Asia: Energy storage, renewable energy set to soar in 2016
As the need for the integration of renewable energy into the power grid grows, Asia will emerge as dominant region for energy storage, according to Frost & Sullivan. That need is expected to drive significant interest in community and grid-scale energy storage solutions next year, particularly in Japan, China and South Korea.
Chile’s new 600km long transmission line can boost renewables
The subsidiaries of the Red Eléctrica and Engie groups have reached an agreement that enables them to jointly build a new 600 km long electricity line in Chile, connecting the northern to middle part of the country. The new line is expected to boost renewable energy.
Trina exits EU price undertaking
The company says the minimum import price does not reflect current market trends, which show average selling prices in major markets continuing to decline at a faster than expected rate. Trina will now supply EU markets through its overseas manufacturing facilities.
SMA: Large-scale storage systems stabilize grid operation
A project in South Korea will show how battery-storage systems can provide grid services on a grand scale. Its 200 megawatts of reserve power exceeds previous project examples by far. Projects are already pointing in the right direction in Europe, too, with one small catch.
The pv magazine weekly news digest
This week in PV news: Mexico approves energy reform, India installs the largest single rooftop solar in the world and the U.S. looks set to install a whopping 3 GW this quarter. In the U.K., a proposed tax hike on solar panel generates further woe and Dubai’s 800 MW tender has major global PV players scrambling to the Gulf.
IDB to fund 100 MW solar PV project in El Salvador
The bank will provide US$88 million in loans to build the project, which could be the first large utility-scale solar plant in El Salvador.
Children's rights NGO, SkyPower to bring solar-powered light to rural Kenya
SkyPower and Plan International plan to distribute two million home solar kits over a five-year period, with an aim to reduce reliance on kerosene.
UK: proposed tax hike on solar panels could heap further pain on industry
A proposal by U.K. tax regulator HMRC to increase value-added tax on solar panels from 5% to 20% has been challenged by the Solar Trade Association and other campaigners who are urging the government to halt the rise.
First Solar charts modest 2016 growth
First Solar Inc. forecasts modest growth next year, with net sales, operating expenses and shipments all expected to remain relatively flat. Net cash should see an increase, however, while CAPEX spending is set to double, and capacity will rise by around 20% to 3 GW. Three main priorities were outlined. Shares fell around 8% following the news.
Hanwha Q Cells triples Sunrun supply agreement to 135 MW next year
The Korean solar panel manufacturer has extended its supply partnership with U.S. residential installer Sunrun, with modules to be shipped from Hanwhas fabs in Malaysia and South Korea.
