Poland: proposed regulations look bad for PV
New draft regulations for renewable energy development in Poland, released last week, indicate that PV may have an uphill battle to gain renewable energy market share in the country. The proposed feed-in tariff (FIT) for micro-installations and installations up to 40 kW may still be worthwhile.
US: SunShot's $1/W target for 2020 unlikely to be met
According to analysts at Lux Research, the SunShot program’s target of “$1/W installed by 2020” set by the U.S. Department of Energy will probably not be met. Installation prices today are still two to four times the target.
Solar, wind could save the US $7 billion in fossil-fuel costs
Adding wind and solar power to the grid is more cost-effective than switching fossil-fueled power plants on and off to make up for the intermittent nature of renewable energy, says the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
India's solar mission failing to recognize country's potential, says top researcher
K. Sivadasan, researcher and renewable energy expert, has criticized India’s National Solar Mission for failing to focus on the infrastructure required to adequately meet its lofty objectives.
Saudi solar plans taking shape
The world’s leading oil exporter has laid the groundwork for ambitious renewable energy plans in an effort to wean the country off fossil fuels. The country has set a target of 41 GW of solar power by 2032.
Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron to form new chip-making conglomerate
The acquisition of Tokyo Electron by California-based Applied Materials follows increased consolidation in the semiconductor equipment manufacturing sector.
Singapore's largest rooftop PV system underway
Turnkey services provider Phoenix Solar will develop a 1.2 MWp rooftop installation for CMM Marketing Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sheng Siong, the third largest supermarket chain in Singapore.
Hanwha Q CELLS supplies 4.5 MW project in France
French renewable energy group VSB has tapped Hanwha Q CELLS modules for its solar farm in southeastern France, saying their reliability as well as Hanwha Q CELLS’ carbon certificate were decisive factors.
New solar cell structure sets record
A new world record efficiency for solar sunlight conversion has been set by a cell structure with four solar sub-cells. The solar cell has managed to hit a new record efficiency of 44.7% and is the brainchild of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE, Soitec, CEA-Leti and the Helmholtz Center Berlin.
Philippines to reach 5 MW solar capacity by year's end
The Philippines is on course to more than double its solar capacity to 5 MW before the end of 2013, according to the Philippine Solar Power Alliance (PSPA).
