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Solar R&D needs ‘systemic shock’ to avert death of European PV

Europe’s approach to research and innovation in photovoltaics needs “systemic” change if the continent is to avoid seeing its solar manufacturing industry entirely wiped out in the coming years.

China’s HT-SAAE touts record n-type PERT solar module efficiency

China state-owned aerospace firm, Shanghai Aerospace Automobile Electromechanical Co (HT-SAAE) has revealed verified record solar module efficiencies for both N-type PERT (passivated emitter, rear totally diffused) and P-type multicrystalline modules.

Taiwan could use its own loophole to sidestep US solar tariffs

The Taiwanese PV manufacturing sector could use the very same loophole that put it in the US government’s crosshairs, to sidestep the punitive duties now faced by its own firms.

News

US Navy and Air Force sign up for 120MW of Florida solar

The US Navy and Air Force have commissioned three solar power plants totalling 120MW along Florida’s Gulf coast.

Etrion’s latest approved Chile project could also be a ‘merchant’ plant

Swiss independent power producer Etrion Corp looks set to build a 25.9MW PV plant project in Chile, the latest to be planned for the Antofagasta region, after authorities gave the project their approval.

SunEdison reveals pricing for its convertible senior note offering

US PV energy provider SunEdison has announced the prices for its offering of US$400 million principal amount of 2.375% convertible senior notes in a exclusive placement offering.

PermaCity Solar, Forever 21, complete 5.1MW PV installation in Los Angeles County

PV company PermaCity Solar and American fashion retailer Forever 21 have completed a 5.1MW SunPower PV system located on the rooftop of Forever 21’s headquarters in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California.

PV-Tech Storage

US drives positive investment outlook for batteries and smart grids, says Mercom

Energy storage and battery companies netted US$418 million in funding, while a further US$232 million changed hands in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of battery or storage companies during 2014, according to a new report from Mercom Capital.

In Depth

China 2014 – still 10.5 to 12GW despite new policies favouring distributed solar PV

Throughout 2014, there were widespread reports of China’s struggles to hit ambitious PV targets set at the start of the year. Beijing-based solar expert, Frank Haugwitz, lays bare the difficulties China experienced and offers his analysis of what the year-end tally will be for Asian giant.

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