Sandra Enkhardt
Aerosols affect photovoltaic generation in Europe
The German meteorological service, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and solar forecaster Meteocontrol are investigating how weather events can be better factored in when forecasting solar power generation. The Federal Ministry of Economics is funding the ‘Permastrom’ research project with €2.5 million.
Switzerland deployed 332 MW of solar last year
Cumulative solar generation capacity reached 2.5 GW last year, enough to meet 3.8% of electricity demand.
Germany launches 650 MW tender for ‘innovative’ renewables
The long-awaited procurement exercise includes 250 MW of generation capacity originally intended to be tendered last year.
Meyer Burger reveals locations for new cell, module plants in Germany
Production of highly efficient solar cells and modules will start at two sites in Germany from the first half of 2021. The Swiss tech group plans to eventually expand annual production to 5 GW.
Panasonic unveils first smart city in Berlin
A new project in the German capital combines a range of intelligent energy solutions, including PV systems, storage tanks, and air-to-water heat pumps integrated into an efficient energy management system.
Easing of Covid lockdown helped German big solar in May
The nation added a year-high of almost 450 MW of new capacity during the month to take the five-month total for 2020 to 1,926 MW. The solar subsidy will fall another 1.4% from tomorrow.
Floating solar park begins commercial operations in Germany
Developer 7C Solarparken has deployed a 729 kW floating system on a lake near Salzwedel. Power trader Next Kraftwerke will integrate power generated at the site into its virtual power plant.
Meyer Burger moves to become a solar cell and module manufacturer
Through a CHF165 million capital increase, the Swiss company intends to finance the expansion of capacities for highly efficient solar cells and solar modules in Germany. Production is scheduled to start next year. The strategic partnership with REC Group has been discontinued.
Hanwha Q-Cells wins patent litigation against JinkoSolar, REC Solar and Longi in Germany
The Düsseldorf Regional Court has agreed rivals of the Korean manufacturer illegally used its patented passivation technology. The judges granted Hanwha Q-Cells an injunction which requires Jinko, REC and Longi to retrieve all modules featuring the patented technology distributed in Germany since late January last year. Hanwha can also opt to have the offending products destroyed.
New generation of solar batteries from Sonnen
The latest version of the storage system from the German manufacturer can store up to 55 kWh. Sonnen ensures a lifespan of 10,000 charging cycles.
