Global polysilicon prices decline slightly
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, offers bite-sized analysis on solar PV module supply and price trends.
Mercom, WoodMac note challenging PV investment climate in Q1
Mercom Capital Group says that total corporate solar funding, global venture capital funding, public market financing, and PV mergers and acquisitions all fell year on year in the first quarter of 2024. The sector is still grappling with high interest rates, which Wood Mackenzie says is disproportionately affecting renewables projects.
Stellantis acquires 49.5% stake in Argentine solar company
Car manufacturer Stellantis has agreed to invest $100 million in a 49.5% stake in Argentina’s 360 Energy Solar. The two parties plan to develop new solar plants, install large-scale storage systems, and produce hydrogen energy.
European Investment Bank lends €150 million for renewables in Bhutan
The European Investment Bank (EIB) has agreed to lend €150 million ($160.2 million) for renewables in Bhutan, in order to fund solar and hydropower installations in remote regions. Solar facilities are expected to reduce Bhutan’s reliance on energy imports during the dry months of the year and diversify the nation’s electricity mix.
Swiss canton to cover road with 14 MW of solar
The Swiss canton of Fribourg says it plans to cover a roadway with 14 MW of solar panels. The authorities are now conducting an in-depth feasibility study, to be followed by a financial plan for the project.
Saudi Arabia could hit 130 GW of renewables by 2030, says GlobalData
GlobalData say it is “plausible” that Saudi Arabia could close in on its target of 130 GW of renewables by 2030 by strengthening policies, competitive auctions and other financial measures.
Avaada Energy wins 250 MW solar-wind hybrid tender with $0.042/kWh bid
Avaada Energy has won NTPC’s 250 MW solar-wind hybrid tender with a winning bid of $0.042/kWh. The project must be connected to India’s Inter State Transmission System (ISTS).
EWEC seeking proposals for 1.5 GW of solar in Abu Dhabi
Emirates Water and Electricity Co. (EWEC) is now accepting proposals for a 1.5 GW solar project in Abu Dhabi. The tender is open to the 19 bidders who passed the qualification process, following an expression of interest stage last year. The chosen developer or consortium will sign a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with the Abu Dhabi-based utility.
Researchers design 31%-efficient perovskite solar cell based on calcium nitrogen iodide
An international team has demonstrated a perovskite solar cell relying on inorganic calcium nitrogen iodide (Ca3NI3) perovskite and has found this absorber material offers advantages such as tunable bandgap and resistance to heat. The device achieved a fill factor of 81.68%.
Ensemble techniques for solar energy forecasts
A Chinese research group has sought to understand the relative performance of two weather prediction techniques based on ensemble modeling for solar energy forecasts. The scientists applied the two methods in combination with three classical post-processing methods.
