Inverted perovskite solar cell with transition metal carbides achieves 19.2% efficiency
A Russian-Italian research group has developed a two-dimensional transition metal carbide, known as MXenes, to collect photocurrent in perovskite cells. The cells were built with an inverted configuration and are based on a nickel(II) oxide hole transporting layer. The scientists claim that the doping technique allowed them to increase the efficiency of the cell by more than 2%.
Solar for self-consumption keeps growing in Spain
Around 569 MW of new PV systems were installed last year under the country’s rules for self-consumption. Around 56% of this capacity was deployed in the industrial segment, while commercial installations had a 23% share.
EIB finance for Burkina Faso solar plant
The European Investment Bank will lend more than half the cost of expanding the first solar project built by the West African nation’s electric utility, from 37 MW to 50 MW.
Winners, prices of Spain’s latest renewables auction
A number of companies spoke to pv magazine this week about the results of Spain’s latest clean-energy auction.
European Commission bids to ease planning of trans-border battery and hydrogen projects
The commission has proposed updating the law which regulates the bloc’s cross-border energy networks to include new energy storage technologies and smart grids as well as removing fossil fuel eligibility for public funding.
Poland’s first solar PPA will see photovoltaics power cement production
The local subsidiary of German company Heidelbergcement will take solar electricity from the 65 MWp Witnica solar park between Poznań and Berlin for ten years under the power purchase agreement.
EDF acquires US solar installer
EDF Renewables North America said that its latest investment capitalizes on the growth of the commercial and industrial solar market.
European Commission approves further €2.9bn battery research project
Companies from a dozen EU member states will commit the public funds in a bid to come up with novel battery chemistries and production methods as well as recycling and circular economy innovation.
Australian storage pricing could ‘cannibalize’ itself with latest big battery announcements
In November, Cornwall Insight estimated that Australia had 7 GW of battery storage projects in the pipeline. Since then, massive amounts of storage capacity have been added.
Italy allocates only 20 MW of PV in fourth renewables auction
The Italian authorities have awarded three solar projects in yet another under-subscribed renewables tender. The lowest bid in the procurement exercise came in at €0.06819/kWh and was submitted for a 10 MW solar project. All bids were slightly below the ceiling price of €0.07/kWh. Wind secured most of the assigned capacity.
