Sandra Enkhardt
Switzerland publishes database on alpine PV systems
The alpine-pv.ch platform is a joint project of four universities of applied sciences. Above all, it shows how much potential there is in alpine photovoltaic power plants to counter the looming winter electricity problem in Switzerland.
Germany accelerates approval procedures for PV, wind power, storage
Acceleration areas and shortened approval procedures are intended to ensure faster expansion of wind and solar parks as well as energy storage at the same locations. The move implements requirements from the EU Renewable Energy Directive of 2023. Approvals will also be facilitated for electrolyzers to ramp up hydrogen production.
Fraunhofer IEG building new sector coupling test facility to increase electrolyzer, heat pump efficiencies
The city of Zittau has now granted the building permit for the test facility, which is to be constructed by the beginning of next year. The aim is to develop cost-effective electrolyzers for the production of green hydrogen, in which the by-products oxygen and heat can be optimally used.
Sale process begins for German microinverter maker Solarnative
Solarnative launched insolvency proceedings and started searching for new investors in June.
VoltStorage advances its iron-salt battery technology
German flow battery firm VoltStorage says its next stage of technology development will deliver 20-fold increase in performance.
Germany concludes rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.0894/kWh
The German authorities have reviewed 363 MW of bids to select 2559 MW of projects in the nation’s latest rooftop PV tender. The final prices ranged from €0.0795 ($0.0864)/kWh to €0.1019/kWh.
Germany’s solar market faces price wars, consolidation
A series of inquiries to residential PV installers has revealed a tough consolidation phase in Germany’s solar installation market. With an increasing number of installers offering solar arrays at very low prices, competition is intensifying as companies vie for fewer orders.
German startup offers self-adhesive film for glare-free PV modules
Germany-based Phytonics has developed a self-adhesive film with microstructures to reduce glare on PV modules. It is available in sheets and rolls for new and existing PV systems.
Germany’s balcony PV installations hit 200 MW in H1
Germany’s Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) says 220,000 balcony PV systems were installed in the country in the first half of the year, reaching 200 MW.
German authorities arrest Solar Fabrik CEO
The German police have arrested Christian L, the CEO of German solar manufacturer Solar Fabrik, in relation to an investigation by the Würzburg public prosecutor over alleged customs violations by PV wholesaler ESC Verwaltungs GmbH & Co.KG during the minimum import price period for Chinese solar modules.
