Albania launches 300 MW solar auction
The Albanian authorities aim to allocate 300 MW of solar capacity through a new procurement exercise, with projects ranging from 10 MW to 100 MW.
TOPCon solar module production costs now at $0.16/W in China, says ETIP PV
New figures from the European Technology and Innovation Platform for Photovoltaics (ETIP PV) show that China can now produce tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) PV modules for between $0.160/W and $0.189/W. Costs in Europe, India and the United States, by contrast, could be as low as $0.243/W, $0.281/W, and $0.195/W, respectively. ETIP PV made the comparison based on production at a 10 GW integrated PV factory.
Red Sea tensions set to drive up solar module prices
The costs of transporting a container from China to Rotterdam have already almost tripled due to ongoing tensions in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Houthi militants have been attacking merchant ships there for weeks, preventing them from entering the Red Sea and transiting through the Suez Canal.
Small-scale solar good for environment, but agrivoltaics might be better
Canadian researchers have conducted a lifecycle analysis showing that it’s good for the environment to put solar on rooftops, but a mix of small-scale PV and agrivoltaics might be a better alternative.
India’s NTPC demonstrates zero-emission ‘hydrogen cooking’
NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) has demonstrated successful hydrogen cooking with a modified cookstove that uses hydrogen from a green hydrogen plant at its campus in India.
Solar fences stand out in Australian market simulation
Solar fences are starting to gain traction in European and North American markets, with figures from energy software specialist Gridcog suggesting that vertical bifacial solar could also be technically and economically viable in Australia.
Bosch unveils cold climate heat pump for residential applications
According to the manufacturer, the new Inverter Ducted Split (IDS) Ultra heat pump can provide 100% heating capacity at an outdoor temperature of -15 C and can operate down to – 25 C.
Das Solar claims record open-circuit voltage of 742 mV for n-type solar cell
Das Solar has achieved a world-record open-circuit voltage of 742 mV for an M10 n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell, with a power conversion efficiency of 26.33%, according to China’s National PV Industry Measurement and Testing Center (NPVM).
Shikun & Binui wins tender for 130 MW solar highway project in Israel
Israeli developer Shikun & Binui Energy says it will operate a 130 MW solar project next to a highway in Israel for a period of 25 years. It will also include up to 240 MWh of storage.
German companies unite to bring virtual power plants to mid-sized businesses
Germany’s Electrofleet has invested in its virtual power plant technology partner Dieenergiekoppler. The two collaborate to enable mid-sized businesses to use self-produced renewable energy based on fixed price contracts. Dieenergiekoppler’s latest financing round solidified the collaboration.
