Intersolar South America preview
With a predicted 13 GW of capacity by 2017, the lure of South America for PV companies should ensure a positive turnout at the first Intersolar South America trade show. Brazilian and German exhibitors dominate at the Sao Paulo show.
Sika appoints new chief technology officer
Swiss specialty chemicals company Sika has tapped Thomas Hasler as its new chief technology officer and member of the group’s management, effective Jan. 1.
Coupled solar and energy storage market to grow to $2.8 billion in 2018
Dominated by grid installations, the coupled solar and energy storage segment will prove a boon to energy storage producers but have only a modest impact on the solar market, according to a new report by Lux Research.
First Solar and Belectric announce JV
The U.S. thin film giant will supply the modules and Belectric the Balance of Systems for the proposed joint venture. PV Projects will aim to develop schemes in Europe and North America as well as smaller projects in the U.S.
North Carolina researchers improve stacked solar cell connections
The breakthrough will allow solar cell manufacturers to create stacked solar cells that can handle high-intensity solar energies without losing voltage at the connecting junctions, potentially improving conversion efficiency.
Plans for 12 Russian PV plants still at negotiation stage
An Avelar Energy representative told pv magazine, plans for PV plants in three Russian regions are still at the planning stage. An Interfax report says the plants will total 120 MW of solar.
Brazilian PV developers pitch for 2.7 GW
The first federal energy auction to feature solar in Brazil has prompted applications for 2.7 GW of projects. Some 1.75 GW of the applications are for projects in Bahia state.
UK firm to develop 600 MW Zimbabwean plants
The Thompson Cole Consortium will reportedly develop eight farms in rural locations across Zimbabwe. The chairman of local developer Twalumba Holdings says he is eager to work with the relevant departments of Robert Mugabe’s incoming government.
Investment group plans £200 million UK solar investment
The Foresight Solar Fund would finance eight U.K. ground mount plants with the profits from a planned London IPO. A partner for the fund says solar offers a more attractive investment in the UK than wind.
Poland: Energy policy U-turn
End of spring, an informal working group started meeting regularly at the Polish Prime Minister’s Office to analyse the energy market situation and the promotion of renewable energy sources. The outcome: FITs in Poland and a support system that will probably be easier to handle.
