New approach to automating peer-to-peer renewables distribution
Sony lab and LF Energy are developing a new approach to enable peer-to-peer microgrid energy trading, so remote communities can store and distribute energy without connecting to large-scale power stations or distribution grids.
SolarEdge to supply electric powertrain units, batteries for Fiat EV
SolarEdge e-Mobility will supply Fiat with full electrical powertrain units and batteries for the automaker’s E-Ducato light commercial vehicle.
Solar, storage to take over from Australian uranium mine
The Ranger Uranium Mine ceased production in Australia’s Kakadu National Park in January, following years of financial losses. Now, as part of a multimillion dollar rejuvenation of the park, there are plans to develop a solar and battery storage hybrid project near the town of Jabiru.
Silfab Solar launches 21.4%-efficient back contact residential panel
The new interdigitated back-contact module comes with power outputs ranging from 370 to 380 W and is the most powerful panel produced by the company to date.
UK makes Europe’s latest battery gigafab announcement
Coventry City Council, in the English West Midlands, wants to attract a £2 billion gigafab and is already in talks with nearby motor manufacturers, and with global battery suppliers, according to regional politician Andy Street.
Renewables targets falling by the wayside, according to African solar survey
An overview of the state of solar across the continent by trade body the Africa Solar Industry Association has highlighted a patchy policy landscape where clean power ambitions are often not followed through.
First attempt to fabricate solar cells based on antimony selenoiodide
South Korean scientists have produced a solar cell based on antimony selenoiodide, with a 4.1% efficiency, a short-circuit current density of 14.8 mA cm2, an open-circuit voltage of 473.0 mV, and a fill factor of 58.7%. They claim the cell exhibits excellent stability in humid conditions.
Quantum dot solar cells and the search for stability
In various forms, quantum dot technology has attracted plenty of attention among PV researchers recently. And as efficiencies have crept past the 15% mark, the community is beginning to look at other factors limiting the viability of quantum dot solar cells in a commercial setting. Scientists in Germany examined the degradation mechanisms affecting different quantum dot materials; and suggest a standardization of stability testing to enable comparability of results.
A2A buys 173 MW of grid-parity solar in Italy
The Italian energy provider agreed to buy 17 unsubsidized solar plants from U.K.-based Octopus Renewables for €205 million.
Belgium’s Flanders region unveils compensation scheme for PV systems affected by smart meter disruption
The draft regulation has now been sent to the country’s Council of State for review. If approved, the new rules will grant prosumers the right to ask to postpone the installation of a smart meter until 2025. Furthermore, the Flemish government said it will also compensate PV system owners with a sum that should ensure a reasonable investment return of 5%.
