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.
Tempress receives follow-on order for turnkey line
Tempress systems, a subsidiary of U.S. based Amtech, has received a follow-on order for a multi-phase 1 GW project. The turnkey order is for an n-type bifacial manufacturing line, and includes high throughput PECVD and diffusion platforms.
Netherlands’ Gasunie launches 1 MW power-to-gas pilot project powered by solar
The Dutch gas provider is building Netherlands’ first MW-sized power-to-gas installation. The plant will be powered by 5,000 solar modules.
Powerfield plans 300 MW module factory in the Netherlands
The Dutch solar company has launched a plan to build a 300 MW solar module manufacturing facility in Noord-Groningen, northern Netherlands. The factory is expected to begin manufacturing activities in 2018.
Netherlands pre-selects PV projects totaling 2.64 GW in first round of 2017 SDE+ program
Solar dominated the first round of the Netherlands’ 2017 SDE+ program for large-scale renewable energy projects, accounting for 69.4% of all preassigned capacity. Overall, 4,484 PV projects proposals totaling 2,647 MW were accepted.
Tempress & ECN develop process for IBC cell production
Equipment manufacturer Tempress has teamed up with Dutch research center ECN to develop a production process for n-type IBC solar cells with efficiency above 21%. A pilot of the new process was completed in just three months, illustrating its compatibility with mass production.
Eneco acquires Eni Belgium, plans more investments in solar and wind
The Dutch power provider has acquired Belgian utility Eni Belgium and a larger share in Belgium’s power market. The company said that it will now invest in new power production in the country, especially in solar and wind.
Eurotron’s sister company opens testing facility for back-contact solar in the Netherlands
Eurolab, a sister company of Netherlands-based equipment provider Eurotron, has opened a new testing facility for back-contact PV modules. The laboratory will facilitate pre-production of back-contact solar panels, R&D projects, and small-scale production for solar challenge teams
Europe’s largest bifacial installation under construction in the Netherlands
PV equipment supplier Tempress has announced the beginning of construction on a 400 kW installation close to its headquarters in the Netherlands, which will be the largest in Europe to feature glass-glass bifacial modules.
Netherlands’ PV market set to reach 2 GW milestone
The Dutch market keeps showing signs of sustained growth. Estimated new installed PV power for 2016 is expected to surpass 500 MW, while another 600 MW is forecast for this year. Several PV projects developed under the SDE+ program for large-scale renewable energy projects began to come online in the past months.
