Sweden’s Midsummer and Saab plan CIGS solar module plant in Colombia
A new industrial partnership driven by defense-related technology transfer says Colombia could emerge as a strategic hub for lightweight copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) manufacturing.
Taiwan tightens rules for ground-mounted, floating solar
Revisions to Taiwan’s Environmental Impact Assessment Act, Tourism Development Act and Geology Act introduce requirements for environmental impact assessments prior to development of solar projects, and rules out solar installations larger than one hectare in scenic spots and geographically-sensitive areas.
Germany’s January-October solar additions reach 13 GW
The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) says Germany’s installation pace reflects shifting demand patterns between ground-mounted and rooftop PV systems.
Sodium-ion battery storage for ultra-low temperatures
U.S. researchers have developed a sodium-ion pouch cell that operates reliably at temperatures as low as –100 C. The battery was tested with simulated and real renewable energy sources, including wind and solar, and maintained stable performance in both laboratory and field conditions.
JA Solar builds inverted perovskite solar cell with 26.7% efficiency
The Chinese manufacturer said the cell uses a multifunctional organic ammonium salt to improve interfacial engineering between the perovskite absorber and the electron transport layers. The device also achieved 24.5% efficiency when scaled up to a 1 cm² active area.
First Solar commits $330 million to new US factory
First Solar has selected Gaffney, South Carolina, as the site for its fifth US module factory. It will invest approximately $330 million in the project.
US Republicans press Trump to block Chinese inverter imports
A group of House Republicans says a broader import ban on Chinese-made inverters is needed to protect critical US grid assets amid mounting security concerns.
Germany eases rules to accelerate battery heat and hydrogen storage
Germany is preparing to ease planning rules for battery, heat, and hydrogen storage systems built outside urban zones.
Waaree Energies starts solar module production in India
Waaree Energies has commenced operations at its 1.5 GW solar module manufacturing facility in the Indian state of Gujarat. This follows the commissioning of its 2.1 GW facility in Chikli.
A late but decisive move to ESS: LONGi takes majority control of PotisEdge
China’s largest solar manufacturer seeks to escape shrinking margins by securing 62% voting control of a fast-rising storage integrator.
