solar energy Posts

In Algeria, a new Program for the Development of Renewable Energy

In Algeria, a new Program for the Development of Renewable Energy

Algeria was the very first country in Africa to apply a Feed-in Tariff scheme for renewable energy. In August 2004, a national program for the promotion of renewable energy was launched: it obliges Sonelgaz, the national public energy operator, to buy energy from renewable sources through a commercial contract. However, this policy failed: it did not lead to any renewable power plant construction.

Solar energy improves people’s access to electricity in Kenya

Solar energy improves people’s access to electricity in Kenya

In order to reach its objectives of developing its electricity generation from renewable resources, the Kenyan Energy Ministry has established in 2008 a Feed-in-Tariff policy, subsidising renewables-based electricity production.

Photovoltaic systems… floating to a pond near you?

Photovoltaic systems… floating to a pond near you?

You´ve seen them on rooves; you´ve seen them in pastures. How about an island of photovoltaic panels floating in your neighborhood pond? Floating photovoltaic systems, or “floatovoltaics”, may well become a more common sight, as they offer an array of benefits compared with their terrestrial brethren.

Space-based PV plants: the next big step for photovoltaics

Space-based PV plants: the next big step for photovoltaics

Building solar power plants in space will be possible in the not-so-far future according to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Indeed, JAXA has announced that they have achieved a major technical breakthrough, which would eventually make the construction of space-based solar power plants possible. Concretely, the JAXA team has succeeded in converting and transferring electricity using microwaves for a distance of 55 meters.

German researchers develop photovoltaic concrete

German researchers develop photovoltaic concrete

Germany has added a new technological contribution to the renewable energy sector with a new invention developed by researchers at the University of Kassel: Photovoltaic Concrete. Named “DysCrete”, this concrete is still in prototype stage but it would be able to generate electricity by converting solar energy into an electric current.

Crowdfunding for Solar PV: An interview with Abundance Generation

Crowdfunding for PV Projects UKCrowdfunding has been traditionally associated with the development of new software tools or online applications. Only in the past year has this innovative investment tool started to gain traction within the infrastructure field, with Solar PV being seen as a prime candidate for this diversified source of funding. The Milk the Sun blog spoke to Abundance Generation’s Tom Harwood on how their platform is seeking to blend the often challenging nature of Solar PV project financing with an open crowdfunding platform.