Legal loophole protecting imported panels from subsequent duties discriminates against Indian products, say manufacturers
Indian solar manufacturers have cried foul over a system which exempts imported panels from yet-to-be-announced tax regimes but offers no such protection to domestic products.
ARCI develops low-cost supercapacitor utilizing industrial waste cotton and seawater
The seawater-based supercapacitor exhibited maximum capacitances at a current density of 1 ampere per gram. Besides, it can last 10,000 charge-discharge cycles with 99% of capacitance retention and 99% of Coulombic efficiency.
Redox flow battery powered by perovskite solar cells
An international team has developed an integrated solar flow battery which has been suggested as ideal for off-grid locations. The device, which combines energy conversion and storage in one unit, can be used for lighting and recharging cell phones.
Skilancer launches water-free module cleaner for residential rooftop solar plants
With the latest robotic cleaning offering, the startup aims to capture the residential solar market that currently stands at a capacity of 4400 MW and is expected to reach 8500 MW by the end of 2020.
Mitsui Chemicals’ solar lab becomes NABL accredited to test high-efficiency modules
The solar lab—based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat—uses Xenon-based single-long-pulse flasher and steady-state simulator from Netherlands-based Eternalsun Spire to test all current and future PV modules.
Uttar Pradesh to become solar hub with 6 GW planned in Bundelkhand
The state is also reportedly set to this year unveil ‘Asia’s largest floating solar plant’, in the shape of the 150 MW Rihand Dam installation.
Gujarat extends solar power policy till December 31
The state’s Solar Power Policy 2015 was due to expire since April 1, 2020. With a 9-month extension, solar power plants installed and commissioned till December end become eligible for the benefits and incentives declared under this policy.
The long read: Scientists at Argonne develop new kind of thermal battery
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory have developed a new kind of thermal battery that can greatly increase the energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness of many industrial processes and shows great promise for use in the solar industry. Liz Thompson reports that Argonne’s Thermal Energy Storage System (TESS) can rapidly capture and store surplus heat so that it can be used as needed. With its pioneering modular design and material advancements resulting in greater efficiency, TESS is a big step forward in thermal battery technology.
EESL, Noida Authority sign agreement on EV charging infrastructure
Noida Authority has selected Energy Efficiency Services Limited to deploy public charging stations under the second phase of the FAME India Scheme. A total of 162 public EV charging stations comprising 108 122kW fast chargers and 54 Bharat DC001 (15kW) are to be installed in the city.
Solar lobby group seeks blanket deadline extension till November 30
The National Solar Energy Federation of India said the project timeline relaxation provided by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is insufficient as construction continues to be severely hampered. Labour exodus and procurement delays (due to restrictions on international travel) are among the reasons affecting project progress.
