Fraunhofer ISE reclaims multicrystalline PV cell efficiency record with 21.9%
German solar research institute Fraunhofer ISE has reclaimed the multicrystalline PV cell efficiency record, achieving 21.9%. Fraunhofer researchers deployed n-type high-performance multicrystalline technology to produce the record-setting PV cell.
EU member states vote for 18-month extension to anti-dumping measures
The European Commission’s proposal to extend the anti-dumping measures for Chinese PV manufacturers by a year and a half has been put to the mediation committee. The final decision will be published on 4th March. A proposal to extend the measures by only 12 months also failed in the Appeals Committee.
Better Energy completes 23.6 MW of projects in Germany
Danish solar developers Better Energy today announced the addition of four sites with total capacity of 23.6 MW to its portfolio in Germany.
SunPower & First Solar to supply projects in France
SunPower has announced that it will supply 64.4 MW of its high efficiency E-Series solar panels to seven PV power plants in France. Meanwhile, First Solar has announced that it will supply 106.5 MW of its thin film modules to power 14 power plants under the third round of procurement initiated by France’s Energy Regulatory Commission.
Foresight Solar Fund annual results show impressive growth
The investment company, which focuses on operating ground-mount solar assets in the UK achieved total revenue of GBP 34.2 million (US$ 42.7 million).
German Police detain PV module thieves
Four men have been arrested on suspicion of theft, after an extensive investigation by German and Polish Police forces. The men are said to have broken into solar parks in several German states in order to steal modules and inverters.
REC Silicon posts Q4 2016 revenue increase, expects strong H1 2017 for polysilicon market
The Norwegian silicon producer increased its fourth quarter revenues by $30 million on Q3, and forecasts rising demand for polysilicon in China ahead of the country’s July FIT decrease.
DSM acquires Chinese backsheet manufacturer Sunshine
The Dutch science-based company has announced plans to expand its product portfolio for solar, with the acquisition of China based Suzhou SunShine New Materials Technology (Sunshine), a manufacturer of PV backsheets.
UK local authorities cite lack of Government support as main barrier to solar
A Freedom of Information request made by Korean giant LG Electronics has revealed that 47% of local authorities in the UK see the lack of Government incentives as a barrier to solar investment.
Nuon to combine 70 MW of solar with wind farms in the Netherlands
The Dutch subsidiary of Swedish energy giants Vattenfall has announced plans to add 70 MW of PV capacity at six windfarms located across the country. Plans to include storage applications at at least one of the sites are also in the works.
