Sacramento: Google invests in 88 MW worth of PV projects
Internet giant Google, investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), and solar developer Recurrent Energy are to work on a portfolio of photovoltaics projects worth 88 megawatts (MW) for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
PV and roofing: Bridging the gap
The PV Taskforce at the Roofting Center, located in Washington D.C., has released a draft report into photovoltaic roof racking. It attempts to bring the photovoltaic and roofing community together, in order to formulate criteria and recommendations as to the most effect roof racking for photovoltaic systems.
Canadian Solar and TransCanada enter into 86 MW PV project agreement
TransCanada Corporation is set to acquire 86 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaics projects from Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. (CSSI) for around CA$470 million.
Gehrlicher begins work on 34 MW PV park
Gehrlicher Solar AG today began work on its largest photovoltaic project, a 34 megawatt (MW) system located at Germanys former military Perleberg Airport.
US-China trade debate moving to India
According to various media, India is considering following in the footsteps of the U.S. and launching its own investigation into Chinese solar imports.
Würth and Manz sign transfer agreement
Würth Solar and Manz AG have signed the transfer agreement, which will see Manz taking over Würths CIGS operations at Germanys Schwäbisch Hall.
China: STSIC polysilicon and solar cell plans progressing
Shaanxi Tianhong Silicon Industrial Corporation (STSIC) is to begin producing polysilicon, after commissioning German equipment supplier, centrotherm SiTec GmbH. Two solar cell production lines are also being installed.
Oerlikon produces thin film silicon modules at 0.35/Wp
Oerlikon has released a new production line which, it says, allows thin film silicon photovoltaic modules to be produced at around US$0.50 or 0.35 per Watt peak (/Wp) and reduces capital expenditure by 20 percent.
PV cheaper than reported
Some in the industry can be surprised when public or academic reports predict photovoltaics playing a small role in the worlds future energy mix, on the basis of cost. It is often repeated that the technology is just too expensive. But recent research from Queen’s University and Michigan Technological University has shown that the price of photovoltaics is often vastly overinflated in these studies.
MidAmerican Energy acquires stake in 290 MW PV project
MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company is to acquire a 49 percent stake in NRG Energys 290 megawatt (MW) Agua Caliente photovoltaic project.
