India’s ‘world’s biggest’ solar auction delayed by a month
The bid submission deadline for the national 10 GW PV project plus manufacturing tender is now November 12. According to officials, there are amendments to be made to the tender requirements.
Renewables make up more than 20% of generation in 10 US states, with more on the way
Recent analysis from the Department of Energy shows the Midwest and Plains States lead, but the coasts are on track to catch up thanks to mandates.
American scientists give PV a paint job
Berkeley researchers have discovered a shade of blue – dating back to ancient Egypt – which has impressive qualities they say could reduce building energy consumption and boost solar energy output. Meanwhile, the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory has developed a perovskite cell material that could be applied to a substrate using a paintbrush.
Hawaii’s march to 100% adds 260 MW solar + 1 GWh storage
The Hawaiian Electric Companies are in negotiations with developers to build seven solar projects across three islands.
Solar funding moves from companies to projects
Mercom Capital’s latest report shows sustained low levels of funding for solar companies, but strong investment in solar projects and many acquisitions.
Bankset Energy announces GW-scale plans for solar railways the world over
Bankset Energy Corporation has ambitious plans to install gigawatts of solar PV on railway sleepers across the globe. While the first installation took place in Switzerland, work is under way on projects in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, China and Italy; and gearing up in Austria and Spain. pv magazine speaks to Bankset Group president, Patrick Buri.
EDF now aims to become e-mobility leader
EDF has launched yet another ambitious plan, this time aiming to become the leader in e-mobility by 2022. It has outlined three targets, and cemented new partnerships, to achieve this goal.
Australia: Macquarie provides capital for 11 GW Pilbara renewable energy hub
The Asian Renewable Energy Hub’s generation capacity has been boosted from 9 GW to 11 GW, as Macquarie Group has pledged to invest in the project that aims to export power to South East Asia, as well as supply big miners and green hydrogen projects in the Pilbara region, Western Australia.
Module prices have decreased by up to 25% so far this year, TrendForce says
According to the Gold Member Solar Report by EnergyTrend (Q3 2018), monocrystalline module prices have fallen almost 20% this year, while those for polycrystalline modules have dropped by more than 25%. Increased consolidation among manufacturers and developers is expected to occur in China and the global solar market, with more merger deals, plans for capacity reductions and even factory closures.
Renewables are now the cheapest source of energy, says EBRD
Announcing its participation at the FT Climate Finance Summit in London, the bank says that through targeted financial commitments, increasing competition and progressive policy changes, prices for renewable energy resources have come down to US$0.025/ kWh in Egypt and Jordan, for example. The bank calls for a change in investment practices to further this development.
