China: Longi invests RMB 1bn in 100 MW PV plant in Shaanxi
The monocrystalline silicon manufacturer in expanding its downstream business has invested approximately RMB 1bn in Shaanxi province for the development of a 100 MW solar PV plant.
Germany: solar+storage outsells electric vehicles in 2015
The number of new stationary battery systems connected to solar arrays on German homes and businesses in 2015 far outnumber the number of electric vehicles that rolled onto roads. A new study has revealed the result demonstrating that despite the German governments official target of one million new electric cars by 2020, solar+storage is gaining significant traction in the market.
Scotland: solar, wind enjoyed 'huge' year in 2015, says WWF
WWF Scotland publishes data revealing renewables delivered record energy for Scotland in 2015, with solar meeting half or more of household electricity or hot water needs during seven months of the year.
UK's Hive Energy opens Mexico office
British solar developer looks to capitalize on the buzz of the Central American region by opening office in Mexican capital, Mexico City.
Comtec Solar to enter downstream business, looking to raise $78.8 million
Comtec Solar Systems Group Limited is looking to raise around HK$611.13 million (roughly US$78.8 million) via a subscription agreement with China First Capital Group Limited. Part of the proceeds will be used towards entering the downstream solar business.
India: 7.2 GW of utility-scale solar 'plausible' in FY 2016-17
It is “plausible” India will add 7.2 GW of utility-scale solar PV in the coming financial year, according to Bridge to India, despite bottlenecks in power evacuation and grid stability. In 2016, 4.8 GW is expected, while last year saw 2 GW installed. India is on track to become a global market, say the analysts.
Corporate funding in solar reached $25.3bn in 2015, finds Mercom Capital
Report finds total corporate funding for the sector slightly below 2014, as were venture capital investments, which amounted to $1.1 billion for 2015.
UK: Lightsource connects 100 MW of solar in just one month, introduces merchant post-subsidy model
British solar developer completes 23 new ground-mounted solar farms in the U.K. in December, including 14 sites connected under the FIT, and nine connected under the ROC scheme.
AU Optronics unit to pull out of solar poly business
Tokyo-based M. Setek, a unit of OEM manufacturer AU Optronics, has reveaeled that it is to cease production of polysilicon for the solar industry, focusing instead on the production of ingots.
The pv magazine weekly news digest
2016 begins with an egalitarian slant as solar markets of all shapes, sizes and regions garner attention, much of it extremely positive.
