A call to action
Solar PV has come a long way as a power generation technology. As highlighted in SolarPower Europe’s Global Market Outlook for 2018 to 2022, solar added 98 GW of net generation capacity last year, eclipsing all other forms of electricity generation. But solar needs to do a lot more, and to do it very soon if we want to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and keep global warming to below 1.5°C from pre-industrial levels.
EU-funded initiative set to launch new anti-soiling coating
A project backed by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program says it has developed a self-cleaning coating for modules which is also anti reflective and weather resistant. The project – SolarSharc – expects to launch the product next year.
Leclanché plans for debt restructure helped by Swiss Takeover Board
Agreement to wave requirement for chief shareholder FEFAM to conduct a full takeover paves way for shareholders to vote through a debt-for-equity swap that will reduce the historic battery maker’s debts by a reported 65% next Tuesday.
IRENA clarion call for G20 leaders may fall on deaf ears
In an advisory requested by Argentinian hosts, agency reports on the role solar can play in firing the energy transition up to 2050 – but was anybody listening?
Inverters from China to be spared 25% tariffs – for at least 90 days
Enphase, Huawei and other companies which make inverters in China may be the beneficiaries of a compromise struck between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.
Hanwha Q Cells posts $165m loss in Q3
The South Korean PV manufacturer saw sales increase slightly in the last quarter. Net losses, however, more than quadrupled compared to the previous period.
Beijing prepares to take more planned approach to solar
Curtailment issues will prompt Chinese government to focus on new project development in the urban east, to reduce power losses. The central authorities also want to ramp up the electricity trading market and peak shaving technology.
Denmark’s wind-solar auction ends with average premium tariff of €0.0031/kWh, and almost 40% of capacity assigned to solar
Although wind power had the largest share with 165 MW of capacity, solar was able to secure the same number of projects and a total capacity of 104 MW. The Danish Energy Agency had received 17 bids, including 280 MW of solar projects.
EU must step up co-ordination of renewable energy research
The chairman of the European Energy Research Alliance says the EU must bring national research centers together in a continent-wide effort before it is too late, and the COP24 meeting needs to send out a positive message to the world.
A vision of carbon neutral power around the globe by 2050
A scenario in which no additional oil, coal or nuclear capacity is built and renewables grow at a pace of 3-4%, would see solar comprise 69% of the global electricity system by 2050. According to an EU thinktank, such an effort would boost European manufacturing, creating jobs and prosperity.
