Solar energy
« Next postsThin Film: a key PV technology to reach 12 percent of EU’s electricity by 2020
2 December 2009
The Thin Film industry is more than ever ready to contribute to the 12% target set by EPIA in its recent SET For 2020 study. This was confirmed by the 260 participants of EPIA’s 2nd International Thin Film Conference that took place on 12 November 2009 in Munich. EPIA recently released the Study, SET For [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
Solar Europe Initiative funding: positive but incomplete way forward
12 November 2009
The European Commission (EC) has presented its communication on the financing of low carbon technologies. It proposes an ambitious budget for the Solar Europe Industry Initiative, including photovoltaics (PV), but does not sufficiently address the challenges the European PV industry will have to face until 2020. Technology roadmaps to clarify the way forward are very [...]
Category: Politics, Solar energy
Joint venture DII established for DESERTEC concept
1 November 2009
A unique industry initiative to develop a reliable, sustainable and climate-friendly energy supply from the deserts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is now taking shape. In Munich the articles of association for the DII GmbH (limited liability company) are signed by the group of founding members consisting of twelve companies and the [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
Solar Cell developed with World’s Highest Conversion Efficiency of 35.8%
26 October 2009
The world’s highest solar cell conversion efficiency of 35.8% using a triple-junction compound solar cell haas been achieved by the Japanese Sharp Corporation. When these cells will hit the market Sharp hasn’t indicated. It can be expected that additional research effort is necessary.
In comparison to the ‘regular’ efficiency of silicon-based solar cells – which is [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
Solar Europe Initiative funding: positive but incomplete way forward
18 October 2009
Communication on the financing of low carbon technologies: the European Commission positively recognises the strong potential of solar photovoltaic technology but does not sufficiently reflect industry R&D and demonstration priorities; furthermore, significant uncertainty remains on the financing model.
Today the European Commission (EC) presented its communication on the financing of low carbon technologies. It proposes an [...]
Category: Politics, Solar energy
Acquisition of Solel Solar Systems for about USD418 million by Siemens
17 October 2009
Siemens AG is to acquire the solar thermal power company Solel Solar Systems Ltd. To date, the majority stake has been held by Ecofin Ltd., a London-based investment firm, and another major shareholder. “After the rapid and highly successful expansion of our wind power business, we now want to continue this success story in the [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
Solar photovoltaic power essential to meet the 20% renewable energy target
29 September 2009
“The fundamentals of the PV industry are and remain strong, as indicated in our SET for 2020 study,” said Adel El Gammal, Secretary General of the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) at the 6th European Photovoltaic (PV) Industry Forum held on 23 September in Hamburg. It needs an ambitious policy support for the next 3 [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
Solar Power Plant PS20 near Seville, Spain, opened
25 September 2009
Andris Piebalgs participated in the inauguration of Europe’s largest central receiver solar power plant near Seville, Spain, in the presence of King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofía. The new plant called PS20 will produce enough clean electricity to supply 10,000 homes, and will prevent the emission of approximately 12,000 tons of CO2 per year [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
Solar modules production world-wide almost doubled in 2008
23 September 2009
The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre has recently published its eighth Annual Photovoltaics Status Report. Photovoltaics (PV) production in the world increased to about 7.3 GW in 2008. An 80% rise on the previous year.
Europe’s production of solar cells rose from 1.1 GW to 1.9 GW, while the installed capacity increased threefold to 4.8 GW, [...]
Category: Energy, Solar energy
PlanetSolar has inaugurated its itinerant Village at Yverdon-les-Bains
19 September 2009
The first worldtour on board of PlanetSolar’s boat, using only solar energy, will begin in spring 2011. The inauguration of the itinerant Village which will follow the adventure and is free of charge for the public, has taken place from 3rd to 5th September 2009 in Switzerland, at Yverdon-les-Bains. The village consists of three spheres, [...]
Category: Energy, Mobility, Solar energy
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