CEO interview: LONGi forecasts rapid mono wafer cost reduction
Chinese monocrystalline ingot and wafer producer LONGi is predicting non-silicon costs for mono ingot production to drop significantly, to as low as $5/kg by 2018. The producer reports that the rollout of diamond wire technology is having a dramatic and positive impact on costs.
SolarCity launches global microgrid service
U.S.-based third-party owned solar provider SolarCity has launched its GridLogic microgrid service, which will integrate distributed solar with battery storage and load management for discrete areas of electricity consumers. In keeping with SolarCitys business model the service can be provided with little to no upfront cost.
Jordan launches plan to install solar on 6,000 mosques
The Jordanian government introduced net-metering regulations in 2012 that allow PV owners to sell solar power at a rate of nearly $0.18 per kilowatt hour. The country’s mosques are expected to see huge savings and even solar revenues from the project.
EU to raise minimum import price for Chinese solar modules
A year after lowering the minimum import price, the European Commission is set to increase it back to its original level. The weak euro is one major reason for the move.
Schmid promotes PERT over PERC
German PV equipment supplier Schmid is promoting its PERT technology as resulting in significantly reduced light-induced degradation than occurs in PERC multicrystalline cells. PERT refers to Passivated Emitter Rear Totally Diffused (PERT) technology that Schmid can achieve with its Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition (APCVD) tooling.
Lark Energy given belated go-ahead for 24 MW UK solar farm
Two years after the application was first submitted, planning permission now granted for solar farm following minister’s change of heart.
Solar and storage top US utilities' wish-list, says BNEF
Organizations and utilities keen on developing a renewable energy footprint overwhelmingly opt for solar PV and smart storage facilities, finds Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Graphene solar could be a game-changer
Canadian company says UCLA graphene supercapacitor will enable generation, transfer and storage of solar energy in one device. Technology would also boast superfast charging in product free of toxic metals.
UK: Council to install 2,000 residential rooftops
British-made modules to be included in Kirklees solar scheme. Commitment could see other councils turn to solar despite fiscal squeeze from central government.
Russian developers call for state aid
Projects are under threat because of plunging value of rouble against the dollar, say developers. Call for state to renegotiate terms of tenders.
