New tech to recover pure silicon from end-of-life solar cells
An Indian research group has used three different chemicals instead of commonly used hydrofluoric acid to separate silicon from the cell. The technique is claimed to be able to deliver recycled silicon with a purity of up to 99.9984%.
South Africa’s 2.6 GW renewables tender draws lowest solar bid of $0.02481/kWh
The South African authorities have published the list of the preferred bidders of the fifth round of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Program (REIPPPP). Around 2.58 GW of renewable energy capacity was allocated through the procurement exercise.
Should I include a battery with my home solar project? Part 1
A growing share of residential solar projects now attach energy storage batteries. In part one of this new series, we consider the backup power feature of batteries.
Neoen connects 460 MW solar farm to grid in Australia
French developer Neoen’s massive 460 MWp solar farm in Queensland, Australia, is rapidly advancing toward completion, with state-owned network operator Powerlink confirming connection to the electricity grid is now complete.
Sunman unveils 430 W glass free solar module
The new product has a power conversion efficiency of up to 19.3% and a weight of 11.2 kg. The module is produced with glass fiber reinforced plastic, which the manufacturer says reduces light reflection and opens up new assembly options.
US utility paying solar customers to adopt energy storage
Rocky Mountain Power’s incentive program requires that the batteries be charged by on-site solar power systems in order to fully qualify.
US solar module imports fall 27% in Q3
The largest single-quarter drop in three years comes as the American Solar Manufacturers Against Chinese Circumvention propose greater tariffs against Asian-imported modules.
Faster permitting crucial to help Italy add 70 GW of renewables this decade
In a chat with pv magazine at the Key Energy event in Rimini, Roberta Valenziani, of Italian trade body Elettricità Futura, explained the factors preventing Italy’s PV market from having a renaissance. She said the country has Europe’s longest delays and highest costs for obtaining permits for large scale solar.
Compressed-air storage for commercial applications
Israel-based Augwind has built its first 250 kW/1 MWh compressed air storage system for the collective community of Yahel, in the southern, desert part of the country. The commercial scale facility will be connected to a PV system and will be used for behind-the-meter services.
Denmark gets no bid in third renewables tender
The Danish Energy Agency said it will now begin talks with the renewable energy industry to analyze the tender’s disappointing result and to evaluate if more tenders of this kind should be held, starting from next year.
