Development lender announces 30 MW Burkina Faso solar project
The monocrystalline facility, planned near the town of Pâ by Swiss-owned developer Urbasolar following a tender, will help the government towards its target of reaching 200 MW of solar capacity this year.
Solar-led renewable energy system could free up 10% of Caribbean nation’s GDP
A mix of solar and wind power can help Antigua and Barbuda to an almost-90% renewable energy system, and green hydrogen could then show the path to hitting the national ambition of 100% green power by 2030, and net zero by 2050.
Flexible perovskite quantum dot solar cell with 15.1% efficiency
An international research team has developed a PV cell with all-inorganic cesium-lead iodide (CsPbI3) perovskite. The scientists added phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), one of the best electron acceptors in organic PV cells, into the CsPbI3 quantum dot layer.
Why human rights protection is pushing up PV module prices
The solar industry typically sees itself as being supportive of the environment, humanity, and human rights. Even large Chinese PV manufacturers publish statements to this effect, particularly if they are listed on Western stock exchanges. But what do human rights have to do with the solar industry? What connections exist, asks Martin Schachinger of pvXchange, and how are they important to the future success of the European PV market?
International solar fund weathers Australia’s storms, grid constraints
Foresight Solar Fund’s 2020 annual report puts problems for four powerful Australian PV assets into context.
LG to invest in US battery production for EVs, energy storage
LG says its new expansion plan will give it a total production capacity of more than 110 GWh in the United States.
The weekend read: Unprecedented plans and investments in Chinese PV production capacity
“Unprecedented” was a term widely used in 2020, as the world grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic. The same word can be similarly applied to the plans and investments in production capacity announced by Chinese PV manufacturers right across the supply chain. But what shape are these expansions taking and what is driving this renewed confidence? Vincent Shaw reports from Shanghai.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: New polysilicon deal, more cell and module capacity
Xinte Energy has secured a supply contract for 152,400 metric tons of polysilicon. Talesun and Longi are both expanding their respective cell capacities by 5 GW.
Greece, Cyprus and Israel take a further step to link their grids
The three Mediterranean countries of Greece, Cyprus and Israel signed this week an agreement to develop a subsea cable that links their electricity grids. Upon completion, the so-called EuroAsia Interconnector will be the world’s longest subsea power cable and could boost solar PV development in all three countries substantially.
Solar tile made in Germany
German manufacturer Autarq is selling its solar tiles at a price ranging from €25 to €30 per piece. It claims a PV system built with these products can cover around 70% of household needs.
