Solar Decathlon Europe winners announced
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University has been crowned this years winner of the Solar Decathlon Europe 2010 competition for its Lumenhaus submission.
Kaneka increases production capacity by 80 MW
Japan-based Kaneka Solartech Co., Ltd. has completed the expansion of its thin film photovoltaics facilities by 80 megawatts (MW), thus bringing its annual production total to 150 MW. Meanwhile, the company says it is looking to further expand its solar energy operations.
Milenio Solar sets its sights on El Salvador solar market
Signalling its interest in the El Salvadorian solar market, Milenio Solar has signed a contract for a parabolic through power plant feasibility study with Inversiones Energéticas S.A. de C.V.
Comment: Retreat to mañana
Following the Spanish government’s decision to scrap both its July 1 deadline to reduce renewable energy subsidies, and a planned hike for consumer power tariffs this month, Luis López talks to pv magazine about the country’s dispute over the cuts in solar incentives.
Italy plans solar incentives cuts of 18 percent
The Italian government plans to cut incentives for solar power producers by an average of 18 percent in 2011, according to an official, in a cut below market expectations.
New world record for solar cell efficiency announced
A new world record, confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), for large area silicon wafers has been set.
Rooftop PV and BIPV could generate 40 percent of EUs electricity demand
Rooftop and façade photovoltaics (PV) could generate up to 40 percent of Europes electricity demand by 2020, according to a leading industry body.
China tenders more utility-scale solar power projects
China has started a massive open tender of utility-scale solar power projects after a smaller tender last year, in an effort, analysts said, to help Beijing set on-grid power prices for such projects, reports Reuters.
International pressure on Spanish government paying off
The international pressure being placed on Spains government seems to be working. Spains Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has vetoed the legislative proposal of the Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism, Miguel Sebastián, and ruled out subsequent cuts in the Spanish system of compensation for solar energy.
Juwi installs PV system in Senegal health centre
Helping to realize the electrification of rural areas in West Africa, the Juwi group has installed a photovoltaic power plant in a Senegalese health centre. The company has also said that demand for off-grid solar island systems will rise in light of increasing oil and gas prices.
