Solibro ceases operations
Insolvency proceedings have been opened against the assets of the German thin-film solar manufacturer. A proposed reorganization failed because investors did not provide sufficient capital. Some 180 employees will lose their jobs.
Ambibox reports efficiency world record for solar DC charging of electric off-road buggy
A German start-up achieved more than 99% efficiency when charging a vehicle developed by the Bochum University of Applied Sciences with electricity from solar cells. Ambibox’s DC charging technology was used in a research project in the Australian desert.
Solar, wind covered most of Germany’s power demand on Easter Monday
Renewable energy delivered 56 GW of capacity at noon on Easter Monday, with consumption coming in around 61 GW. The price on the power exchange fell to minus €83.01/MWh during peak hours.
Renewables made up almost 65% of net power production in Germany last week
Renewable energy had a 64.8% share of electricity generation, according to solar research institute Fraunhofer ISE. The achievement was mainly due to strong production from wind facilities.
EU wants to know more about Eon’s bid to acquire Innogy
According to the Brussels authorities, the transaction could affect competition in the electricity and gas sectors. EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager wants to ensure there are no price increases as a result of the proposed takeover.
Blockchain marketplace for PV power trading launched in Switzerland
Some 377 households and a retirement home are participating in a pilot project. In the first two weeks of this month, solar power generators sold 82% of their electricity within the neighborhood. The goal of the one-year test run is to develop a viable concept for the local marketing of solar power.
Helmholtz Center achieves 21.6% for perovskite CIGS tandem solar cell
The German researchers were able to improve the efficiency through a simplified production process.
E.on’s acquisition of Innogy would create customer energy data monopoly, claims rival utility
The planned acquisition of RWE subsidiary Innogy’s sales and network business, would make E.on the largest electricity supplier to two-thirds of Germany with a 70% market share in its distribution network. That is the finding of analysis conducted by consulting firm LBD on behalf of rival power firm Lichtblick.
PV Market Alliance expects 120 GW of new solar capacity in 2019
The global market stagnated last year, with around 98 GW deployed. For 2019, the experts expect stronger solar growth, provided there are no setbacks in China.
Renewables to account for 38% of Germany’s 2018 gross electricity consumption
The figure released by German industry associations BDEW and ZSW shows that no technology has grown as much as solar PV. Indeed, they say production increased 18% year-on-year. Overall, wind energy remains the largest producer of renewables, with annual growth of 7% over 2017.
