University of Twente publishes research on back reflector materials
Researchers at the Netherlands’ University of Twente have developed a material comprising thin, diamond-like photonic nanostructures which reflect a surprisingly wide range of colours of light, from all angles. This could make the material ideally suited for use as a back reflector for PV modules.
Eon and Google launches Sunroof platform in Germany
The Sunroof platform is already available in the United States, having launched there in 2015. Thanks to Eon, the platform used by homeowners to assess the solar potential of their roofs will also be online in Germany in the near future.
Sweden’s Infranode invests $11.3 million in distributed solar energy
The Swedish investment firm is also ready to commit a further $56.7 million to solar and geothermal heat pump energy assets.
KIT researchers detect nanostripes on perovskites
KIT scientists have researched the underlying physical mechanisms of perovskites to understand the reason for their high efficiency potential. For the first time proof for nanostructures in the perovskite layers has been provided.
Ellomay acquires 300 MW PV project in southern Spain
The Israeli investment firm agreed to acquire a special purpose vehicle owning a 300 MW PV project in the southern Spanish region of Extremadura.
SolarPower Europe: new financial mechanisms at EU-level are crucial for solar
The European solar association has released a new report that recommends ten actions to further support solar across the EU. Innovative financing mechanisms and new business models, as well as balanced regulatory frameworks, are considered necessary to ensure the future growth of PV in Europe.
Armenia announces tender for 55 MW solar project
The Armenian Ministry of Energy Infrastructure and Natural Resources has prequalified ten companies in the preliminary phase of the tender for the project, which will be located in Masrik, Gegharkunik province, in the eastern part of Armenia.
SolarWorld reports shipment growth in first quarter
The German module maker shipped 382 MW in the first three months of this year. The company’s plan to focus on monocrystalline PERC products is being implemented according to schedule.
Germany adds 111 MW of solar in March
The German government will reduce FITs by 0.25% for the next months, although new additions are significantly behind the 2.5 GW annual target for solar.
Ireland: interest grows in large-scale solar
Irish power utility EBS and wind specialist Bord na Móna are planning a giant solar project across three counties in the middle of Ireland. Meanwhile, large-scale PV projects with a combined capacity of 1.47 GW were submitted to the local grid operator for approval.
