German solar glass maker acquired by timber company and start-up innovator
Interfloat Corporation, a European market leader for solar glass, has been bought by Holzverarbeiter HS Timber Group and Blue Minds.
A heterojunction organic solar cell with 14.2% efficiency
Researchers in China have developed an organic solar cell using a sequential solution treatment technique in which the donor and acceptor mixture blends are sequentially spin-coated. With this technique, the researchers say they are better able to modulate the morphology of the active layer.
Indonesia’s first PPA for large scale solar
Coal producer SESM is planning a 10 MW off-grid hybrid solar plant in South Sumatra. A palm oil producer will buy the solar electricity generated under a 20-year power purchase agreement.
A 20-year power supply deal for 238 MW of solar in Brazil
French developer Voltalia has contracted to supply solar power to Brazilian thermoplastic resin company Braskem. The solar plant which will generate the electricity is planned as an expansion of two facilities allocated by the Brazilian government in a public renewable energy auction.
A new manufacturing process for 19.5% efficient perovskite solar cells
Researchers in China have proposed manufacturing perovskite cells using a pre-nucleation technique. Compared to traditional solvent dripping methods, the approach enables the creation of smaller crystallites in the perovskite films as uncontrolled crystallite growth affects the efficiency and durability of cells.
Planned 48 MW Netherlands solar plant could be another solar highway
It is not clear whether panels will line the Rijksweg 59 highway or be sited next to a stretch of it. UK oil giant Shell is planning the installation as part of a renewables cluster to also feature wind power.
Another 30 MW of floating solar ready to set sail in France
The commune of Châteauneuf-du-Rhône, in the French department of Drôme, has signaled its approval of a floating PV project submitted by the Compagnie Nationale du Rhône which still requires a permit from the planning authorities.
German scientists develop solar facade with 50% higher yield
The three-meter prototype consists of nine panels based on an aluminum compound. The PV elements of the facade can be tilted to capture more sunlight.
Energy community provisions for Italy
New measures introduced by the government allow households, businesses and public entities to produce and trade clean electricity in low-voltage grids. The new framework is open to power projects with a generation capacity no larger than 200 kW.
A commercial bifacial HJT solar cell with 24.1% efficiency
The cell is being manufactured by Switzerland-headquartered Ecosolifer with a manufacturing line provided by heterojunction specialist Meyer Burger at a 100 MW factory located in Hungary. The claimed efficiency is yet to be confirmed by an independent party.
