EU solar manufacturers’ ESG credentials could bolster revival
With calls for a revival in European PV manufacturing becoming more urgent, the Environmental, Social, and Governance credentials of its PV producers are being touted as a way in which manufacturing can be supported or even protected. The case for the ESG credentials of European manufacturing was advanced by multiple speakers at the 2023 SolarPower Summit this week in Brussels.
EU loosens state aid rules for green technologies
The EU’s new state aid rules should lead to more investments in clean tech production. The European Solar Manufacturing Council said the new framework will be the basis of Europe’s future manufacturing ecosystem.
Solarspace opens 1.2 GW solar module factory in Cambodia
Solarspace’s newly minted factory is located in the UBE Snoul Special Economic Zone, in the Snuol district. It will produce PERC panels and will reach full capacity by the end of March 2023.
Silfab Solar raises $125 million for US cell and module manufacturing
The North American module manufacturer announced a second investment round from ARC Financial Corp.
Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cell with 18.73% efficiency
Scientists in China have fabricated a Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cell based on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) as the organic spacer cation. They claim this innovation offers higher power conversion efficiency and outstanding stability.
FuturaSun announces new 2 GW solar module factory in Italy
FuturaSun, an Italian solar panel manufacturer, has acquired land for its new 2 GW solar module plant in an industrial area near Padua, Italy.
State of the (European) union
Gerard Reid, co-founder of corporate finance advisory Alexa Capital, considers whether the EU is up to the task of dealing with the twin threats of the energy crisis and the pull of a revitalized US clean power industry.
Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics for greenhouse applications
Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have used an antioxidant known as L-glutathione as an interlayer in an organic PV cell to prevent other materials from oxidizing. The cell has an efficiency of 13.5% and an average visible transmittance of 21.5%. The researchers said it is suitable for applications in solar greenhouses.
EU wants European PV sector to make 40% of required components by 2030
The European Union is working on a draft proposal, which pv magazine has seen, that would require 85% of the components used in European wind farms – along with 60% of heat pumps, 85% of batteries, and 85% of electrolyzers – to be manufactured on the continent.
French developer to assess impact of solar panels on outdoor poultry farm
Technique Solaire plans to analyze animal behavior in outdoor poultry farms covered with solar panels linked by nets. The setup could be potentially beneficial for the birds and the quality of their meat.
