EUR 22 million remains in grants for German household storage
Only around EUR 3.3 million of the EUR 25 million made available by the German government to subsidize household PV storage systems has been claimed. With a further EUR 25 million expected for 2014, householders have been urged to apply for a grant.
Intersolar South America preview
With a predicted 13 GW of capacity by 2017, the lure of South America for PV companies should ensure a positive turnout at the first Intersolar South America trade show. Brazilian and German exhibitors dominate at the Sao Paulo show.
Sika appoints new chief technology officer
Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika has tapped Thomas Hasler as its new chief technology officer and member of the group’s management, effective Jan. 1.
UK's community owned RE progress blocked by councils, group claims
A new think tank report suggests the U.K. could grow its community owned renewable energy sector by 8,800% if councils did not block its development.
Coupled solar and energy storage market to grow to $2.8 billion in 2018
Dominated by grid installations, the coupled solar and energy storage segment will prove a boon to energy storage producers but have only a modest impact on the solar market, according to a new report by Lux Research.
Brunei poised to roll out feed-in tariffs
Minister of Energy for the oil-rich southeast Asian state announces plans to introduce a feed-in tariff (FIT) policy over the next 18 months.
Hawaiian utility facing increasing costs due to solar boom
The Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) is passing on increasing costs to solar power users in the state as it grapples with a major surge in residential PV power generation.
Gujarat prepares new solar rooftop policy
State is aiming to encourage 40 MW of rooftop systems, split between residential and non residential systems. Any surplus energy generated by non residential systems would not be eligible for FIT payments.
First Solar and Belectric announce JV
The U.S. thin film giant will supply the modules and Belectric the Balance of Systems for the proposed joint venture. PV Projects will aim to develop schemes in Europe and North America as well as smaller projects in the U.S.
North Carolina researchers improve stacked solar cell connections
The breakthrough will allow solar cell manufacturers to create stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage at the connecting junctions, potentially improving conversion efficiency.
