Singulus: 2017 breakeven still possible
The German PV equipment manufacturer has posted financial results for the first nine months of 2017, projecting a protracted investment cycle for CIGS thin-film production. The company expects another prepayment from its major Chinese customer CNBM by the year’s end.
Developers propose 350 MW PV+storage project in UK
A joint venture between leading solar developers Wirsol and Hive Energy has launched a proposal for a solar park ‘in excess of 350 MW’ to be located on Britain’s North Kent Coast. While the proposal is in its initial stages, the developers state that the project will be built without any subsidies.
Octopus Investments expands refinancing with GBP 80 million
Already managing one of the largest solar investment funds in Europe, Octopus Investments has added an additional GBP 80 million, and acquired a further 100 MW solar project.
SMA warns of lower annual sales in light of component shortage
Third quarter financial update sees strong growth in Asia but weak U.S. large-scale project demand drags on overall sales. Order backlog increases 25% to €350m.
Greece installs its first large-scale solar under new, auction-based scheme
Greece has installed 8.6 MW of new large-scale solar PV capacity under its new policy framework. These are the first large-scale solar PV installations in the country since 2015.
What happens when… bypass diodes fail?
Series troubleshooting: Bypass diodes fail regularly, either because they do not have a high enough power rating or because they are overloaded due to nearby lightning strikes. With the following hypothetical, but realistic case pv magazine starts a series which aims to make the estimation of troubleshooting efforts more concrete and to stimulate a discussion on todays troubleshooting efficiency.
Energy Watch Group: 100% renewable electricity is both feasible and cost effective
A joint study by Finland’s Lappeenranta University of Technology and Energy Watch Group presented on the sidelines of the COP23 talks in Bonn demonstrates that a global transition to 100% renewable electricity could be achieved by 2050, and would be more cost effective than the current electricity system.
Scientists grind out solvent free perovskite thin-film process
Researchers from the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the renowned Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have collaborated on a new technique for the creation of perovskite solar cell materials. The technique replaces traditional solvent based processes with steel ball mill grinding.
Construction underway on first PV array for Chernobyl
Project developer Rodina today announced that construction is underway on the first solar power plant to be built on land inside the Chernobyl exclusion zone.
UK solar households could face bigger bills under controversial new grid charge plans
Plans by energy regulator Ofgem to increase network charges to households that have residential solar PV installed have been revealed in a move that could affect one million rooftops.
