Agrivoltaics for pear orchards
Belgian researchers are testing agrivoltaic power generation in a pear orchard. The first pilot project features specially designed 185 W solar panels with transparent backsheets, conventional silicon cells, and a 21% efficiency rate.
DSM exits coatings business in €1.6bn deal
Dutch materials company DSM has sold its resins and functional materials businesses, which encompass its anti-reflective and anti-soiling solar glass coating products. That will mean a focus on module backsheets in DSM’s Advanced Solar business unit.
EU on track for 2030 renewables target – but could do more
With the SolarPower Summit 2020 taking place this week, organizer SolarPower Europe has assessed the plans drawn up by member states would mean the bloc sourcing 33.1-33.7% of its energy from clean power by the end of the decade, with the help of 19 GW of new solar per year.
Germany breaches 52 GW mark with 409 MW of new solar in August
The first eight months of the year have brought 3.2 GW of new generation capacity, compared to 2.7 GW in the same period of last year.
Solar dominates Germany’s first ‘innovative renewables’ tender
Only one of the 28 hybrid renewable energy plants allocated in the oversubscribed exercise did not feature solar, and PV took all the awards in the single-technology section of the procurement round.
Sizing standalone solar-plus-storage with nomograms
A Spanish-Dutch research group has created nomograms for PV system sizing that not only offer a standard calculation tool but also provide additional information about what-if scenarios with higher-level knowledge about price of modifications and limitations of project sites.
Assessing potential of facade PV modules
A new building at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) is being covered with facade CGIS solar panels provided by German manufacturer Avancis. A research team will analyze their performance and special features, including new sensors for incident radiation and heat.
By Ek! Northvolt raises $600m
The European battery manufacturer has raised the funds with a private shares placement which included the co-founder and CEO of music streaming service Spotify.
Wallonia’s prosumer grid fee comes into force
The tariff, imposed by the regional energy regulator for use of the distribution network, will be charged via bills issued by electricity suppliers.
EDF buys 29% stake in French microgrid specialist Ecosun
Alsace start-up Ecosun is developing innovative microgrid solutions to provide electricity in isolated areas.
