The long read: High efficiency requires high quality cutting
There is a sense in the PV cell and module market at the mid stage of 2019 that the push towards high-efficiency cell architectures is accelerating. This makes the case for half-cut cells in a module more compelling, and the quality of the cut edge vital – argue laser process suppliers.
Longi to spend $349m on new 5 GW module fab in Taizhou
The world’s number one mono silicon module manufacturer will add another 5 GW to its annual panel production capacity in 2020 as it pursues 16 GW of output this year and 25 GW next year.
Goa’s pioneering EV tourism initiative gathers steam
The success of the e-bike cycling tours – which operate out of recycled shipping container ‘e hubs’ – looks set to be replicated in four more states in short order.
Railway Energy tenders 140 MW hybrid project capacity
Three dual renewable energy generation projects are up for grabs with the state owned railway management company having set a tariff ceiling of Rs2.70/kWh for projects which will be dominated by wind capacity.
India and Australia could strike first lithium deal
Mining company Neometals and Manikaran Power have started a jointly funded study into the feasibility of establishing India’s first lithium refinery, which would process ore from the Mount Marion mine in Western Australia.
Adani Renewable bags 600 MW wind-solar hybrid project
The developer’s Gujarat business will supply power for Rs2.69 under a 25-year PPA after winning a tender conducted by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
750 MW Rajasthan tender attracts low bids of Rs 2.5/kWh
The tariffs are slightly above Rs2.48/kWh seen in March procurement but still fairly below the levels hit in Maharashtra and Gujarat auctions recently—reaffirming the state’s attractiveness to PV developers.
56% solar installations in water-scarce areas: Bridge To India
Wasteful use of water for solar panel cleaning is posing these areas to a high level of water risk. To justify its environment-friendly tag, the industry needs to replace manual cleaning with technologies providing water-efficient solutions.
Dispute resolution committee established in response to developer demands
A new three-man panel will adjudicate in disputes between project developers, national solar body SECI and energy giant NTPC. The board has been established by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Government thinktank proposes ban on diesel and petrol driven vehicles
The NITI Aayog has suggested banning sales of non-electric two and three wheelers in 2025 and cars, trucks and buses five years later as well as forcing public fleets and the cars used by ride hailing apps to be electric.
