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.
Microsoft signs 315 MW of solar power contracts in Virginia, US
The company is billing the contract with a portion of a 500 MW project as the largest corporate solar power purchase agreement (PPA) to date.
Energy demand growth doubles in 2017; wind, solar see a banner year – IEA
As global energy demand went up by 2.1% in 2017, more than twice that of 2016, renewables saw the highest growth rate of any energy source, meeting a quarter of global energy demand. According to preliminary estimates from the IEA, solar PV accounted for 27% of the growth in renewables-based power output last year.
Meyer Burger reports €67.8 million loss for fiscal 2017
The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer recorded a loss of around €68 million last year. Although Meyer Burger was able to slightly increase sales, the EBITDA margin was below 3%. This year, the company is aiming for an EBITDA margin of 10%, in order to return to profitability.
Somalia lays ground for solar development
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Somalia has issued a Request for Proposals for the financing of a skills development program in the solar energy sector in Mogadishu, Kismayo and Baidoa.
Solargiga posts $16.96 million net profit in 2017
Solargiga Energy has recorded a net profit of CNY 107.5 million (US$16.96 million) for the year to the end of December 2017, from a net loss of CNY 239.149 million in the preceding 12-month period.
