North America

Scientists led by Brown University have developed perovskite solar cells, which replace the toxic lead common to many of these material structures with titanium. The researchers say that with further optimization, the material could eventually be ideal for use as a tandem cell layer.

1,200%. According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance, that’s how high imports of Chinese modules rose in the fourth quarter last year, in a desperate attempt to stockpile sufficient numbers before tariffs choked off international supplies.

The Chinese manufacturer confirms that it has authorized its U.S. subsidiary to finalize plans for the investment.

The decision, released on U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s website, could keep current U.S. module manufacturers in business by keeping their cell lifelines open.

The company also says that it has begun installation of the Solar Roof on the homes of non-employee homeowners.

Reports say an unreleased memo circulating within the White House lays out arguments for the strongest of trade sanctions against Chinese solar module makers in what is likely a bad sign for U.S. solar markets.

The bill will now be reconciled with the House version, which does not contain the BEAT provision. The Solar Energy Industry Association says that it has four Senators who support “fixes”, but was not able to get a modification to the Senate bill.

California’s grid operator (ISO) says that a joint National Renewable Energy Lab, First Solar and the California Independent System Operator project shows that renewable energy plants with smart inverter technology can provide grid services similar to, or in some cases better than conventional generation.

The consultancy’s 2017 study finds that the global cost of utility-scale solar has reached an unsubsidized LCOE of under US$50 per megawatt-hour, making new solar cost-competitive with running existing coal or nuclear plants.

With the receipt of the final report by the ITC, the Trump Administration now has 60 days to take action on the Section 201 case. The probability of restrictive tariffs is high, a move that will likely have impacts on the global solar industry.