Germany concludes rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.0894/kWh
The German authorities have reviewed 363 MW of bids to select 2559 MW of projects in the nation’s latest rooftop PV tender. The final prices ranged from €0.0795 ($0.0864)/kWh to €0.1019/kWh.
EneCoat to accelerate perovskite PV production
EneCoat Technologies, a Japanese solar perovskite developer, has raised JPY 5.5 billion ($35 million) from new and existing investors to finance new collaborations based on its low-temperature production process.
k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm for PV power forecasting
Scientists in Iraq used a k-Nearest Neighbors algorithm to evaluate the operational status of PV modules under various conditions, including partial shading, open circuit, and short circuit scenarios. They found that the overall performance of the model in predicting power output was “notably accurate.”
New design for antimony trisulfide solar cells promises 30% higher efficiency
An international research team has proposed a series of optimization techniques for antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) solar cells that may reportedly increase the efficiency of these PV devices to over 11%. The resulting new cell design is said to significantly improve band alignment control and parameter optimization.
Germany’s solar market faces price wars, consolidation
A series of inquiries to residential PV installers has revealed a tough consolidation phase in Germany’s solar installation market. With an increasing number of installers offering solar arrays at very low prices, competition is intensifying as companies vie for fewer orders.
Ramaphosa reveals 22,500 MW renewables pipeline in South Africa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his first speech since forming a coalition government in May, said the nation is experiencing a “renewable energy revolution,” with upcoming projects expected to attract around ZAR 400 billion ($21.9 million) in private investment.
Fimer launches sale proceedings under extraordinary administration
Fimer has launched a process to sell itself to new owners. Interested investors have until Aug. 31 to submit offers.
Scientists say concavities in perovskite films may improve solar cell stability
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) researchers have gained insights into perovskite microstructure. After removing grain surface concavities in the crystalline grains of perovskite, they fabricated a solar cell with improved efficiency retention under standardized thermal cycling, damp heat, and maximum-power-point tracking tests.
WTO accuses China of low transparency on state subsidies, including solar
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat has criticized China for an alleged lack of transparency in its state support framework and has urged the nation to improve its subsidy notification process.
Panama cancels renewables auction
Panama has canceled an auction it announced in February for 500 MW of renewable energy capacity. It would have been the country’s first renewable energy tender in a decade and the first in Central America to include battery storage systems.
