Europe

The UK-based flexible solar film developer is expanding into the Indian market with Thermax as its market development and manufacturing partner. 

A new report compares the European Union and Indian regulatory frameworks for managing end-of-life solar panels. It also assesses and analyses the PV waste market and processing capacities in India and shares recommendations for the Indian stakeholders.

German solar manufacturer Axitec has revealed plans to start selling its new half-cut PV modules from the second quarter. It manufactures the panels with 182 mm wafers.

The Mumbai-based investor has concluded acquiring a controlling stake in Engie’s 813 MWp operating solar capacity in India. It will also acquire 2 GW of solar assets to be developed by the French energy major over the next couple of years. 

Uzbekistan is providing a model for solar development in Central Asia as it rolls out its first large-scale projects. With the support of multilateral financial institutions, the government is prioritizing its electrical infrastructure as it pursues economic development goals. And as Amjad Khashman reports, the engagement of developers from fossil-fuel- rich neighbors in its solar projects points to a bright, renewable future for the region.

German manufacturer Autarq is selling its solar tiles at a price ranging from €25 to €30 per piece. It claims a PV system built with these products can cover around 70% of household needs.

The Department of Science & Technology, Government of India, and the Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Vinnova) have issued a call for joint R&D proposals in renewable energy, electric vehicles and energy storage. The deadline for the submission of proposals is May 6.

Altrex, a scaffolding and ladder producer in the Netherlands, has developed a new modular lift solution for solar panels. The system can raise one solar panel at a time and can be operated by a single installer using nothing other than a cordless drill, the company claims.

The Memorandum of Understanding entails joint research and development projects in solar, wind, hydrogen and biomass energy.

The new devices feature efficiencies ranging from 20.7-21%. The panels are said to be compatible with a wide range of slates and tiles, include special fixings for different batten thicknesses, and achieve the highest fire rating and wind resistance without modifications to the roof.