German scientists use germanium to improve performance of kesterite solar cells
Although current efficiencies for solar cells based on kesterite do not exceed 12.6%, the use of germanium may enable the development of cells with a higher energy band gap.
Solar Show Africa: Financing remains key bottleneck
Financing is the main bottleneck in the African solar industry, while private sector support is key for the deployment of PV projects. High quality products and solutions are also a focus. This is what came out of the recent Solar Show Africa event, held last week in Johannesburg.
GCL Group, Softbank sign MOU for 4 GW of solar manufacturing in Andhra Pradesh
The Asian companies will form a joint venture in India to execute the plan. The project’s total investment is expected to be around US$930 million, which will be used for the production of solar PV ingots, wafers, cells, modules and batteries.
Germany adds another 200 MW of solar in February
After an encouraging start to the year, solar PV demand in Germany remained at January’s level. Almost half of the new additions came from ground-mounted power plants.
Zergoun Green Energy to open 180 MW module factory in Algeria
The Algerian manufacturer will distribute its modules mainly to the Algerian market, but also in other African countries, including Senegal, Ivory Coast and Benin.
Comtec to focus on downstream and 156mm x 156mm “Super Mono” wafer business
In the past financial year, the Chinese solar manufacturer and project developer implemented a plan to expand activities in the downstream solar sector, while downsizing its wafer manufacturing. In the future, Comtec will focus on its 156mm x 156mm “Super Mono” wafer business, and will ship no more than 500 MW per year.
Longi plans 228 MW PV project, signs $787 million polysilicon supply agreement
Longi Green Energy Technology Co., Ltd has announced plans to build a 228 MW solar PV project in China. The Chinese vertically integrated solar PV manufacturer has also signed a 39,600 metric ton (MT) high purity polysilicon agreement with Daqo New Energy Corp.
Belgium: Flemish government to support pilot floating solar projects with €6 million
The funds are part of a €100 million investment plan. The pilot projects will be developed on water surfaces that are not utilized for other purposes.
NextEra reveals 2.75 GW solar module deal with JinkoSolar
The U.S.-based power giant has announced that it is the mysterious counterparty that will be supporting JinkoSolar’s foray into U.S. manufacturing, and Jinko has revealed that its Florida factory will have a 400 MW annual capacity.
Fotowatio wins Armenia’s 50 MW solar tender
The solar facility will sell power to the local grid at around US$0.04/kWh. The project is part of Armenia’s six-year $58 million solar program.
