US: SEIA reports 18 companies reducing solar deployment, workforce in 2018
U.S. solar trade organization, Solar Energy Idustries Association (SEIA) has listed cancelled investments and hiring as well as job losses in its comments supporting requests for exclusion from Section 201 tariffs.
IRENA: Renewables can account for up to two-thirds of total energy use, and 85% of power generation by 2050
In the latest edition of its long-term renewable energy outlook, IRENA calls for at least six-fold deployment of renewables by 2050, compared to the levels set out in current plans. Investment in low-carbon technologies needs to grow by around 30% to US$120 trillion to enable the energy transition and avoid escalating stranded assets, the report finds.
Fraunhofer ISE, Schmid develop production line concept for custom design modules
German research institute, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and equipment supplier, Schmid have jointly developed a production line for customizable modules for building-integrated projects. According to Fraunhofer ISE, the concepts developed by joint study could reduce the production cost for BIPV modules as much as 35%.
Swedish scientists develop new method to reduce defects in organic solar cells
The researchers found that printed solar cells achieved a better performance when they used an active polymer material as glue.
Algeria to tender up to 170 MW of wind and solar
Through the tender, the Algerian government aims to deploy 50 MW of renewable energy generation capacity in the south of the country – where local power utility, Sonelgaz is currently still relying on diesel generators for electricity production – and another 100 MW to 120 MW at other unspecified locations.
Solargiga reports decline in shipments, turnover due to lower ASPs
In the first quarter of this year, the Chinese solar manufacturer registered a 34% drop in revenue, while quarterly shipments also declined around 19% year-on-year, to 462 MW.
Brazil’s power provider Cemig to hold wind, solar auction on May 16
The auction is intended to replace the loss of the concessions for four hydropower plants, which represented 30% of the company’s power generation capacity. Selected projects will be granted a 20-year PPA.
United Nations provides more funding for solar in Yemen
Solar energy is expanding at a fast pace in the Middle East, including in Yemen, a country which has been plagued by conflict since 2015. Now the United Nations International Development Association (IDA) is injecting another US$50 million to provide urban communities with solar power.
Dutch transmission system operators make room for more solar
Netherlands-based TenneT and Enexis are implementing a series of measures to prepare their networks for more solar power in the regions of Groningen and North Drenthe.
Hanwha Q Cells shuts down wafer production in China
The company’s wafer factory in China was closed in the fourth quarter of 2017. Hanwha Q Cells, however, intends to further produce wafers at its new factory in Turkey.
