Emiliano Bellini
EPFL-led research group seeks to stabilize perovskite solar cells with guanidinium
The group of scientists is adopting organic cations, instead of inorganic cations like cesium or rubidium, to stabilize the crystal structures of perovskites with solar applications.
Zambia to launch 100 MW solar tender
The tender will be open to PV projects not exceeding 20 MW in size, and will award long-term PPAs for the sale of power to local utility ZESCO.
Another Brazilian state introduces ICMS exemption for solar
This time, the state of Espíritu Santo has agreed to adopt the fiscal incentive for net-metered solar PV systems up to 1 MW. The measure has been suggested by the Brazilian central government to all the country’s states since September 2015.
No stabilization without flexibilization
A new report from DNV GL stresses the value of flexibility regarding the design of future energy markets. The paper also indicates how to avoid imbalances that could cause the instability of power systems.
Tunisia’s power utility STEG plans another 10 MW solar park
The recently tendered project will be financed by German development bank, KFW and will be located in Tozeur, where STEG is now building its first PV plant.
Belgium: Wallonia could close incentive scheme for residential PV
As the government of Belgium’s French-speaking region has announced the possible closing of the incentive scheme Qualiwatt, claiming that self-consumption is now becoming more profitable, the region’s regulator CWaPE warns that the abrupt cancellation of the incentives may have a negative psychological effect.
Longi claims 82.15% bifaciality record for its PERC solar cell
After announcing a record 22.71% conversion efficiency with its monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells in October, the Chinese solar manufacturer now claims it has achieved an 82.15% record bifaciality for the bifacial version of the same cell.
Chile: Interest in small solar parks grows
The number of planned PV projects not exceeding 9 MW in size, which are eligible to access Chile’s PMGD Program for distributed generation, has increased considerably over the past months.
Lebanon’s 180 MW solar tender moves forward
Overall, 42 bids were submitted to Lebanon’s Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) for 180 MW of tendered PV capacity. The LCEC will now start the evaluation process in two weeks.
Goa approves new solar policy
Under the new policy, the government of India’s smallest state is aiming to install around 150 MW of PV capacity by 2022.
