Fronius to cut 350 jobs
Fronius has revealed plans to cut 350 jobs due to “persistently weak sales” from its solar energy division. The Austrian inverter manufacturer significantly expanded production and hired new employees in 2022 and 2023.
German energy market records 78 hours of negative prices in May
Rabot Charge’s monthly analysis shows significantly more hours with negative prices on the Germany electricity market than in April. However, the average price in daily transactions was €6.72 ($7.32)/kWh – higher than in the previous month.
PI Berlin, PVEL, Extel Energy unite under Kiwa brand
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL), Extel Energy, and PI Berlin have unified under the Kiwa brand. Dutch company Kiwa, which has acquired the three PV testing laboratories over the past three years, says it aims to more effectively present its range of services for the solar industry.
Key takeaways from Solar Solutions Amsterdam
Volatility in the global PV market did not go unnoticed this week at the Solar Solutions Amsterdam trade fair. However, the prevailing impression is that the Dutch PV market is poised for stability.
Austria earmarks €135 million for solar rebates in 2024
Austrian agency OeMAG is allocating €135 million ($146.4 million) of incentives under Austria’s Renewable Energy Expansion Act (EAG).
Germany concludes rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.0892/kWh
The German authorities have reviewed 278 MW of bids to select 264.1 MW of projects in the nation’s latest rooftop PV tender. The final prices ranged from €0.0690 ($0.075)/kWh to €0.0948/kWh.
Encavis starts building 260 MW of solar in Germany
Encavis AG has started installing 260 MW of solar capacity in Germany, with completion set for 2025. It is on track to become one of the country’s largest PV plants.
Fraunhofer ISE opens module lab in old Solar Fabrik factory
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has opened a PV module production lab for new product ideas in a former Solar Fabrik factory in Germany. It is equipped with systems for cell interconnection, laminators, and a range of materials and solar cell technologies.
‘Shallow defects’ key to high efficiency of perovskite solar cells, say researchers
Researchers at the Jülich Research Center in Germany have used novel photoluminescence measurements to analyze the recombination of charge carriers in perovskite solar cells. They have found that the loss of charge carriers in perovskite devices works differently from other types of PV cells.
Fire suppression system for flat rooftops with PV systems
Minimax’s PVProtect system, which is recognized by German insurers, detects solar panel fires and fights them in their early stages.
