SERIS researchers develop new multi-cSi texturing technique
Scientists from the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) have announced the development of a new wet chemical process to allow multi-cSi wafers to be cut with diamond wire saw technology, and subsequently textured to reduce their reflectivity.
Ethiopia’s utility, EEP reveals pre-qualified bidders of 250 MW solar tender
Through the tender, the state-owned power utility of the African country wants to build two PV power plants with a capacity of 125 MW each. The projects are part of a 500 MW solar plan, expected to be implemented via the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program.
The weekend read: Floating on optimism
The past year has been an exciting period for proponents of floating solar. A range of new projects and pilots have been announced across the globe over the past 12 to 14 months, with IHS Markit’s Solar Deal Tracker now listing floating PV installations in 24 countries throughout the world, all in varying stages of development.
Natixis acquires 25 MW in Portugal
The French corporate and investment bank acquired the project from Hyperion Renewables via its unit for responsible investment solutions, Mirova. The project has already secured a 10-year PPA from local power distributor, Axpo Ibéria.
Video Interview: IHS Markit talks sector coupling, storage trends at Energy Storage Europe
IHS Markit’s senior market analyst for energy storage Julian Jansen discusses the role that South Korean battery producers play in the global storage chain, and sees reasons to be bullish for Europe’s own storage market.
Luxembourg scientists provide new insight on how sodium can be used in thin film solar cell manufacturing
The research team found that sodium, contrary to common belief, does not decrease per se indium and gallium interdiffusion, but instead hinders intergrain diffusion by segregating at grain boundaries.
Energy storage-as-a-service: The hottest game in town?
Alexander Schönfeldt of energy storage specialists, Younicos examines the growing trend of energy storage-as-a-service, and explains why the sector is growing at such a rate.
Austrian utility Wien Energie begins solar offensive
Austria’s largest power provider announced a plan to invest around €100 million in solar and €15 million in recharge stations for electric vehicles over the next five years. The company aims at investing mainly in residential and C&I projects.
Four key takeaways from the Solar Solutions exhibition in the Netherlands
The Dutch solar fair has now taken the shape of an international event, due to the increasing number of big players attracted to the Netherland’s PV market, and the high level of professionalization that has been reached by the local ecosystem of installers and distributors. Although a few uncertainties on the possible changes of the current regulatory framework are suggesting caution, solar across all of its segments is clearly set to become a mainstream source of energy nationwide.
Oman taps UK firm for consultation on 1 GW residential solar plan
The Middle Eastern nation’s Authority for Electricity Regulation (AER) has contracted PassivSystems to consult on the Oman government’s plan to install rooftop solar PV atop 30% of the nation’s homes.
