Indoor solar cells based on lead-free perovskite-inspired materials
Lead-free perovskite-inspired materials still provide efficiencies that are too low for solar cells in outdoor environments. A British-Chinese research team, however, has demonstrated they have strong potential for indoor PV devices due to their ability to capture visible light.
Massive corporate solar deal for the world’s largest telecommunications company
US giant AT&T has signed an agreement with Invenergy to purchase 500 MW from the upcoming 1.3 GW Samson Solar Energy Center in Texas. The deal will make AT&T one of the largest purchasers of corporate solar in the world.
Canadian Solar secures PPAs for 862 MW of solar in Brazil
The Chinese-Canadian company has secured two more deals in the Brazilian deregulated energy market. A 12-year PPA was awarded by BTG bank while a second, 15-year contract was awarded by power provider Furnas Centrais Elétricas.
France hits 10 GW milestone
The country’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 10.2 GW at the end of September. Newly installed capacity for the third quarter was 283 MW.
Trends in solar modules – Interview with RenewSys CEO
Avinash Hiranandani, global chief executive officer and managing director of RenewSys India, speaks to pv magazine about solar module technology trends and the company’s manufacturing focus.
Even if it is cheap enough, efficiency does matter
A British-German research team claims that organic PV technologies may become mature enough to compete with crystalline silicon and thin-film products not only in BIPV, but also in power generation in the electricity market. In order to get there, however, organic PV products will have to achieve higher efficiencies.
Chile to launch auction for 2.31 TWh of renewables+storage in May
The country’s energy regulator will publish the auction’s final bidding terms in December. Projects awarded contracts under the auction will supply electricity under 15-year power purchase agreements for 2026-2040.
Solar parks in Netherlands to be connected at 70% of their peak capacity
The Netherlands’ renewable energy sector has reached an agreement with the country’s grid operators and power providers for a faster grid connection of solar parks. PV plant operators will be able to connect their projects at 70% of their capacity and, in turn, they will be allowed to connect them without having to wait for more grid availability.
25.17% efficient perovskite solar cell via new photoactive layer
Scientists in South Korea demonstrated a perovskite cell with a certified efficiency of 24.4%. The device is claimed to maintain over 80% of its initial efficiency after 1,300 hours in the dark at 85 degrees Celsius.
India added 438 MW of solar capacity in Q3 2020
The new solar capacity added during the three months ending September includes 283 MW from large-scale installations and 155 MW rooftop.
