Bluecell halts solar cell production in Germany
Three years after acquiring the cell production business of insolvent Sunways, Bluecell has also given up. The 100 MW production equipment at the company’s facility in Arnstadt will be sold by the end of 2017.
Direct Energie expands further into solar and renewables through acquisition of Quadran
The French power utility, which is also the parent company of the independent power producer Neoen, has made another step into the renewable energy sector. The acquisition price is estimated at around €303 million.
UK University develops algorithm for fault detection
Researchers at the University of Huddersfield have developed an energy sharing platform to allow communities to share energy generated from small-scale PV. The platform also includes new systems that could allow for faster fault detection and better monitoring.
Czech Republic expands options for rooftop PV under Green Savings Programme
The scheme, which provides investment support for residential and commercial PV systems, now includes the possibility of expanding projects developed under the program’s previous phases.
Spanish government confirms bidding rules for upcoming 3 GW auction
The decree implementing the auction was published in the country’s official journal on Saturday. Solar seems to have more options compared to the previous 3 GW auction, in which only 1.5 MW of PV was contracted.
Netherlands’ DSM develops new sand-resistant solar glass
The Dutch specialty group believes its sand-resistant coating for solar panels will be particularly suitable for desert areas. The new technology is currently being tested at a solar plant in China’s Gobi Desert.
ABB microgrid control system poised for UK university campus deployment
Swiss power electronics firm to install its state-of-the-art microgrid solution at the University of Chester’s new Energy Centre, in what will be the first energy management system of its kind in the U.K.
Spain’s upcoming 3 GW renewable energy auction expected to be held on July 18
Only solar and wind power projects will compete in the auction. Wind, however, will probably have the largest share as the bidding rules remain unchanged.
Norwegian researchers develop new solar panel cleaning robot
The new robot may make manual cleaning of large-scale solar PV plants a thing of the past.
Recom acquires French module maker Sillia
The French manufacturer filed for insolvency in March. The Tribunal of Commerce of Lyon had received two bids for the acquisition of the company.
