Decentralized solar-plus-storage would fire sub-Saharan Africa
According to a UC Berkeley study, the falling costs of storage technologies will make it possible for Sub-Saharan countries to rely on decentralized systems based mainly on solar-plus-storage, bringing access to electricity to more than 600 million people.
The weekend read: The MIP comes to an end
On August 21, the majority of EU member states rejected the request for the initiation of expiry reviews with regards to the antidumping and anti-subsidy measures for crystalline solar PV modules and cells originated in or consigned from the People’s Republic of China. As such, the undertaking on the minimum import price (MIP) expired on September 3, after almost five years in place. Here, Edurne Zoco, Research Director at IHS Markit looks at the changes this will likely bring to Europe’s PV market.
Washington DC 100% renewables bill could supercharge solar
A bill is moving through the DC council to set a more aggressive renewable energy target than any state has yet approved, and to shift the city to solar.
Report eyes alternative battery technologies due to socio-ecological concerns
Lead, sulphuric-acid, nickel, cobalt and rare earth metals are highly toxic and have adverse impacts on the environment and the societies in which they are mined. As the EU is looking to become a world leader in battery production, a report considers new battery technologies – such as sodium-ion – which would have less negative impacts.
China’s Tongwei ramping up solar research and development
Heterojunction and TOPcon cell technologies being explored by Hefei-based cell and module maker. The Chinese giant is also preparing to fly in the face of predictions the big players will curtail plans to expand production after this year’s policy developments in their homeland.
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.
Greece to tender 194 MW of PV capacity
With the government needing to hit 300 MW of capacity before year end, December’s procurement exercise will go ahead despite anticipated complaints over its procedures.
Swedish PV market set for more growth
Although provisional statistics indicated the country had 230 MW of PV capacity at the end of last year, a new report reveals solar growth in 2017 was larger than expected – at 117.6 MW – and that cumulative installed capacity surpassed 300 MW.
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.
Central Asian PV markets create a buzz
Indian solar EPC Sterling and Wilson says it wants to construct 200 MW of PV in Kazakhstan in the next two years, and is eager to get a slice of the Uzbek market too.
