Industrial PV roofs key focus for 9Ren
9Ren has announced that industrial rooftops are now its main business focus. Furthermore, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa have been identified as key markets of interest for the company in 2012.
Germany could become storage technology hotspot
The first day has drawn to a close at Solarpraxis Energy Storage conference in Germanys Düsseldorf. Following calls from Germany’s Environment Minister to rapidly develop storage technology in the country, there is a belief that Germany is well-positioned to become an energy storage technology hotspot.
40c/W silicon solar cells?
A new U.S. entrant to the silicon-cell machinery market, Twin Creeks Technologies, today released a wafer production system that it claims can produce solar cells for less than US$0.40 per Watt (/W).
Proposed PV FIT shake-up causes aftershocks in Germany
In its efforts to make a quick course correction, the German ship of state may inadvertently be navigating into turbulent straits that could capsize its own solar industry. At particular threat are the module manufacturers. The residential market segment is also expected to contract significantly
China: Gigawatt plans for Suncores new CPV facility
Suncore Photovoltaics commenced production of its concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) modules in Chinas Huainan at the end of February. A spokesperson provides further details on capacity ramp ups and funding.
First Solar to construct 26 MW Arizona PV plant; sells 2 projects
U.S.-based First Solar Inc. has been selected by NRG Energy Inc. to build the 26 megawatt (MW) Avra Valley solar plant, located near Tucson, Arizona. In other news, NextEra Energy Resources has acquired two projects from First Solar.
Suntech hits 20.3 percent cell efficiency
Using its proprietary Pluto technology, Suntech says it has achieved 20.3 percent efficiency on a photovoltaic cell. More advancements are expected in the next few months.
California on track to exceed 2020 RE goals, but issues still exist
The U.S. state of California is well on the way to overachieving its 2020 aim to generate 33 percent of its electricity from renewables, in fact by almost double. Of this, photovoltaics accounts for nearly half. There are issues, however, such as interconnection and grid infrastructure, which still need to be ironed out.
North Carolina PV systems achieve grid parity
According to a new study, many photovoltaic systems bigger than 10 kilowatts (kW) achieved grid parity with commercial retail electricity prices in 2011. This has resulted in a spike in projects and, thus, jobs. Both declining costs and the states favorable policies are said to be driving growth.
Solopower searches for staff for new US fab
As some companies layoff staff in an attempt to contain costs, U.S. flexible CIGS manufacturer, Solopower is searching for staff for its Oregon fabs expansion.
