Solarbuzz reports that SANYO Electric has broken its own record for what the company says is the world’s highest energy conversion efficiency in practical sized (100 cm2 or more) crystalline silicon-type solar cells, by achieving an efficiency of 22% at the research level for its proprietary HIT solar photovoltaic cells. The previous highest efficiency had been 21.8%.
Action on Capital Hill: The Gavel reports that the House Committee on Science and Technology’s Subcommittee on Energy and Environment today explored means to advance solar energy research and technologies. The Subcommittee addressed the topic in the context of pending “The Solar Energy Research and Advancement Act of 2007” bill, authored by Subcommittee Vice-Chair Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), which will soon be introduced to establish several important research, education and training programs to facilitate the adoption of such technologies.
A number of financing deals were announced:
- Advent Solar (adopter of "emitter-wrap-through" technology) raises $70 million in Series D financing;
- Silicon Valley Solar (manufacturer of cells with internal concentrator technology to amplifies the effect of the sun) raised $10.2 million for its acquisition of NuEdison;
- Deli Solar (USA), Inc. (OTC BB: DLSL.OB) (seller of hot water and space heating devices in China) raised $2.75 million in Series A financing.
- Engine manufacturer Infinia announced it has raised $9.5 million in venture funding to develop solar-based, non-combustible stirling engines.
In other news, San Francisco is set to launch a solar mapping web portal, using Google Maps as a visual platform, that estimates solar energy potential for commercial/residential structures in San Francisco, and allows building owners to visualize the potential environmental benefits and monetary savings resulting from installing solar energy panels on their property. Click here for the San Francisco Solar Map!
No comments:
Post a Comment