First Solar hits 17.3 percent efficiency
First Solar Inc. has announced that it has set a new world record for cadmium-telluride (CdTe) thin-film photovoltaic solar cell efficiency, using commercial-scale equipment and materials. The U.S. Department of Energys National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has confirmed the result.
Smart PV inverter shipments to grow
A new report by IMS Research states that smart PV inverter shipments are predicted to grow to 27 GW in 2015, accounting for almost 60 percent of the market, asserting a positive outlook. This is compared to the 20% in 2010.
Parabel AG to install 6 MW in northern Germany
The German states of Brandenburg and Saxony will be home to 11 Parabel photovoltaic installations, which together will be worth six megawatts (MW).
Q-Cells starts independant module production
German company Q-Cells has announced the launch of its independant production of the Q.PEAK modules at its company headquarters in Thalheim, Germany. The new production line has a capacity of 130 megawatts-peak.
CSP a boost for energy storage
SBI Energy’s recently released report states that the $2.5 billion global high temperature energy storage (HTS) market of 2020 is going to be dominated by the sale and construction of molten salt storage systems for CSP plants. With the increasing need for storage solutions for renewable energy, the report highlights the trends that are taking place in the battery world.
First Solar sells 10MW plant in Spain
First Solar Inc. has announced the sale of its 9.9 megawatt solar plant near Zamora, Spain to European Solar Power Fund, a renewable energy-focused fund for institutional investors managed by KGAL.
Cadbury promotes solar in Ghana
Cadbury Cocoa Partnership has given solar lanterns to cocoa farmers in 160 communities in Ghana. Furthermore, the Partnership plans to supply and install solar panels in 22 schools.
Securing global competitiveness of German PV
Named the ‘CIS Cluster Tool’ project, work has started on the development of new manufacturing procedures for copper indium selenide (CIS) based thin films. The project aims to make a significant contribution towards securing the global competitiveness of German photovoltaics and supply industry in the medium and long term.
20MW Amherstburg solar park completed
A dedication ceremony was held at Amherstburg, Ontario by Capstone Infrastructure Corporation and SunPower to celebrate the completion of the 20MW solar park.
Solon's investment Blue Chip Energy files for insolvency
Blue Chip Energy GmbH has decided to file for insolvency proceedings. Solon currently still holds 18.28% of shares in the solar cell production company.
