German scientists use germanium to improve performance of kesterite solar cells
Although current efficiencies for solar cells based on kesterite do not exceed 12.6%, the use of germanium may enable the development of cells with a higher energy band gap.
Germany adds another 200 MW of solar in February
After an encouraging start to the year, solar PV demand in Germany remained at January’s level. Almost half of the new additions came from ground-mounted power plants.
Video interview: Energy Storage Highlights winner Younicos talks storage-as-a-service
Aggreko-owned storage system experts Younicos claimed first place in the pv magazine Energy Storage Highlights award. Alexander Schönfeldt, the company’s VP sales EMEA, describes this award-winning concept and reveals more details about Younicos’ new rental storage system.
Viessmann finalizes unsubsidized 2 MW solar park in Germany
The facility, which will power the company’s headquarters, will raise its power production for self-consumption by 50%. The installation will also deliver part of its power surplus to other companies of the group and to the spot market.
TÜV Rheinland exposes inverter, battery hacking vulnerabilities
Testing from TÜV Rheinland has revealed that PV inverters and battery storage systems are vulnerable to hacking. By changing system parameters, a hacker could potentially cause a battery system to corrode, “making it like a ‘bomb’.”
Singulus sees revenue grow in 2017
The German system manufacturer continues to work on its major orders from China. If everything goes according to plan, Singulus expects further growth in sales and profits this year.
Manz sees further solar growth potential for 2018
The German solar PV equipment manufacturer has confirmed its preliminary figures for the past year. The record sales registered in 2017 could be increased even further this year.
SMA reports record shipments, lower revenue
The German inverter maker sold 8.5 GW of solar PV inverters last year. Revenue, however, dropped by €50 million, while net profit remained flat at €30 million.
Video interview: Will lithium-ion’s battery dominance soon end?
At the recent Energy Storage Europe exhibition in Düsseldorf, Florian Mayr, partner at renewable energy advisory firm Apricum, explained how lithium-ion technologies got a jump on other battery forms in the stationary storage world, but its dominance should not be taken for granted.
SolarWorld files for insolvency – again
Roughly seven months after its new beginning, the German solar PV manufacturer has again filed for insolvency at the District Court of Bonn – the second time in one year. SolarWorld blames the planned phasing out of anti-dumping measures by the EU Commission against Chinese competition and the further drop in prices.
