Netherlands

Not quite to infinity, but certainly to long-range, and beyond. Former Dutch competitor in Australia’s World Solar Challenge, Lightyear has launched the world’s first long-range solar EV prototype, a potential solution to the perennial EV problem of range anxiety.

While the world’s biggest solar manufacturers are confident there are plenty of alternative markets for a rising volume of panel exports, the message spelled out by first-quarter shipment figures is that protectionism works.

A Dutch start-up has designed an electric vehicle that runs solely on solar energy, and aims to deliver its first models next year. The car will also be available to lease.

European research group Solliance has announced new conversion efficiencies of 13.5% (cell) and 12.2% (module) for its perovskite based PV technology. The group states that the records were achieved in a factory setting, using an industrially scalable roll to roll process.

The 590-ha-project is currently undergoing several studies and procedures. Yet it is not clear when construction of the power plant will begin nor whether Photon Energy oversees installation of the panels.