Russian scientists aim to enhance cell efficiency with gadolinium oxide nanoparticles
A Russian research team believes that the addition of rare-earth ions into the structure of photonic nanoparticles could help to increase the efficiency of industrial solar cells to 25–30%. However, they also said that further research is necessary.
EDP plans first MW-scale floating PV project in Portugal
The Portuguese utility is seeking permission to deploy a 4 MW floating solar plant at the Alqueva water reservoir in southern Portugal. The solar array will feature around 10,000 PERC half-cell solar modules.
The weekend read: Plenty to go around
At the end of May 2018, events in Spanish politics took a turn without precedent since the country embraced democracy: a motion of censure against the conservative PP (Partido Popular) by an all-but unified opposition received 180 votes in favour, 169 votes against, and 1 abstention. Pedro Sánchez, leader of the socialist PSOE (Partido Socialista Obrero Español), took up the post of Prime Minister that Mariano Rajoy had held for the previous six years. For the PV sector, the change could not have come too soon.
Video: Future PV Roundtable looks into subsidy free PV
At the Smarter E Europe, held in Munich this month, pv magazine hosted another Future PV Roundtable to discuss the possibilities of subsidy free solar projects. In all market segments solutions are at hand and representatives across the industry shared their insights with us.
Germany sees new PV additions surpass 300 MW in April
In the first four months of the year, over 1.6 GW of solar power generation capacity came online in the country. Next month the FITs for rooftop PV will fall by 1.4%.
Solar, EVs and energy storage among the few technologies keeping pace with energy transition goals
Among 45 critical energy technologies and sectors assessed in a tracking report by the International Energy Agency, only seven are keeping hopes alive that climate, energy access and air pollution goals can be met.
UK solar: Records, concerns and a persistent regulator
Although the nation’s PV industry has recently established new landmarks, warnings have been sounded about the immediate outlook for the sector.
Hanergy’s $1bn HanTile announcement has turned out to be a typo
The thin film manufacturer says it has issued clarifications to media after pv magazine pointed out it had announced a blockbusting HanTile agreement in the wake of Intersolar Europe.
IEA urges advanced economies to support nuclear as renewables cost continues to fall
An International Energy Agency report estimates the share of nuclear power in advanced economies could fall by two-thirds by 2040, as aging plants retire. The report claims without support for nuclear, the transition to a low carbon energy system would be far more complex and threaten global emissions targets.
PV leads the way as renewables threaten coal-fired power
With clean energy being generated at lower and lower prices around the world, solar power is playing a leading role in bringing the curtain down on coal, and will help the decarbonization of transport and space heating too.
