Solar panel theoretical efficiency limit increases by 33%
Researchers at the University of Amsterdam have found what they describe conclusive evidence that perovskites feature “efficient carrier multiplication,” effectively increasing the single layer efficiency limit from 33% to 44%.
Dutch battery maker signs agreement for €1.6bn Chinese gigafactory
Lithium Werks has ambitious plans for a global chain of utility-scale production lines that has secured the backing of the Netherlands government and PM Mark Rutte, as EU leaders contemplate a post-US trade future.
Meyer Burger to lay off 100 workers and relocate most of PV business to Asia
There may be a much-vaunted ‘solar renaissance’ in the offing for Europe, but it hasn’t come quickly enough for the Swiss PV equipment supplier, which wants to handle most of its sales and services from China.
Germany’s EEG levy falls to €0.06405 in 2019
It is the second decline in a row. Germany’s TSOs base their calculations on the 6 GW expansion for solar and wind expected for the coming year. The surplus on the EEG account, which was included in the calculations, was €3.65 billion.
Germany: Tendered PV projects need no public subsidy in August
Marking a historic moment in the German renewable energy sector, no public incentive was paid in August for PV installations up to 10 MW and selected under the country’s tender mechanism. This was due to the fact that market prices were higher than the price including the feed-in premium tariff, awarded in the tender.
Finland’s 2017 PV market grows by over 100%
Overall, the country’s cumulative installed solar power has reached 80.4 MW, with last year’s PV additions totaling around 43 MW. More growth, mainly fueled by solar rebates and tax credits, is expected to be seen this year.
Bpifrance, Tikehau invest €150 million in Greenyellow
Upon completion of the transaction, the French national development bank and the asset manager will hold a 24% joint stake in GreenYellow. Funds will be used to help the Groupe Casino subsidiary accelerate its development phase.
Swiss research group develops methylammonium-free perovskite cells
The organic methylammonium (MA) molecules in the cell were replaced with inorganic elements such as rubidium and cesium. The planar perovskite cells resulting from the research have an efficiency of more than 20%.
France reveals winners of tender for large-scale storage in Corsica and overseas territories
Eleven storage projects with a power rating of 50 MW and storage capacity of 54 MWh were selected by the French Energy Regulatory Commission through the tender. One will be in Corsica, while Guadeloupe and Guiana will each have three projects. Martinique and La Réunion will each host two.
Greece to tender 194 MW of PV capacity
With the government needing to hit 300 MW of capacity before year end, December’s procurement exercise will go ahead despite anticipated complaints over its procedures.
