Philippine utility Meralco receives Southeast Asia’s lowest solar bid
In a tender for 50 MW of solar, local PV module manufacturer and project developer, Solar Philippines submitted a bid of P2.34 (US$0.044) per kWh.
The weekend read: “It’s all about controlling the hydrogen”
When pioneering and award-winning solar researcher Stuart Wenham passed away suddenly shortly before Christmas last year, some in the PV industry may have wondered what would become of his research into the role of hydrogen in crystalline silicon cells. His daughter, Alison Ciesla is answering that question alongside Wenham’s former team at UNSW, advancing its work into the crucial role of hydrogen in the degradation of silicon cells.
Australia to get first solar-powered crypto mining farm
A data center, which will be used for crypto and Bitcoin mining, will be powered by a combination of solar power generated at an adjacent 20 MW solar PV farm and coal-fired generator.
Trina to supply 167 MW modules to Europe’s largest PV plant
The Chinese solar module manufacturer will supply 167 MW worth of modules to what is on track to becoming Spain’s, and Europe’s, largest PV plant when completed.
Australia’s national electricity policy moves forward, but roadblocks remain
Mixed messages have emerged from today’s meeting between the Australian state and federal energy ministers’ meeting, after what was meant to have been a decisive point for the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) policy measure. Fundamental opposition from some states under Labor governments exists, however an agreement to release the draft legislation was reached – after it passes the test of the Federal Liberal party room.
5 GW of renewable plans hang in the balance following reenaction of Iranian sanctions
As U.S. President Trump re-imposed sanctions on Iran, many solar companies – predominantly from Europe – were in the process of developing massive project pipelines in the country. These are now in jeopardy, even with blocking statute imposed by the EU. Those seeking to pursue plans demand safe financial channels from the EU in order to continue developing PV projects, and to signal a clear commitment to the Iran Nuclear Deal.
Indian court to hear Vikram Solar’s safeguard duty petition next week
The Government of India will also consider changes to the 25% safeguard duty imposed on solar cell imports from China and Malaysia only after the next hearing in the Odisha High Court, which stayed the levy.
Centrotherm order intake from PV industry remains below expectations
The German PV equipment provider has improved sales and results in the first half of the year. The company, however, received more orders from the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. In the next 12 months, centrotherm expects new orders from the Chinese solar industry.
SMA closes first half of 2018 with higher earnings and revenue
The company reports having shipped 4.3 GW of PV inverter capacity, which marks a significant year-on-year increase. While revenues increased slightly, net income improved by a higher margin.
US: EIA forecasts modest, uneven solar market growth in 2019
The organization’s short-term energy outlook forecasts that 10.3 GW-AC of solar will be installed in 2019, a 7% growth from 2018 – but for 60% of this solar to come online in December.
