India’s SECI defers 10 GW solar auction, again
India’s much-hyped 10 GW solar auction has hit another roadblock. The state-run Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)’s tender bids for 10 GW of ISTS-connected solar PV power projects linked with 3 GW (per annum) solar man-ufacturing capacity, has now been extended to October 12.
Solargiga completes 1 GW module production increase
The Chinese solar equipment manufacturer says it has successfully ramped up its PV module line to a total annual output of 2.2 GW, and upgraded 150 MW of existing capacity to produce monocrystalline n-type IBC cell BS modules.
An investigation at China’s National Energy Agency might delay PV programs
On September 21, the Communist Party of China’s anti-graft body said in a statement that it is investigating the head of the country’s energy agency for “serious” disciplinary violations. While some believe the investigation will not change the country’s PV industry, others fear it could hamper crucial programs.
International Solar Alliance boosted by EIB funds
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) received a significant boost at the New York One Planet Summit, with European Investment Bank (EIB) President, Werner Hoyer announcing a commitment to back the ISA in its expansion of India’s solar industry and the exchange of technology.
America’s largest PV plant comes online in Mexico
Italian energy company, Enel has announced the completion of its 828 MW Villanueva project, including the recent expansion phase, together with the completion of an additional portion of the Don José solar plant, which has now reached 260 MW. Overall, 1,089 MW of PV capacity was grid-connected through the several phases of both projects.
EU PVSEC: “Multicrystalline silicon will not die”
At first glance, the European PV conference this week has confirmed the widespread view that the upswing of monocrystalline technology will accelerate. But a closer look reveals that multicrystalline solar cells are still in the game.
France assigns 230 MW in rooftop solar tender
Final prices were 5% lower than in the previous tender of the same kind. Around 40% of the selected projects were submitted by agricultural enterprises.
Brazil earmarks $0.5 billion for solar, wind
The new funds will come from Brazilian development bank, BNDES and will help small businesses, individuals and communities to implement commercial solar PV and wind power projects. Financing will be granted to projects using equipment that complies with local content requirements.
International research group develops solar cell with storage properties
Although the “solar flow battery” is currently considered too expensive by its own creators, a further improvement of its design and the use of emerging solar materials and new electrochemistry may open new opportunities for this kind of technology.
Acciona presents ‘world’s first’ blockchain renewable energy certification platform
The technology is said to use blockchain’s properties of providing secure real-time and fully transparent data. The company says that ensuring renewable energy certificates is becoming increasingly important. This is the first step towards a more comprehensive platform that seeks to cover renewable energy assets from other energy companies as well.
