The pv magazine weekly news digest
As the global solar market nears the end of its tenth consecutive year of growth, the EU-China trade spat looks set to continue, Indian ambitions soar once more, and mono-efficiency reaches new heights.
Interview: Bringing solar power to West Africa with Off Grid Electric
CEO of Off Grid Electric Xavier Helgesen discusses the company’s goal of bringing solar power systems to three million West Africans and explains how off-grid solar is gaining wider acceptance as a “real” power source that can transform local economies.
India to spend $1.8bn on power lines to support growing solar base
As part of the green corridor project, the Power Grid Corp. of India will build power lines to transmit 20 GW of power capacity across 34 individual solar power plants. Project cost to run to $1.8 billion.
1366, Hanwha Q Cells achieve 19.6% multicrystalline cell efficiency
Using 1366’s groundbreaking kerfless silicon wafers and Hanwha’s proprietary PERC cell process, the cells’ remarkable performance was verified by an independent testing firm.
Azure Power completes first phase of 14 MW Delhi Metro solar installation
The Indian renewables developer has finished phase one of the rooftop project at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation’s Sultanpur facility at a tariff of $0.083/kWh.
Trina Solar sets new 22.61% mono PERC efficiency record
The Chinese Tier 1 solar developer announces a new conversion efficiency for its mono-crystalline silicon PERC cell that surpasses its previous world record by a full half-percentage point.
Panasonic to supply PV modules to Tesla from Japan, Malaysia
The collaboration between the two companies is moving beyond Panasonic running the Tesla/SolarCity gigafactory, and will enable Panasonic to re-open a factory in Japan.
Interview: Younicos discusses latest 49 MW UK storage deal
Following this week’s announcement that Younicos will supply a 49 MW storage system in the U.K., pv magazine caught up with the company’s president and CEO Stephen L. Prince to find out more about the project, and Younicos’ wider objectives.
Bill Gates’ energy innovation fund commits to $1 billion in investment
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is backing research on low- and zero-carbon technologies; however, their guidelines show a lack of understanding of solar technology and market development.
Meyer Burger attracts further investment
The signs continue to be positive for Meyer Burger’s capital increase, as the Swiss solar equipment manufacturer has announced a fourth separate investor in just a couple of weeks, this time with an investment of CHF 10.8 million (USD 10.7 million).
