Japan PV auctions not a failure, says IRENA
Land scarcity and grid congestion are the main reasons for unexpectedly low capacity allocations in Japan’s five PV auctions between 2017 and January 2020. However, the auction outcomes should not be seen as disappointing, as the average final prices were close to the cost of electricity for solar, says the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: New planned IPO and more solar glass deals
Huawei has strengthened its technology partnership with Chint, while TBEA is planning an IPO for its polysilicon unit Xinte Energy. Furthermore, glass manufacturers keep acting to overcome current bottleneck.
A 19.5% efficient solar tile with five-busbar technology
The tile has a power output of 45 W, an open circuit voltage of 5.63 V and a short-circuit current of 10.12. The product costs $1.38/W and has a 25-year performance guarantee
Complementary hybrid PV systems can reduce reliance on storage
Looking back over years of research into the topic of hybrid systems based on different combinations of solar, wind, hydro and other renewables, an international group of scientists found strong potential for strategies to exploit complementarity between the different sources integrate more intermittent renewables onto regional and national grids. The scientists present a series of conclusions and recommendations that aim to push research in hybrid renewables forward.
Renewables cheaper than fossil fuel plants by 2030
A report by McKinsey & Company reinforces the widely-held view renewables will supplant fossil fuels in the energy system but also joins the chorus of voices warning the world is on track to fall well short of limiting global temperature rises this century to 1.5C.
Peeking into 2021: Green bonds to reach US$500 billion per year, solar on track to outrank oil and gas
Global management consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers has issued a general economic prediction for 2021. Aside from some general notes on GDP recovery post-Covid, the analysts’ notes were heavily focussed on climate and energy finance and policy.
Bangladesh mandates 2% of loans issued must be for green projects
Some 15% of the finance disbursed must fit the wider definition of being ‘sustainable’ and banks and other lenders have been warned penalties will be applied for non compliance.
Turkey added 672 MW (AC) of PV capacity in 2020
According to official statistics from grid operator TEIAS, the country’s cumulative PV capacity reached 6.66 GW at the end of December.
GCL dilutes stock as senior note deadline approaches
Parent company hopes to raise $535 million from the move with $500 million worth of three-year senior notes owed by its solar project business due to mature on January 30.
Average PPA prices rose in US market in 2020
For the first time since LevelTen Energy began tracking the U.S. market, solar power purchase agreement offer prices rose in 2020, with fourth-quarter prices 11.5% higher than a year earlier.
