The pv magazine weekly news digest
As the global solar market nears the end of its tenth consecutive year of growth, the EU-China trade spat looks set to continue, Indian ambitions soar once more, and mono-efficiency reaches new heights.
Interview: Bringing solar power to West Africa with Off Grid Electric
CEO of Off Grid Electric Xavier Helgesen discusses the company’s goal of bringing solar power systems to three million West Africans and explains how off-grid solar is gaining wider acceptance as a “real” power source that can transform local economies.
1366, Hanwha Q Cells achieve 19.6% multicrystalline cell efficiency
Using 1366’s groundbreaking kerfless silicon wafers and Hanwha’s proprietary PERC cell process, the cells’ remarkable performance was verified by an independent testing firm.
Trina Solar sets new 22.61% mono PERC efficiency record
The Chinese Tier 1 solar developer announces a new conversion efficiency for its mono-crystalline silicon PERC cell that surpasses its previous world record by a full half-percentage point.
Panasonic to supply PV modules to Tesla from Japan, Malaysia
The collaboration between the two companies is moving beyond Panasonic running the Tesla/SolarCity gigafactory, and will enable Panasonic to re-open a factory in Japan.
Bill Gates’ energy innovation fund commits to $1 billion in investment
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is backing research on low- and zero-carbon technologies; however, their guidelines show a lack of understanding of solar technology and market development.
Meyer Burger attracts further investment
The signs continue to be positive for Meyer Burger’s capital increase, as the Swiss solar equipment manufacturer has announced a fourth separate investor in just a couple of weeks, this time with an investment of CHF 10.8 million (USD 10.7 million).
UK frees up just shy of half a million pounds for solar innovation fund
Innovate UK, a division of the government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, invites businesses to apply for share of GBP 455,000 for projects that drive solar innovation.
Solar Impulse co-founder expects passenger electric planes within 10 years, SolarStratos aircraft unveiled
Bertrand Piccard, pilot and co-founder of groundbreaking Solar Impulse project, believes electric planes powered by solar energy can carry passengers within the next decade. SolarStratos project aims to become first solar-powered plane to penetrate stratosphere.
Additional investor commits to Meyer Burger
The Swiss PV equipment manufacturer has received a CHF 5.76 million (USD 5.7 million) commitment from new investor Brustorm SA, as the company continues its capital increase, as part of the major restructuring it announced earlier in the year.
