US scientists claim new efficiency record for organic tandem solar cells
A team from the University of Michigan in the U.S. has developed an organic tandem solar cell with 15% efficiency, a new record for an organic solar cell. The scientists utilized a novel method for stacking the two layers on top of each other without damaging either layer.
Middle East to tender 8 GW of PV in 2018, says GTM Research
Most of the region’s future solar development will come from large-scale solar projects, as distributed generation still suffers from the high subsidies granted to residential and commercial electricity customers.
Netherlands: Land prices are rising due to increasing development of solar parks
The country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has urged regional governments and municipalities to grant licenses for solar PV parks on agricultural land only as a last resource. No restrictive measures, however, are being considered.
Order situation ‘weakening’ for German equipment suppliers, says VDMA
After a strong finish to 2017, Germany’s equipment suppliers are looking at weaker demand in 2018, although the industry still expects sales growth of 9.2% this year, according to the latest Business Climate Survey published by the German Engineering Federation’s Photovoltaic Equipment Group.
Spanish region of Aragon fast-tracks eight PV projects totaling 398 MW
Overall, the fast-tracked solar parks will require an aggregate investment of approximately €267 million, the regional government said.
Grasshopper Solar gets $210 million financing from Deutsche Bank
The Canadian solar company will use the funds to expands its asset base and reach new business opportunities.
Power Ledger partners with Japanese utility in new trial
Australia-based peer-to-peer (P2P) energy pioneer Power Ledger will partner with Japanese utility Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) to trial its blockchain-enabled platform. The limited trial will first involve only 10 homes in Osaka, however, Power Ledger says that Japan is an excellent fit for P2P energy trading.
Strong sales for Germany’s equipment makers in Q4 2017 – VDMA
According to the latest report published by the German Engineering Association (Verbandes Deutsches Maschinenbau Anlagen, or VDMA), solar equipment sales for German tool makers increased by 117% in Q4 2017, compared with the previous quarter.
Oxford PV picks up GBP 8.02 million in investments
British headquartered perovskite startup, Oxford PV has received an additional GBP 8.02 million (US$11.2 million) in funding from existing investors. The company states it will use the funds to continue its development of commercially viable perovskite-on-silicon tandem cells.
European researchers discover new effect of light on perovskites
Scientists led by Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research have demonstrated for the first time that, as well as electrons, light also releases charged particles in a perovskite solar cell material. The researchers state that this groundbreaking discovery could make possible new solar power applications, such as batteries directly charged by light.
