Business Bytes

DGIST unveils novel approach to enhance photocurrent in thin films

Researchers from South Korea’s DGIST address the bandgap challenge in Ag-alloyed Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films (ACIGS). They reveal correlations between element diffusion, notch-point formation, and resulting circuit voltage. Modulating process temperatures (340 to 470 °C) refines the band gap, enabling tailored grading. Achieving 17.7% efficiency without post-deposition treatments, their breakthrough emphasizes deposition temperature’s impact on ACIGS…

Nextracker Inc. achieves independence in Flex Ltd. spin-off

Nextracker Inc. has finalized the spin-off from Flex Ltd., marking a complete ownership separation. Flex shareholders, as per the disclosed terms, received approximately 0.17 shares of Nextracker Class A common stock for each Flex ordinary share held. A total of 74,432,619 shares were issued to Flex shareholders. Cash will be provided for any fractional shares.

Qcells and Microsoft secure 12 GW solar panel deal

Qcells and Microsoft ink a deal for 12 GW of American-made solar panels until 2032. This supports Qcells’ Georgia factory with $2.5 billion in demand. Microsoft, aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2025, mitigates supply chain risks. The collaboration aims to establish a robust U.S. solar supply chain. Qcells will manufacture silicon ingots, wafers, cells,…

JinkoSolar licenses TOPCon technology to top module maker

JinkoSolar grants N-type TOPCon patents to a top-tier solar module company, facilitating strategic collaboration. The deal, with a reasonable license fee, empowers the Licensee to leverage JinkoSolar’s TOPCon technologies in their products. This Intellectual property (IP) transaction aims to bolster market positions, foster innovation, and prevent legal disputes in the Solar Photovoltaic industry and related…

NLC India initiates bids for 100 MW nationwide PV projects

NLC India seeks bids for engineering, procurement, and construction of 100 MW solar projects nationwide. Bid submission deadline is on January 18, 2024 with bid security of ₹24.63 million and tender document costing 20,000Rs. Project is to be completed in 15 months, followed by 3-year operation and maintenance. 5% project value is to be submitted…

First Solar pioneers $700M tax credit transfer with Fiserv

First Solar, Inc. engages in two Tax Credit Transfer Agreements, selling around $700 million of 2023 Inflation Reduction Act tax credits to Fiserv, Inc. at $0.96 per $1. Citigroup Global Markets, Inc. acts as the first-of-its-kind credit transfer placement agent. The agreements follow the US Department of Treasury’s proposed rulemaking on Section 45X credits, impacting…

GRIDCO seeks bids for 500 MW solar power purchase

GRIDCO Odisha seeks bids for 500 MW solar, accepting offers until January 16, 2024. Bids open on January 17, with a tender document cost of ₹11,800. Earnest money deposit is ₹500,000/MW, and a performance guarantee of ₹1 million/MW is required for winning bidders. Power reception capability needed from GRIDCO by April 1, 2025, to March…

SUCRL seeks land for 700 MW solar park expansion

Saurya Urja Company of Rajasthan is inviting expressions of interest for land aggregators to lease approximately 3,500 acres in Bikaner, Barmer, Jaisalmer, or Phalodi. The 700 MW solar park project will be near an upcoming interstate transmission system-connected grid substation. The lease, lasting 29 years and 11 months, involves a 5% rent escalation every three…

PNM Resources unveils $230M sale of renewable venture stake

PNM Resources and American Electric Power plan to sell their 50% stake in New Mexico Renewable Development, LLC to Exus North America Holdings for approximately $230 million. The sale supports PNM’s capital investments, with a $115 million share. The sale, expected to close in February 2024, awaits regulatory approvals. KeyBanc Capital Markets advises, and Foley…

European Energy divests 100MW+ renewables in December

European Energy divested over 100 MW in December 2023, including Bubney Solar Farm in the UK and Bloosballich Wind Park in Germany. The 40.4 MW Bubney Farm in Shropshire is divested to Elm Trading Group. The 12.6 MW Bloosballich Park in Saxony Anhalt which is divested to a German family office, consists of three 4.2…