First Solar full module efficiency of 18.2%
U.S. thin film manufacturer First Solar has achieved a major boost in module efficiency using its cadmium telluride technology. Today the company announced a full module efficiency of 18.2%, from an 18.6% aperture efficiency module.
The pv magazine weekly news digest
Intersolar Europe opened its doors this week, prompting a flurry of bullish solar market reports outlining a glittering future for the renewable energy. That is, if the politicians and regulators play along. Energy storage was one of the most discussed topics (both at the show and in the wider industry), although inverters, India, Britain and the U.S. were also in the spotlight. Finally, two solar companies unveiled details of their upcoming IPOs.
Intersolar Europe: India can take manufacturing center stage, says Vikram Solar CEO
Indian solar manufacturing industry coming of age says CEO, and no longer looks to China for guidance. First Solar outlines O&M ambition.
Intersolar Europe: SolarWorld exits SolarPower Europe trade body
The industry body formerly known as EPIA had irked the German solar company with its opposition to EU trade duties, something SolarWorld had long lobbied for.
US: 32 GW utility-scale solar pipeline under development ahead of 2017 ITC deadline
Analysts say a massive 32 GW pipeline of utility-scale solar is under development in the U.S., with developers aiming to finish their projects by the end of 2016, when the Federal energy investment tax credit (ITC) expires. Almost half of this is set to be installed in leading solar state, California.
Renewables outpace nuclear in 2014 European power generation
Last year was said to be a benchmark for renewable energy, with renewables producing more power in Europe than nuclear for the first time. In yet another glittering solar industry report, SolarPower Europe further calculates cumulative solar capacity could reach 540 GW, globally, by 2020, with a record 40 GW installed in 2014. China is set to “frame global growth.”
G7 leaders to aim for carbon-free economy by end of century
Leaders of G7 countries back global greenhouse gas reductions by between 40-70% by 2050, with full decarbonization of global economy by end of century.
Eu Prosun calls for PV MIP investigation to be extended following solar companies' breach
Canadian Solar, ET Solar and ReneSola are no longer exempt from punitive trade duties, having breached the terms under the minimum price agreement framework, which had negated their tariff exemptions. EU Prosun has said they are “just the tip of the iceberg” and that the investigation must be “immediately” extended.
SunPower files lawsuit against SunEdison, former employees for poaching trade secrets
In a U.S. federal lawsuit filed yesterday, June 3, SunPower Corp. has accused SunEdison Inc. of poaching over 20 employees and trade secrets between 2011 and 2014, in order to gain a competitive edge.
Eminent UK scientists announce global clean energy "space-race" program
The Global Apollo program looks to emulate the successful moon missions of the ’60s by diverting similar levels of efforts and funding towards making clean energy cheaper than coal.
