Emiliano Bellini
Egypt: German consortium plans 1 GW vertically integrated solar factory
A first agreement to start a feasibility study for the project, which also includes the construction of a giant solar plant, was signed in the presence of the country’s minister of energy Mohamed Shaker.
Swedish Parliament approves cancellation of solar tax
The tax was applied to PV installations for self-consumption with a capacity of over 255 kW. The move is expected to revive Sweden’s solar market after the disappointing performance (due to the tax) registered last year.
Environmentalist and solar advocate Nicolas Hulot is France’s new energy minister
Hulot is a well-known journalist and environmentalist which has had a leading role in the French Green Party (Europe Écologie-Les Verts) in the past, and has always supported solar through his foundation.
Indian hydropower provider SJVN seeks partners to deploy 500 MW of solar
The state-owned Indian hydro-power producer has issued an EoI to select potential partners for the construction of large-scale PV plants across India. SJVN will have an equity share of over 26% in the proposed joint venture.
Oman to launch support scheme for small-sized PV
The Middle Eastern country is planning to support the installation of rooftop PV systems ranging in size from 2 kW to 4 kW. The support scheme will not be based on FITs or net metering, but on an “accelerated subsidy adjustment” mechanism.
Taiwan confirms plan to reach 20 GW of cumulative solar by 2025
Taiwan’s new solar energy strategy envisages the deployment of less than 200 MW of new PV capacity over the next two years, and the achievement of 6.5 GW of cumulative PV by 2020.
Belgium: researchers say solar-plus-storage is far from becoming economically viable
According to a scientific paper from the Université libre de Bruxelles, even a further reduction in storage prices may not be sufficient to make solar-plus-storage attractive in the Belgian market.
French government publishes new FITs for rooftop PV installations up to 100 kW
Another decree issued by the French Ministry of the Environment, Energy and the Sea has set the new feed-in tariffs for residential and commercial PV projects up to 100 kW on the French mainland.
U.S.-Turkish research team uses data science to predict PET back-sheets degradation in solar modules
The scientists have used engineering epidemiology and statistical-data analytics to predict how polyethylene terephthalate films in solar panels deteriorate under multi-factor accelerated weathering exposures.
Nepal seeks to improve power network for 25 MW of grid-connected solar
The Nepal Electricity Authority has issued a tender to select consultants for the implementation of the Nepal Grid Solar and Energy Efficiency Project. The initiative is aimed at reducing distribution losses in pilot distribution centers, and enabling the grid-connection of large-scale solar.
