A new research project at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), is aiming to get photovoltaics applied in brave new ways and many more places. The project, at the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Low-Carbon Living at UNSW, will focus on a range of techniques, applications and potential impediments relating to photovoltaic technology.

A three-year multilateral and multinational research project has been launched, aimed at bringing efficiency, output and utilization gains right across the photovoltaic system. From cell to smart grid, the ERG project will involve research and development businesses, and bodies from eight European countries.

A three-year multilateral and multinational research project has been launched aimed at bringing efficiency and output gains right across the photovoltaic system. From cell to smart grid, the ERG project will involve research and development businesses and bodies from eight European countries.

In light of increased financing costs and major European photovoltaic markets facing an uncertain immediate future, S.A.G. Solarstrom AG has today reported that earnings are down for 2011.

New research from the University of Cambridge in the U.K. is developing a method by which more of sun’s spectrum can be harnessed by a photovoltaic cell. In theory, the hybrid semiconductor method could push through the theoretical efficiency barrier limiting silicon solar cells.

GE has announced that it has entered into an agreement to supply 24 MW of photovoltaics to Invenergy. It will be installed at the Grand Ridge Solar project, which adjacent to the 210-MW Grand Ridge Wind project, which GE also supplied.

In what may cause a headache for SolarWorld, a Christmas card sent from the German branch of the company has caused outrage amongst some Chinese-American’s involved in the photovoltaic industry. The card features an Asian caricature with a Fu Manchu mustache dressed in a Santa suit.

In a price move that hasn’t been seen for some time, photovoltaic module prices increased in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to figures published today by IMS Research.

The British Government has introduced a plan to lower photovoltaic feed-in tariffs (FIT) with effect from March 3, 2012.

Earlier this week, some news outlets published claims that MEMC Electronic Materials, through its SunEdison subsidiary, was going to invest 350 billion yen (USD4.6 billion) in Japan’s downstream photovoltaic market. The report said that the funds had been earmarked despite many details surrounding Japan’s feed-in tariff being unclear.