Floating PV arrives in Israel
German contractor Belectric has deployed a 480 kW array on a reservoir near the Mishmar HaEmek kibbutz in northern Israel.
The ambiguous impact of battery storage on emissions
U.S. researchers have investigated whether energy storage deployment could actually drive up greenhouse gas emissions in the short term in some energy markets. The fact the existing literature considers only the dispatch of energy from storage facilities in the current fossil fuel-renewables energy mix, though, could understate the long-term emissions reduction benefits of such facilities.
The fossil fuel giant and agrivoltaics
French oil and gas company Total is planning to install nearly 500 MW of solar generation capacity on farmland by 2025. The power company will work with French seed and agricultural supply company inVivo group to install agrivoltaic systems.
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.
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.
