Sharp launches three new mono-PERC modules with 19.1% efficiency
Sharp has released three new high-efficiency mono-PERC solar panels. Ranging from 300 W to 370 W, the five-busbar modules are designed for use in a range of applications, from residential PV projects to large commercial installations.
Sweden installs record 180 MW of solar in 2018
The northern European country’s cumulative installed solar capacity reached 411 MW at the end of 2018. Around 10,000 new PV systems were deployed in total last year.
Financing key to scaling up SME rooftop solar in India — Deloitte
India’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector is expected to make a significant contribution to the country’s rooftop PV target of 40 GW by 2022. However, a range of issues — including low public awareness, the scarcity of low-cost financing and the need for rooftop aggregation models — must be addressed before rooftop solar can be aggressively scaled up, according to a new report from Deloitte and the Climate Investment Funds (CIF).
ING to lend $37m to Sunseap to build 50 MW in Asia
The Dutch banking group will serve as sole mandated lead arranger for the S$50 million ($36.98 million) loan. A unit of Singapore-based developer Sunseap will use the funds to build a 50 MW portfolio of rooftop PV projects.
Will India’s RE push kill the critically endangered great Indian bustard?
Amid the hubbub surrounding India’s renewable energy ambitions, few people have likely heard the last wails of a critically endangered great Indian bustard as it chars to death on a power transmission line or fatally collides with a wind turbine.
Goldman Sachs to snatch up 233 MW of C&I solar from SunPower
The transaction feeds the growing appetite of institutional investors for solar projects and provides SunPower with more cash.
City of Sydney sets 100% renewables target
With solar panels already installed on dozens of its buildings, the city of Sydney has upped the ante by vowing to source 100% of its electricity needs from solar PV and wind. The commitment was endorsed by city council last week, with a new 100% renewable electricity contract to be negotiated in the coming months.
Gridserve to build PV-powered, battery-backed EV charging stations
Gridserve has revealed plans to install more than 100 electric-vehicle charging stations throughout the U.K. It will start building the first of these facilities later this year, backed by a £1 billion ($1.7 billion) investment.
Chile’s first floating PV project reaches completion
Mining giant Anglo American has installed an 84 kW floating array at a copper mine in Chile’s Valparaiso Region. The project was developed by Lenergie with the floating technology of Ciel&Terre.
Big batteries are coming to California
Macquarie has closed on funding for a third portion of a 340 MWh project in Southern California, and LADWP is planning 1.8 GW of batteries.
