Ireland launches €20 million fund for energy research
The authorities in Ireland have opened a €20 million ($21.5 million) fund for energy research and innovation. It will support projects contributing to the nation’s clean energy transition, such as heat decarbonization and energy storage.
Engie, UAC Berhad sign 20-year solar PPA in Malaysia
Engie and UAC Berhad have signed a 20-year solar power purchase agreement (PPA) for a 7.35 MW solar array in Malaysia.
Powering homes with PVT energy, Stirling engines, battery storage
UK scientists have proposed a way to combine photovoltaic-thermal energy with Stirling engines and battery storage in residential buildings. Despite the high upfront costs, they said the cost-effective hybrid co-generation system could significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Powering drones with ultra-thin, flexible perovskite PV cells
An Austrian research team has demonstrated lightweight, flexible and ultra-thin perovskite solar technology in palm-sized autonomous drones, showcasing the stability and energy-harvesting potential of the technology. The champion single junction cell in the study had an open-circuit voltage of 1.15 V and 20.1% efficiency.
Solar to contribute over 60% of new U.S. electricity generation in 2024
Despite this growth, fossil fuels dominate U.S. electricity. A 3% increase in total electricity generation across the U.S. is expected to be served primarily with solar, said a report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA).
New doping strategy increases lead-free perovskite solar cell efficiency
An international research group has developed a solar cell based on a lead-free perovskite material known as Cs2AgBiBr6. The cell’s absorber was doped with trans-polyacetylene, which reportedly helped the device to improve its efficiency by more than 20%.
Off-grid solar investment down by 43% in 2023
The Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA) says total investment in the off-grid solar sector stood at $425 million in 2023, down 43% year on year. It says the industry needs to address a lack of early-stage financing to meet development and climate targets.
Electricity prices decrease in most European markets
Prices in the majority of major European electricity markets fell during the first week of May, according to analysis from AleaSoft Energy Forecasting. The exception was in the Iberian market of Portugal and Spain, but prices remain lower there than anywhere else.
Tigo introduces power electronics supporting solar modules up to 800 W
The new MLPE from Tigo is designed to support commercial and industrial as well as utility-scale solar projects.
Solar panels for large-scale PV selling for €0.10/W in Spain
Spanish developer Solaria says it bought 435 MW of solar modules from an undisclosed supplier for €0.091 ($0.09)/W. Kiwa PI Berlin confirms that average solar module prices for large-scale PV projects in Spain are now around €0.10/W.
