South Africa: Calls for 1.5 GW of annual PV, 55,000 new jobs – comment
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) has called on the country’s government for more PV support. Energy specialist, Chris Ahlfeldt comments on the five point PV plan, which envisages 1.5 GW of new installs annually, and the creation of 55,000 jobs. He also discusses the ongoing issue of the 27 unsigned PPAs, and the bottlenecks in the market.
Mali: Africa GreenTec issues €10 million corporate bond for solar containers
Up to 250,000 people are set to benefit from the containers, with communities revived by opportunities electricity can offer them.
Uganda issues tender to bring off-grid solar to schools in seven regions
Uganda’s government seeks proposals to bring off-grid solar solutions to 89 post primary education institutions across the country.
Apis Partners provides Greenlight Planet with $60 million in funds
The U.S.-based off-grid specialist will use these financial resources to expand its business in Asia and Africa.
Thailand’s bigger RE ambitions may lead to economic renaissance – IRENA
Increasing the role of solar PV in its energy mix from 6 GW to almost 17 GW is one of IRENA’s key recommendations for Thailand. Noting that RE national targets could be comfortably surpassed by a quarter to reach more than 37% by 2036, its report finds more ambitious deployment could save over US$9 billion annually, proving to be a major turning point for the entire economy.
India installs 1,861 MW rooftop PV, Maharashtra leads the market
India has installed total 1,861 MW rooftop PV as of September 2017 as the state of Maharashtra overtakes Tamil Nadu to become largest for rooftop solar, as per latest report by Bridge to India. Analysts have revised India’s rooftop projection to 10.8 GW by 2021.
Wales urges UK Government to renew solar, wind support
The Welsh Government, together with a number of local organizations, is calling for the U.K. Government to renew its support for solar and onshore wind development. In addition to reducing costs, it says these industries will help it survive a post-Brexit world.
France deployed 484 MW of PV in first nine months of 2017
As of the end of September, the country’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 7.68 GW.
Rooftop PV key driver of 2017 installation forecast hike in China
With at least 22 GW of combined solar PV capacity, rooftop solar PV uptake and solar projects built before they have secured quota stand out as the key drivers behind increased 2017 installation forecasts in China.
Netherlands sees growing interest in community solar projects
Around 37 MW of community solar power projects have been built in Holland so far this year.
