The unexpected benefits of replacing tobacco plantations with solar farms
Although tobacco consumption is the key cause of avoidable deaths worldwide, its cultivation remains the main source of income for many farmers. Now, two researchers from the Michigan Technological University claim that converting tobacco fields to solar farms could be beneficial for two purposes: reducing deaths and helping solar energy fight climate change.
Germany’s ISFH announces 26.1% efficiency for p-type crystalline cells
The Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) and the Leibniz Universität Hannover claim that this result is a world record for p-type silicon material, as well as a European record for crystalline silicon.
Meyer Burger goes to Chinese court for patent infringement
The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in China against Wuxi Shangji Automation Co, Ltd for the protection of its patented wire winding system for the cutting of solar wafers, the Diamond Wire Management System (DWMS).
UK: London backs solar with funding for 1 GW PV scheme
London has launched a £34 million Energy for Londoners scheme, which includes goal of generating 1 GW of energy from solar by 2030. Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor for the environment and energy, presented parts of London’s energy vision this week at the Energy Storage Connected Systems conference.
Russian scientists investigate quantum dot solids for PV applications
Researchers at the Moscow Engineering Physics Institute (MEPhI) have developed next-generation solids consisting of quantum dots (QD), or semiconductor crystals with a diameter of just few nanometers, that could deliver a big step towards cheaper and more efficient photovoltaic devices.
Dutch consortium plans world’s first “off-shore” floating PV plant for the North Sea
The pilot project will be developed over the next three years and will utilize standard PV modules. The consortium expects the solar array to have a 15% higher yield compared to traditional installations.
US installs nearly 4 GW of solar in Q4 2017
GTM Research has given its preliminary estimate for installations over the full year 2017 at 11.8 GW, a 22% decline from 2016 levels.
Mission Solar to double US solar module manufacturing
The expansion to 400 MW will make Mission the fourth-largest PV module maker in the U.S.
Daqo polysilicon order book reaches 90.2% on Chinese demand
The Chinese polysilicon supplier reveals that its order book is 90.2% filled as of the end of January, in response to surging demand among Chinese solar firms.
Longi doubles Indian solar manufacturing plans to 2 GW
Longi Solar has upgraded its Indian project, and now aims to establish 1 GW of manufacturing capacity for monocrystalline cells and modules, respectively, at its fab in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
