Penn State researchers develop low-cost solar cell
A research team at Penn State University has developed solar cells of up to 17% efficiency using a simplified concept requiring only one semiconductor material. Thanks to their potential for low-cost production, the researchers theorize that the cells could be used to provide power to energy poor communities the world over.
Tunisia launches tender for 70 MW of solar
The Tunisian government hopes to allocate 210 MW of wind and solar capacity through the tender. Bids for PV projects must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2017.
Indian state of Haryana exempts solar components from VAT
The move by the Haryana government seen as clear support of solar industry, designed to lower the financial barriers for renewable energy in the Northern Indian state.
Israel to hold tender for over 150 MW of large-scale PV in July
In the latest tender for PV projects up to 12 MW held in March, the Israeli government allocated around 235 MW of solar capacity. Overall, the Middle Eastern country has reached cumulative PV capacity of over 900 MW.
German government releases draft of future joint auctions for solar and wind
Starting 2018, 400 MW of capacity will be allocated every year in joint auctions for wind and solar projects. German association BSW-Solar asks for a level playing field, and recommends other instruments to promote Germany’s Energy Transition.
2 MW solar plant powers Jordan’s Azraq refugee camp
With a 2 MW solar PV plant switched on, Jordan’s Azraq camp has become the world’s first refugee camp to be powered by renewable energy.
Interview: Europe needs big PV manufacturers
Xavier Daval, the president of the French solar association SER-SOLER, spoke with pv magazine about the necessity of creating a large European industrial group specialized in solar module production. Leaving solar manufacturing to China and the United States, Daval said, would make Europe energy dependent for the next decades.
ANU researchers develop light management technique inspired by butterfly wings
Researchers at Australia National University have developed a nanostructure technique to finely control the direction of light. The technique, says ANU, could be applied to tandem perovskite/silicon solar cells.
NREL develops controllable quantum dot systems
Researchers at the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed a new designer quantum dot system, which allows for greater control over optoelectronic properties of the materials.
Egypt: German consortium plans 1 GW vertically integrated solar factory
A first agreement to start a feasibility study for the project, which also includes the construction of a giant solar plant, was signed in the presence of the country’s minister of energy Mohamed Shaker.
