Technology and R&D

A new study has concluded that Germany’s power grids are “well prepared” to handle the future expansion of photovoltaics (PV) generation to the planned 52 gigawatts by 2020, the level stipulated by the country’s government in its National Action Plan for Renewable Energy.

China Trends Holdings Limited has said it is looking to develop one million solar electric cars, along with China Innovation Investment Limited and China Oriental Numerical Control Company Limited.

According to a new report, Sunbelt countries – those located within +/- 35° latitude around the equator – constitute an “immense” opportunity for photovoltaics (PV) to become mainstream by 2020; by 2030 they could develop into a “major” electricity source.

Bernreuter Research states that the feedstock is sufficient for 27.5 gigawatts in 2011.

A new testing service from FM Approvals and TÜV Rheinland can now enable photovoltaic module manufacturers to get certification and market entry quicker and easier.

Solar Frontier announced today that it has signed a deal with IBM to jointly develop thin film technology based on copper, zinc, tin, sulfur and selenium (CZTS).

India is ahead of its intital target for solar power. The ambitious Solar Mission plan issued last year seems to be hitting the right numbers.

How can thin films that use copper, indium, gallium and selenium find fast market acceptance has been a big question for CIGS technology developers. The answer, perhaps not surprisingly, depends on the size of their bank accounts and factories.

A new report released by industry analyst firm NanoMarkets states that new materials for thin films will grow in importance.

U.S. states and utilities are likely to face a number of challenges in meeting aggressive solar energy targets, according to Ryan Wiser, co-author of a new study issued from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).