US to invest up to $25 million in plug-and-play PV systems
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has said US$5 million will be made available for the development of plug-and-play photovoltaic systems in 2012, under the SunShot initiative. Over the next four years, it hopes to invest an additional $20 million.
Germany establishes renewable energy platform
Germanys Federal Environment Minister, Norbert Röttgen has today formed a platform for renewable energies, in order to gather together all the relevant energy transition players. The platform may only submit recommendations, however.
Q.Cells completes 91 MW PV park financing
The insolvent Q.Cells has finalized all work on what it says is Europes largest photovoltaic park. Located in Germanys Brandenburg, the final financial installment has been paid for the 91 megawatt (MW) project.
Japan: 51-cent FIT announced
After a considerable period of deliberation, the committee formed to set Japans revamped feed in tariffs (FIT) for renewable energy has announced today that a tariff of 42 yen (US$0.51) will be paid for photovoltaics. The tariff is not far off the amount requested by the Japanese solar industry.
Phono Solar and Sybac Solar sign strategic agreement
Chinese module producer, Phono Solar and German EPC, Sybac Solar signed a 500 megawatt (MW) strategic supply agreement at the vast Hannover Messe industry trade show yesterday. The agreement underpinned a broader theme prominent at the diverse trade show, which was the cooperation between Chinese and German firms.
ADB offers funding for 100 MW Indian CSP plant
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has said it will lend US$103 million to help Reliance Power Ltd install a 100 megawatt (MW) concentrating solar power (CSP) plant in Rajasthan. It is said to be the first time the bank will help finance a CSP project.
Germany: PV makes coal power unprofitable
With the increase in installed photovoltaic capacity, the cost effectiveness of coal-fired power plants is decreasing. The outlook for coal, with the further development of emissions trading, will become even worse.
HHI achieves 19.7 percent copper-contact cell efficiency
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has achieved a conversion efficiency of 19.7 percent on its copper-contact selective-emitter solar cell. This, it says, is a new world record.
Emmvee enters PV project development business
Photovoltaic module manufacturer, Emmvee, has entered into the solar project development and EPC business.
Syncronys to install 400 solar-powered well pumps in Pakistan
Syncronys International will install 400 solar-powered well pumps in Pakistan. The company received the US$4.5 million order from an unnamed party.
