German scientists claim inhomogeneous perovskite films are highly functional
Contrary to common belief, holes in perovskite films may not always negatively affect the performance of perovskite-based solar cells, according to recent research from the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB).
Shell to acquire 44% stake in US solar developer Silicon Ranch
The pioneering US solar developer will now be backed by Europe’s largest oil and gas company.
Brazil’s government to review project for Brazilian-Paraguayan vertically integrated PV production
The feasibility study for the 1.7 GW Green Silicon project was conducted by Germany’s Fraunhofer IPA, Fraunhofer ISE, Viridis-iq and ZSW in 2015. The project is being developed by the local hydropower producer, Itaipú in partnership with the industry trade association of the Brazilian state of Paraná, and with the support of German industry association, Solar Cluster Baden-Württemberg.
Germany: Potential grand coalition partners, CDU/CSU and SPD want auctions for 4 GW of solar, wind
Negotiators of the three German parties have agreed on a common preliminary paper. They also agreed on additional tenders for large-scale solar and wind power projects, with a volume of 4 GW in the years 2019 and 2020.
Argentina launches tender for supply of 120,000 solar kits
The solar kits will be installed in rural areas with no connection to the country’s power grid.
Switzerland: New PV additions for 2017 range between 250 and 270 MW
According to provisional figures released by Swissolar, solar demand remained stable in the country last year. Looking ahead, the association expects another 300 MW to be deployed this year.
Portugal: ‘Unsubsidized’ approved large-scale PV projects top 756 MW, first private solar PPA signed
The projects will be developed without direct public incentives and will sell power to the spot market – an option still considered unviable by the local renewable energy sector – or through private PPAs. Meanwhile, local power provider, Axpo Iberia has agreed to buy electricity from a 28 MW solar facility planned in southern Portugal under a 10-year PPA.
Germany’s EEG levy surplus reaches $4 billion in 2017
In December, Germany’s EEG levy surplus increased again by almost €500 million. The full-year balance sheet shows that transmission system operators received more than €1 billion than they spent.
Shell to develop 20 MW PV project in southern Netherlands
The Dutch-British oil giant will build a 20 MW solar facility at its Moerdijk chemicals site. The project is part of the group’s strategy to install solar facilities at its own operations.
Australia: Rapid large scale solar segment growth potential risk to quality
The rapid build out of a large pipeline of utility scale PV projects around Australia could stretch the experienced installation labour force, threatening quality. Solar industry veteran and the Managing Director of PI Berlin Lars Podlowski made the warning as the company expands into Australia through its acquisition of quality assurance provider SolarBuyer.
