Agrivoltaics in New Caledonia
The 16-greenhouse Focola project has been developed by French renewables developer Akuo and local utility company Enercal Energies Nouvelles on the Pacific Ocean territory.
Self-healing polymeric coating for organic PV
A new polymer developed by Indian researchers can mend its own cracks when exposed to ultraviolet light. The unique ability makes it an ideal candidate as a smart coating for photovoltaic solar devices to prevent damages and increase performances.
Voltalia acquires Greensolver
By acquiring the specialist in plant management services, Voltalia aims to consolidate its position as an integrated player in renewable energies across the entire value chain.
Taiwan to add 2.2 GW of new solar this year
According to GlobalData, the country saw deployment of 1.6 GW of new PV installations last year, with cumulative capacity reaching 4.3 GW. Overall, around 20 GW of PV power should be installed on the island by 2026.
France gives boost to rooftop solar with wider tariff access
Eligibility for fixed tariffs for excess energy fed into the grid – and exemption from the tendering process – has been widened from systems with a maximum generation capacity of 100 kW to 300 kW.
A multi-level inverter for solar water pumps
Scientists in India have tested a new inverter topology with a single-phase, induction-motor water pump. The seven-level inverter, with five power semiconductor switches, is said to be particularly efficient at reducing switching losses thanks to a pulse width modulation technique.
Dutch golf club to diversify with 147 MW solar park but will grid congestion bunker the plans?
PV project developer Solarfield is planning to build a plant under the SDE+ renewables incentives program. Construction is planned to start in 2021. The solar park will be in the province of Flevoland, one of the areas where grid congestion is jeopardizing the deployment of large scale solar.
Uzbekistan launches 400 MW solar tender
The central Asian nation and the International Finance Corporation are seeking proposals for two 200 MW solar parks planned in the Samarkand and Jizzakh regions. The projects will be awarded 25-year power purchase agreements.
Chilean energy provider aims to build 788 MW solar park
Colbún has applied for approval to build a 788 MW solar project in Chile’s northern region of Antofagasta.
Vietnam might maintain FITs for 3 GW of approved large-scale PV projects
The transition from a feed-in tariff scheme to an auction mechanism may take longer than expected in the Southeast Asian country, as the Ministry of Industry and Trade is considering maintaining FITs of $0.0709/kWh to $0.0769/kWh for projects that secured approval before Nov. 23, 2019, if they come online as scheduled by the end of this year. According to law firm Lexcomm Vietnam, there are currently 3 GW of projects with licenses.
