German module maker increases production capacity
Soluxtec is almost trebling output capacity at its 200 MW fab in the Eifel region. The Luxembourg-owned manufacturer says it wants production capacity of 550 MW for monocrystalline PERC modules and special formats this year.
Tender for 15 MW solar park in Oman is a far-from-paltry investment
A’Namaa Poultry is seeking proposals for a solar power plant. The project selected will reportedly secure a power supply deal lasting up to 25 years.
More solar power deals pop up in Latin America
Big clean energy supply contracts have been announced in Brazil, Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Casting light on backsheet degradation
A U.S. research team has discovered that backsheets are most affected by cracking and degradation on inner layers, as such areas tend to become more rigid. The scientists have also discovered that degradation is accelerated by chemicals descending from the solar cells’ EVA encapsulant to the backsheets themselves.
Solar for construction
Dubai-based PV developer Enerwhere has come up with a new business model for solar projects at construction sites. Its approach, which is based on short-duration PPAs, involves moving mobile PV installations from one building site to another.
A stretchable, transparent solar cell with 8% efficiency
Korean scientists have unveiled a colorless device made of silicon microwire composites. The enhanced light absorption of the cell, the researchers claim, is due to the re-absorption of light by the microwires, which also benefit from an enhanced electric field.
Lessons to be learnt from Italy’s alleged PV fraud
The alleged resale in developing countries of solar modules sent for end-of-life recycling in Sicily could have an important lesson for the PV industry: select reliable recycling entities to avoid potential trouble further down the line. The PV industry should also avoid another potential risk, that of the illegal disposal of PV waste outside the EU.
Desalinating water with mobile solar-powered devices
A U.K. research team has developed a desalination mechanism that could offer a new way to provide drinking water and irrigate remote areas affected by natural disasters. Although the portable device is still in an initial, experimental phase, it can be powered by solar energy, as it has no moving parts and only requires small amounts of electricity.
Another solar module factory in Algeria
Algerian telecoms and renewable energy company Milltech is planning to begin producing panels at a new factory next month. The modules made there will chiefly be distributed in Algeria but the company also hopes to export.
Solar-powered hydrogen production in Japan
Toshiba has finalized construction of a 10 MW hydrogen plant in Fukushima prefecture which draws power from 20 MW of solar generation capacity as well as the grid.
