Spain allocates 31 MW of solar in latest renewables auction
The auction was set to contract 140 MW of distributed solar power, as part of a 520 MW tender open to thermal solar power projects for the first time. In total, 177 MW have been awarded, none of which went to thermal, 31 MW to photovoltaic, and the remainder to biomass.
Finland to extend net metering to all PV systems in 2023
At present, only a few distributors offer net-metering services in Finland, meaning that only a small share of PV systems are net-metered. In 2023, all PV systems will be offered net metering through the country’s new centralized information exchange system for the retail electricity market.
Algae could boost solar panel efficiency by 4%
A Swedish team has inaugurated a pilot facility to mass produce algae material that can potentially boost silicon solar module efficiency by 4% and thin film by 36%. The algae are added to the encapsulant in silicon-based modules or to the anti-reflective coating on the glass of thin film modules. The team estimates the resulting modules would be 3.9% cheaper.
Daikin to scale up heat pump output in Czechia
The Japan-based manufacturing company has revealed plans to increase fivefold its production of heat pumps at its facility in Czechia by 2025.
Brazil hits 14 GW milestone in the distributed generation sector
The Brazilian Association of Distributed Generation (ABGD) has announced that the sector reached the 14 GW milestone. Installed capacity grew from 13 GW to 14 GW in just over a month, “the fastest growth ever recorded,” the association claims.
Space-based solar power for terrestrial energy needs
The Cassiopeia solar project aims to use the sunlight collected by a space satellite for terrestrial energy needs. The electricity generated would be converted to radio frequency microwave radiation transmitted to an antenna on Earth. The initial LCOE would be €48 ($47.8)/MWh, according to a UK study.
CEA-INES reduces silver consumption in M2 heterojunction solar cell
The French research institute said it was able to reduce the width of the metallization lines of the photovoltaic cells without affecting the efficiency.
Sharp raises power output of three half-cut solar modules
The IEC/EN61215 and IEC/EN61730-certified panels are all updated versions of existing products. The manufacturer raised the ouput of each by 5 W.
High electricity rates push US homeowners to consider solar
Rising electric rates, grid instability, environmental concerns and decreased solar costs are all reasons for homeowners to go solar, according to a study by Rocket Solar
BIPV solar facade on high-rise building to produce 58 MWh annually
The 25-meter building facade building with 120 solar modules uses SolarEdge optimizers to overcome shading from neighboring buildings.
