PV increases efficiency of cultivatable land use by more than 60%, Fraunhofer ISE says
Until now, cultivatable land was destined either for the generation of energy, or for food production. However, a pilot project, run by the Fraunhofer ISE, shows the two are compatible.
France deployed 484 MW of PV in first nine months of 2017
As of the end of September, the country’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 7.68 GW.
Belgian Court of Appeal rejects lawsuit against Flanders’ grid-fee for residential PV
The so-called “prosumer tax” was introduced in July 2015 and applies to residential PV systems not exceeding 10 kW installed under net metering.
French forces unite to develop solar PV desalination plants
Two French companies have partnered to develop projects that combine renewable energy generation with water desalination. This is an area the solar sector is targeting specifically for the developing world, due to its off-grid compatibility.
Italy: Clarity on fiscal breaks for sustainable PV investments
The Italian government-run energy agency, GSE has made it clear that the so-called “Tremonti ambientale” fiscal incentive can only be combined with the incentives of the first two Conto Energia programs.
DNV GL: AI will make renewables more efficient
A paper published by consultancy DNV GL forecasts major growth in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) applications within renewable energy, and outlines the risks and opportunities of such technologies.
UK: no budge on solar tax breaks in Budget
Today’s Budget see solar remain locked out on the types of tax breaks available to fossil fuels, while general lack of energy policy continues to fail long-term low carbon investors, argues Solar Trade Association.
Germany awards contract to 69 MW solar plant in October auction
The auction’s final average price dropped under €50/MWh for the first time. Since January, PV projects exceeding 10 MW, and which are located in areas designated “bauliche anlagen,” have been allowed to participate in the auction. As a result, the largest winning project was a 69 MW solar facility.
Netherlands sees growing interest in community solar projects
Around 37 MW of community solar power projects have been built in Holland so far this year.
New coating steps up solar cell efficiency by 20%, Russian researchers find
By putting silica particles inside the top electrode, scientists from Russia’s ITMO University have developed a new solar cell coating, which helps avoid overheating and diminishes light reflection, thus increasing overall efficiency by 20%.
