Renewable energy investment high, but industry issues remain
Ernst & Young has published its updated renewable energy country attractiveness indices. While it says the “toxic legacy” of the financial crisis is ongoing, new investment in clean energy reached “unprecedented levels” last year, having hit USD$243 billion.
Is CIGS ready for a comeback?
The CIGS PV market is poised for a comeback according to a new report, which identifies three markets ripe for development, and discusses Chinas potential to take the production lead. However, if it wants to make an impact, it must first overcome its manufacturing hurdles.
HyperSolar aims to reduce solar panel cell numbers by 75 percent?
HyperSolar, Inc. has completed a prototype design of its thin solar concentrator. The companys aim is to reduce the number of solar cells in a panel by 75 percent.
Solar Junction CPV cell hits 41.4 percent efficiency
Solar Junction has achieved 41.4 percent cell efficiency on a concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) multi-junction production cell. The results have been confirmed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
High inventories expected as PV installation demand decreases
According to research, a decrease in demand for new PV installations in the first quarter of the year is expected to cause a “surge” in company inventories.
Suniva achieves 19 percent screen printed cell efficiency
Suniva, Inc. has claimed its ARTisun Select series solar cells, which are now in full-scale production, are achieving over 19 percent conversion efficiencies. This, says the company, is a record.
NREL to invest in early-stage solar technologies
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has said up to USD$7 million will be invested in the development and commercialization of emerging solar energy technologies.
EU renewable energy goals fall short
The EUs renewable energy goals for 2010, which include power generated from photovoltaics, solar thermal and concentrating solar power, have fallen short of expectations.
France: New joint research laboratory for PV polymers
A new public-private mixed research laboratory dedicated to the development of polymer materials for photovoltaic (PV) module technologies has been set up in France.
Abu Dhabi solar power plant on schedule
Masdar, Total S.A. and Abengoa Solar are on track to begin operations at the 100 megawatt concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in the Gulf emirate in the third quarter of 2012 according to the Spanish Abengoa.
