Argentina establishes new landmark renewable energy policy
Decree 531 outlines plans to create a trust fund of 12,000 million Argentine Pesos (USD819 million) for renewable energy this year, and also outlines bidding processes for renewable energy projects.
JA Solar hands major contract to Meyer Burger
The contract, given out by the Chinese PV manufacturer to the Swiss technology group for its PERC solar cell and wafer production equipment, is worth more than 18 million Swiss francs.
Watly launches crowdfunding campaign for its off-grid power generator and water purifier
The Watly 3.0 solar-powered computer combines photovoltaic and thermal solar technology to sanitize 5,000 liters of water a day, while also providing free electricity and even internet connectivity.
8point3 Energy Partners agrees deal to acquire 90MW of solar projects across the US
The energy partnership will take control of SunPowers 50MW Hooper Project in Colorado, and First Solars Kingbird Project in California, adding to its growing solar portfolio.
Portable solar-powered tanning panel finds niche audience
Newly developed towel-based panel can, under optimum conditions, deliver an even bronzing across exposed skin, researchers claim.
The pv magazine weekly news digest
Woes deepen for SunEdison, Mexico’s energy reform invites 1.7 GW of solar, and Huawei shuffles to the top of the global inverter pack as another busy week in solar comes to a close.
ZSW sets European CIGS efficiency record of 22%
The German research center raises the conversion efficiency of thin-film CIGS solar cells to 22% in optimized laboratory conditions; Japan’s Solar Frontier remains frontrunner worldwide with 22.3% efficiency.
TU Graz working on new solar cell and battery hybrid
The SolaBat project, supported by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), is breaking new scientific ground.
Natcore hits 17.5 percent all-back contact cell efficiency
U.S. heterojunction technology developer Natcore has announced hitting 17.5 percent laboratory efficiency with its aluminum all-back contacted cells. The company says its HJT cells have increased in efficiency from four percent in only eleven months.
Polysilicon prices on the rise in China, but the US is excluded
A sharp rise in demand for polysilicon in China is leading to a partial price recovery; however US manufacturers are unable to take advantage after losing access to the market, according to market research company IHS.
