French government pledges EUR 18.5 million for solar research institute
The cutting-edge establishment — Institut Photovoltaique d’Ile-de-France (IPVF) — will be part-funded by the country’s state-backed French National Research Agency (ANR) to promote solar R&D.
International partners join ASU on SunShot-funded cell efficiency endeavor
Australia’s UNSW and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology are working with Arizona State University, Caltech and MIT to produce high-efficiency, ultra-thin silicon solar cells.
New 7 million solar energy research center launched in Wales
Swansea University, with the financial backing of the Welsh government, has launched the Ser Solar Initiative at Baglan Energy Park, which will be chaired by Professor James Durrant.
Fraunhofer ISE: Minimal deviation in module quality measurements globally
The Fraunhofer ISE CalLab PV Modules has compared the results of their PV modules measurements with three other top international measurement labs for PV modules. The round robin tests show that all measurements have a minimal deviation of ±1% from the mean, and thereby fall well within the measurement precision of 1.8%.
New solar cell structure sets record
A new world record efficiency for solar sunlight conversion has been set by a cell structure with four solar sub-cells. The solar cell has managed to hit a new record efficiency of 44.7% and is the brainchild of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Soitec, CEA-Leti and the Helmholtz Center Berlin.
Sol Voltaics receives $9.4 million funding for nanotech development
The Sweden-based startup convinces Norwegian investors Umoe and others to invest close to $10 million to help the company develop the nanotechnology that can create 25% more efficient solar cells.
ReneSola closes $70 million share offering in preparation for polysilicon optimization
Chinese PV manufacturer ReneSola successfully closes $70 million securities offering on the NYSE, announcing that proceeds received are to be used for polysilicon production optimization.
Scottish solar pyramid nominated for Solar Power Portal Award
Innovative solar system installed on a pyramid-shaped office building by the U.K.’s Sustainable Renewable Technologies (SRT) earns nomination for “Most Innovative System Design” in the Solar Power Portal Award.
Scatec Solar connects South Africa's first renewable independent power project to the grid
European PV specialists Scatec Solar connect their 75 MW solar plant to South Africa’s grid three months ahead of schedule, making it the first renewable energy independent power producer procurement program (REIPPPP) in the country.
North Carolina researchers improve stacked solar cell connections
The breakthrough will allow solar cell manufacturers to create stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage at the connecting junctions, potentially improving conversion efficiency.
