Solar PV and onshore wind now considered cheapest technologies in areas that count for 2/3 of the world’s population

The cost improvements in renewable energy technologies in recent years is staggering and now the cheapest energy options in most of the world according to new research. Giles Parkinson explains in an article on the Renew Economy website.   Solar, wind and battery storage now cheapest energy options just about everywhere Further cost reductions in … Continue reading Solar PV and onshore wind now considered cheapest technologies in areas that count for 2/3 of the world’s population

Novel method for new generation of cheaper solar cells

A Polish physicist has come forward with a new way to produce cheaper solar cells. Olga Malinkiewicz has developed a novel inkjet processing method for perovskites -- a new generation of cheaper solar cells -- that makes it possible to produce solar panels under lower temperatures, thus sharply reducing costs. The news agency AFP wrote … Continue reading Novel method for new generation of cheaper solar cells

Robust growth in the global renewable energy sector driving expansion of Florida’s solar industry

The solar industry in Florida has gained in strength over the years as interest in solar power has increased throughout the US. Five years ago, the sector was installing 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity annually. In 2017, the market grew by as much as 10,000 megawatts.  The tariffs put in place by the Trump administration … Continue reading Robust growth in the global renewable energy sector driving expansion of Florida’s solar industry

India’s energy transition sees some “gathering clouds”

G Seetharaman writes on the Economic Times website about some concerns that the growth in the deployment of renewable energy technologies may have some bumpy times.   The roadblocks in India's efforts to be world's greatest solar energy success story It would be hard to be more bullish than India has been on solar power. … Continue reading India’s energy transition sees some “gathering clouds”

Come On! Print your own solar panels?

Someone has to think the unthinkable. Who ever thought of printing your own solar panels? Paul Dastoor, Professor, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at the University of Newcastle explains that it has just happened.  It may still be in the trial stage but the potential seems enormous. Professor Dastoor explains in an article on … Continue reading Come On! Print your own solar panels?

Small Greek island to become first in the Mediterranean to run exclusively on wind and solar power

The first time in Greece, I was amazed how little solar and wind power were used. Now, the energy transition is truly underway. A news item from Associated Press on the CBC website explains about the latest developments on the island of Tilos. If any of you have been there, please let us know what … Continue reading Small Greek island to become first in the Mediterranean to run exclusively on wind and solar power

Italian firm wants to be global player in solar energy

The Italian utility Enel is taking on the challenge to be a major player in manufacturing solar panels by betting on an advanced, commercially untested system.  Stanley Reed and Keith Bradsher explain in an article in the New York Times.   In Shadow of Mt. Etna, Europe Makes a Last Stand for Solar The enormous … Continue reading Italian firm wants to be global player in solar energy

Silicon-based solar cells close to their maximum theoretical efficiency

Sam Davis writes on the Power Electronics website about the use of silicon-perovskite to boost solar-cell efficiency. After decades of research and investment, silicon-based solar cells are close to their maximum theoretical efficiency. Will perovskite be the go-to material solution?   Scientists Use Silicon-Perovskite to Boost Solar-Cell Efficiency Scientists on both sides of the Atlantic … Continue reading Silicon-based solar cells close to their maximum theoretical efficiency

Australia finds that more rooftop solar PV adopted by middle class households

Australia now has the highest penetration of residential rooftop PV of any country in the world. Adam McHugh, Honorary Research Associate at Murdoch University explains in an article on The Conversation website that new research suggests that the households most likely to join in the solar spree are those that are affluent enough to afford … Continue reading Australia finds that more rooftop solar PV adopted by middle class households

Japan leading the way with solar roads and power-generating floors

In order to promote Tokyo as an eco-friendly city, particularly ahead of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, the local government is installing solar panels beneath the surface of roads. The problem is not technical but financial. The costs are high, particularly since the technology is not widely used. This is the first of two articles … Continue reading Japan leading the way with solar roads and power-generating floors