‘India will add 14 GW of solar this year’
The annual global outlook report for solar published by IHS Markit notes there was no real uptick in the amount of new capacity added last year, compared with the returns seen in 2018. That is likely to kill any hope India has of overtaking the U.S. as the world’s second biggest solar market in 2020.
US scientists claim clear-sky irradiance model provides better results for module testing
Researchers at the American Institute of Physics have used the clear-sky irradiance model developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to measure the degradation rates of solar panels at a testing field in Germany over five years. The scientists say the model, when combined with real-world data, offers an efficient tool to evaluate the aging of PV technology.
Proposals invited for joint Indo-Hungary research in renewable energy
Multidisciplinary research teams and linkages to industrial partners are highly encouraged. Project duration is 36 months. The deadline for submitting the applications is March 11, 2020.
PM’s office reportedly considering waiving carbon tax on coal
As Germany shuttered another of its nuclear power plants on New Year’s Day, Narendra Modi’s office was said to be considering a proposal which would make coal more competitive with renewables in India.
Maximizing the potential of PV irrigation in Spain’s ‘Sea of Plastic’
Spanish researchers have developed an analytical model to optimize the operation of PV water pumping systems. They say simultaneously irrigating different parts of a farm could help minimize costs and maximize energy use. The model was tested on an olive farm divided into four zones in the Spanish province of Almería.
UK University to help design EV batteries for Indian climate
The university researchers will provide expertise in the operation and management of lithium-ion batteries, environmental test facilities for battery modules and advanced battery analysis techniques.
German company Phaesun installs solar-powered water desalination plants in Gujarat
The pilot plants—installed at a temple and a school—work on a membrane-based electrodialysis technology to provide clean drinking water.
Cheap Indian imports claim prompts Bangladesh to introduce solar standards
Dhaka has heeded complaints about Indian manufacturers allegedly dumping sub-standard PV products over the border and issued a requirement for modules, inverters, charge controllers and batteries to attain IEC electrical standards.
European carrier plans hydrogen buses for long-distance routes
German coach company planning start-up Flixbus will test hydrogen fuel cell vehicles on long-distance routes.
Distributed storage market to grow nearly twentyfold by 2028
Market intelligence company Navigant Research has developed a country forecast of the global market. Incentives and pricing will be the main driver of installations, though the market will continue to be concentrated in certain key regions, including India, for now.
