DNV GL: AI will make renewables more efficient
A paper published by consultancy DNV GL forecasts major growth in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications within renewable energy, and outlines the risks and opportunities of such technologies.
UK: no budge on solar tax breaks in Budget
Today’s Budget see solar remain locked out on the types of tax breaks available to fossil fuels, while general lack of energy policy continues to fail long-term low carbon investors, argues Solar Trade Association.
Germany awards contract to 69 MW solar plant in October auction
The auction’s final average price dropped under €50/MWh for the first time. Since January, PV projects exceeding 10 MW, and which are located in areas designated “bauliche anlagen,” have been allowed to participate in the auction. As a result, the largest winning project was a 69 MW solar facility.
Netherlands sees growing interest in community solar projects
Around 37 MW of community solar power projects have been built in Holland so far this year.
New coating steps up solar cell efficiency by 20%, Russian researchers find
By putting silica particles inside the top electrode, scientists from Russia’s ITMO University have developed a new solar cell coating, which helps avoid overheating and diminishes light reflection, thus increasing overall efficiency by 20%.
Singulus gets new CIGS order
The German PV equipment provider will supply several CIGS production systems of the type TENUIS II for wet-chemical coating processes to an unnamed Chinese manufacturer.
Solliance hits new perovskite milestone
European research group Solliance has announced new conversion efficiencies of 13.5% (cell) and 12.2% (module) for its perovskite based PV technology. The group states that the records were achieved in a factory setting, using an industrially scalable roll to roll process.
EU approves Germany’s law for tenants’ solar power supply
The regulation is intended to support tenants to participate in the advantages of a PV system on the roof of larger apartment buildings, up to 100 kW with a special additional tariff.
Hungary grants 1-year grace period for PV projects under FIT scheme
The Hungarian government has updated the Decree 389/2007, which regulates the support for renewable energies, to allow around 2 GW of projects approved under the FIT program to see completion by the end of 2018, although the incentive scheme was closed in mid-2016.
France plans 200 MW joint wind and solar auction
The French government, which has so far held separate auctions for the two leading renewable energy technologies, said joint tenders will help further reduce costs. The first auction will be open to projects not larger than 18 MW.
