SOLAR-ERA.NET launches €22 million call to co-fund development of innovative solar technologies
Through the joint call, the European organization is seeking to provide financial backing for, among other PV and CSP technologies, high-performance crystalline silicon and thin film technologies which can increase module efficiency and decrease turn-key system costs.
U.S. scientists develop scale for measuring perovskite energy
A team from Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory has been able to observe electronic properties of perovskites at the quantum scale, and made discoveries likely to impact the development of perovskite solar cells.
India to launch its own battery cell production
India’s PV sector is expanding at a serious pace, creating jobs and further securing energy supply for many businesses. Yet, sourcing battery cell technology at the current rate resulted in annual foreign exchange of $150 million creating deficits, that hopefully can be averted in the future.
Algerian government approves 200 MW of PV tenders
The new tenders, which will be open to both domestic and international players, will select grid-connected IPP projects totaling 150 MW and off-grid hybrid gas/diesel and solar projects with a combined capacity of 50 MW.
Afghanistan issues tender for hybrid solar
After awarding two hybrid solar projects to China’s Shuangdeng Group and India’s Waare in late May, the Afghan government has now launched a new bid for a 5 MW hybrid solar plant in Ghor province.
Scatec to build two solar plants under FIT in Ukraine
Two PV plants totaling 83 MW will be constructed by the Norwegian developer in the Cherkassy region.
The weekend read: Solar’s coming of age in the UK
Subsidy-free solar PV plants have generated buzz in the UK, with some plants commissioned and others planned to be developed outside of any public remuneration scheme. pv magazine explores whether the UK solar industry is ready to embrace the trend in bulk soon.
Fortum selling 54% shares of its 185 MW PV portfolio in India
The company was adamant that it will not exit the Indian PV market, after rumors last October suggested that the company will sell its PV assets in India. Now, the company reiterates its commitment and stresses that additional funding will be used to develop new assets.
Nord LB finances Danish solar parks
The German bank will provide around €40 million. Part of the money is earmarked for PV projects awarded contracts in the first cross-border tender between Germany and Denmark.
Construction begins on 168 MW project in Vietnam
Singapore based developer Sunseap International has announced the start of construction on 168 MW project located in Ninh Thuan Province in the south of Vietnam. According to Sunseap, the project will be the largest built to date in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
