Solar lease and loan provider SolarCity has launched a program to roll out solar arrays on new-builds along the US East Coast. The solar firm has partnered with more than 10 local builders across seven states, to offer its financed solar products.

The sale of Oslo-based REC Solar to Bluestar Elkem is set to go ahead, after shareholders approved the move in an extraordinary general meeting of the company last night. The sale will be completed in March.

US solar manufacturer and project developer SunEdison has successfully raised a significant part of the cash required to complete its acquisition of wind project developer First Wind. Company has raised US$590m in cash through sales of shares and a credit facility for the acquisition.

Researchers at California’s Stanford University have developed what they claim to be a new technique for the production of perovskite tandem cells, in combination with either a c-Si or CIGS semiconductor layer. In a key development, the researchers have used an innovative method to apply a transparent electrode to the cell without damaging the fragile perovskite active layer.

Researchers at California’s Stanford University have developed what they claim to be a new technique for the production of perovskite tandem cells, in combination with either a c-Si or CIGS semiconductor layer. In a key development, the researchers have used an innovative method to apply a transparent electrode to the cell without damaging the fragile perovskite active layer.

While Australia’s large scale PV sector remains depressed, homeowners continue to flock to solar. Figures released today by Green Energy Markets, show over 800 MW of residential and small commercial PV systems were installed in 2014. Average system size was 4.4 kW.

German/U.S. solar manufacturer SolarWorld has entered into a partnership with leasing provider DZ-4 to roll out solar and battery kits in Germany. Potential residential customers can enter in a 10-year lease with DZ-4 for a SolarWorld solar-plus-storage residential kit.

U.S. solar lease provider American Solar Direct (ASD) will team with PV crowdfunder Mosaic to provide homeowners with solar loans. ASD says that most customers will be able to access a 20-year loan produce, including a production guarantee and warranty and maintenance agreement.

German EPC, due diligence and O&M provider Adler Solar is set to form a joint venture (JV) with Yokohama Kankyo Design to enter the Japanese solar market. Adler Solar subsidiary BEC Solar’s services will also be bundled into the deal.

Finnish researchers have concluded that a 100% renewable energy system is feasible in China, Korea and Japan. They conclude that within 10 years solar and wind will be the cheapest sources of electricity in Northeast Asia.