South Africa announces 1.5 GW solar park plan
Energy ministry ‘putting in plans’ to develop large-scale PV plant in Northern Cape, augmenting wider aim to add 1 GW of renewable power to the grid to ease current constraints.
UK: Energy minister gets 'tough' on subsidies, backs fracking
Speaking at the Conservative conference, Amber Rudd says that there is no magic money tree to support the transition to low carbon economy, cites attractiveness of fracking as a “cheaper alternative”.
Germany calls for 200 MW in last PV tender of 2015
In the third, and final, solar PV auction of the year, the Federal Network Agency is looking to invite 200 MW worth of tenders for ground-mounted installations. The deadline for tender submissions is December 1. Again, the price for generated energy will be determined by a uniform pricing method.
Kyocera, Q Cells Japan settle patent infringement lawsuit
Kyocera Corporation and Q Cells Japan Co. Ltd have resolved their patent infringement lawsuit, launched last year, having concluded a technology licensing agreement.
European Parliament calls for end to solar MIP, duties
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have called for an end to the minimum import price (MIP), and anti-dumping and anti-subsidy duties on solar PV products coming into the EU from China, claiming the measures are slowing down the European solar sector. Unsurprisingly, EU ProSun does not agree.
From the Mag: A selection of stories from the October issue
Following a vibrant Solar Power International exhibition, pv magazine investigates the deepening relationship between U.S. utilities and the solar industry, plus Australia and home storage are also in the spotlight.
GET warns of multi-crystalline wafer shortage in 2016
One of the larger wafer makers has warned of an impending shortage of multicrystalline wafers next year.
HHI to convert to PERL technology
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has said it will convert all its solar cell production to PERL (passivated emitter, rear locally diffused) technology by 2016. It is targeting a capacity of 200 MW, and an efficiency of 21.4%.
Enphase enters development and supply agreement with Eliiy Power
California-headquartered microinverter specialist agrees six year contract with Japanese battery developer for the exclusive supply of battery cells and management units for Enphase’s AC Battery.
Renewables could meet 22% of Africas energy needs by 2030, PV capacity to reach 55 GW
Up from just 5% in 2013, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) says renewable energies could meet 22% of Africas energy needs by 2030. With favorable irradiation across the continent, cumulative solar PV capacity has the potential to reach 55 GW.
