United Kingdom

A team of researchers from the University of Exeter has demonstrated a technique which creates ‘charge funnels’ within certain semiconductor materials. The researchers state that the technique could eventually lead to the development of PV cells with better than 60% efficiency.

While they remain the dominant source of energy supply, there was a shift away from fossil fuels to renewable energy in the U.K. last year. The country is “comfortably” on track to exceed its 30% renewables target, says the government.

Decision comes just days after business and energy department prepares to end export payments for solar households, and with parliament in its summer recess. The permit has outraged green groups, the opposition Labour Party and nearby residents.

Having entered the solar space four years ago with residential rooftop kits, Ikea added storage to its product mix in 2017. pv magazine caught up with Signe Antvorskov Krag, Global Development Leader IKEA Home Solar Business to discuss business models, its role in the industry, and how it intends to execute the next stage of its plan: energy communities.

The storage system supplier is providing its technology to the Isles of Scilly as part of an ERDF-funded project to meet the remote islands’ energy demands more cheaply and cleanly. Until now islanders used fossil fuels and electricity from mainland Britain at high tariffs, prompting energy poverty for many.

The 10% reduction in GST is an example to the UK government, which is seeking suggestions on how to drive solar take-up, but manufacturers are already calling for further reductions to fire battery storage in the nation.

Latest consultation exercise has been launched solely to buy time because Brexit is distracting officials from policymaking, according to a spokesman from the National Farmers’ Union.

The U.K. Government is proposing closing both generation and export tariffs for renewables on March 31, 2019. The country’s solar trade association calls for clarity on the policy framework going forward, for both industry and potential investors.

Eelpower Limited has acquired a 20 MW battery storage scheme from Anesco in the U.K. Overall, it plans to invest £500 million in delivering 1 GW of storage capacity by 2022.

Labour politician Sadiq Khan has expanded his Solar Together group-buying scheme for rooftop installations in London after more than 1,000 households and small businesses signed up to discounts on residential systems under the initial phase.