Soft-cost learning curve key to ARENAs large-scale program
ARENAs shortlist of projects under its AU$100 million (US$69.4 million) support program for large-scale PV aims to drive down soft costs including construction costs, finance, and BoS components, says the agencys CEO Ivor Frischknecht. Shortlisted projects developers include large international companies with proven track records, indicating such cost reductions appear likely.
SolarWorld hits 22% PERC efficiency
At a presentation of its latest solar innovations yesterday in Freiberg, Germanys largest solar cell and module manufacturer announced a PERC efficiency of 22%. Advances in busbar-less modules with half cells and bifacial PV modules were also announced.
LG expansion due to NeON being "almost sold out"
Koreas LG has confirmed that all of the four new lines to be added to its cell and module production facility in Gumi through 2018 will employ high efficiency cell and module tech. The expansion is on the back of compelling demand for its NeON 2 modules, which employ n-type mono cell technology along with busbarless cell interconnection.
Solar gets a nod in U.S. President Obamas last State of the Union address
U.S. President Obama pushed solar and other forms of renewable energy in his final State of the Union address, as well alluding to penalizing fossil fuels for environmental externalities.
Swissolar calls for doubling of PV installation rate, hits 300 MW for 2015
Switzerland installed around 300 MW of new PV capacity in 2015. The countrys solar association Swissolar has called for that to be more than doubled in 2016 to 800 MW and for solar to play a bigger role replacing nuclear capacity as the country closes down its older reactors.
Neo Solar Power finishes 2015 with strong revenue
While quarterly revenue growth was flat year-over-year, December 2015 saw the Taiwanese cell maker’s second-highest revenue to date.
China: Longi invests RMB 1bn in 100 MW PV plant in Shaanxi
The monocrystalline silicon manufacturer in expanding its downstream business has invested approximately RMB 1bn in Shaanxi province for the development of a 100 MW solar PV plant.
Hillary Clinton criticizes retroactive changes to Nevadas net metering policy
In an interview with the Las Vegas Sun, the Democratic front-runner repeats calls for more renewable energy and says regulators should not be changing the rules retroactively.
Spain's Supreme Court will consider a challenge to the sun tax
The highest court in Spain has declared an administrative appeal by APPA against RD 900/2015 to be legally admissible. This regulation on self-consumption PV systems contains increased charges for these types of systems.
Scotland: solar, wind enjoyed 'huge' year in 2015, says WWF
WWF Scotland publishes data revealing renewables delivered record energy for Scotland in 2015, with solar meeting half or more of household electricity or hot water needs during seven months of the year.
