WFES: First Solar launches free online power plant assessment tool
U.S. thin film manufacturer and project developer First Solar has launched its free Energy Capacity Assessment Tool, which allows potential power plant developers or investors to plot out a PV power plant online to assess its feasibility. First Solars online tool calculates the potential electricity output and revenue of a power plant, using data pertaining to local irradiation and conditions, along with the companys CdTe modules and power plant design parameters.
US utility's plans to manage DG transition
NRG Energy has told investors of its plans to surf the wave of DG and renewables… whilst maximising returns from its fossil fuel generators.
Serbia shuns solar
Belgrade government hopes to entice energy project investment, and impress the EU, by liberalizing electricity market but is still only aiming for 10 MW of new solar.
The pv magazine weekly news digest
How the incompetence of politicians gave the world large scale PV and Angela Merkel says it is time for a ‘respite from solar’, Germany’s gift to the world, but developers who head to Greece will have all their prayers answered, as long as they vote for the right party.
Merkel: Respite from photovoltaics
The somewhat cynical wording of the German chancellor was like a punch in the gut to the solar industry. Speaking at the German Renewable Energy Federation’s new year reception in Berlin, Angela Merkel said she shared the skepticism about capacity markets. Overall, however, she offered few clear positions.
Japan earmarks $1.12 billion for renewable energy
The government’s budget is expected to include nearly $40 million aimed at lowering the cost of solar power generation.
Dead Sea PV plant brings affordable energy to Palestinian households
The opening of the 710 kW first phase of the planned 1.5 MW Dead Sea Photovoltaic Generating Plant has resulted in dramatic drops in electricity prices for Palestinian households that were formerly dependent on high Israeli utility rates.
US: Solar better investment than stocks, study finds
A typical solar PV system represents a better investment than the stock market in 46 of America’s largest 50 cities, according to a report from NC Clean Energy Technology Center.
Etrion confident about planned 138 MW pipeline in Japan
In addition to the 34 MW already under construction, Etrion and Hitachi High-Tech are reviewing a large project pipeline in different stages of development; the four most advanced projects total 138 MW.
Imec reports 22% efficiency for large area PERT cell
The micro and nanoelectronics research center says the new developments, resulting in additional improvement in conversion efficiency, further confirm the potential of n-type PERT cells for next-generation highly efficient silicon solar cells.
