented over the next three years, includes net metering, FITs for small-scale solar, and a series of tenders.
Malaysia’s Tenaga awards another six PPAs for 180 MW of solar
The 21-year PPAs are the latest in a series of projects and supply deals that have been announced by the Malaysian power utility in recent months.
Sweden’s operational PV capacity tops 231 MW
Although there is still confusion between different numbers provided by the Swedish energy agency, Energimyndigheten, new statistics suggest that Sweden was the largest PV market in Scandinavia in 2017.
