Solar superior to nuclear for powering Mars mission

Photovoltaics could be efficiently deployed across half the planet, says peer-reviewed study A paper published in the journal Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences argues...

Research promises to reduce toxicity of broken perovskite solar cells

Scientists at The University of Manchester say they have found a way to increase the environmental safety of perovskite solar cells, thereby boosting their...

Robots use solar-powered “skin” that mimics the sense of touch

An early-view paper published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Robotics describes how a robotic hand wrapped in a solar-cell "skin" is capable of...

Planning reforms would incentivise rooftop solar in Scotland

The Scottish government has pledged to consult on lifting the need to obtain planning permission for larger solar installations on non-domestic buildings. In a letter...

Solar panels may become mandatory on all new buildings in Europe

The European Commission announced on 18 May that it plans to make the installation of solar panels mandatory for all new public, commercial and...

Partnership to build the largest solar system for a desalination plant in Oman

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system is to be constructed to provide power for a desalination plant in Oman, in the city of Sur -...

Anglian Water appoint HBS New Energies to deliver 30MWp solar PPA programme

HBS New Energies has installed its first solar energy site for Anglian Water, following an earlier award to deliver a 30MWp solar programme for...

Renewables cut Europe’s carbon emissions by 10% in 2015, says EEA report

Increasing use of renewables is translating directly into cuts in fossil fuel consumption in Europe, according to a report released on 4 April by...

Solar trade body report suggests local authorities are leading the way on solar

A new report published by the Solar Trade Association (STA) today on 20 April seems to show that local councils are leading the way...

“Remove barriers for energy storage” solar trade body asks

Responding to Ofgem’s call for evidence on A Smart, Flexible Energy System, which closed on 12 January, the Solar Trade Association (STA) has called...

New efficiency record for large-area PV solar cell technology

Trina Solar, a global supplier of photovoltaic (PV) modules, solutions and services, announced in late April that its State Key Laboratory of PV Science...

Low carbon electricity system achievable without controversial technologies, says report

New analysis (14 June) builds a case that the UK can further slash the carbon emissions from its electricity system by relying almost entirely...

Project aims to establish feasibility of solar-powered rail

Imperial College London and climate change charity 10:10 have teamed up to investigate the viability of using track-side solar panels to power trains, it...

UK to adopt 200MW of energy storage assets to stabilise the grid

Due to the increasing share of renewables in Britain’s generation mix, National Grid will contract 200MW of energy storage assets to stabilise the grid...

Solar park in Swindon to power household waste recycling centre

Building work has started at Barnfield Solar Park, Swindon, which will be connected directly by private wire to the Swindon household waste recycling centre...

A bright future?

Is it time to get excited about solar? A panel debate in May provided a picture of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector...

Solar survey respondents reveal third of UK solar jobs lost – more losses expected

Comprehensive PWC and Solar Trade Association survey appears to show support for tax breaks to re-boot struggling UK solar sector as global market accelerates As...

Rail operator and infrastructure services provider achieve 97% diesel-free ‘Site of the Future’

A project led by Network Rail and Colas Rail has used solar lighting and power generation to prove the viability of a sustainable ‘Site...

Firm installs bee hives around solar farms

RENEWABLE energy investment firm Low Carbon has launched an initiative to promote greater biodiversity in Cornwall, Dorset and Suffolk. It has partnered with sustainability...

Scottish solar experts to gather at Edinburgh conference in September

Scottish Renewables’ first Solar Conference will be held in association with the Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research (SISER) in Edinburgh on September 6...