World passes 100 GW installed PV capacity mark
Behind the headline news from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) that the world has passed the 100 GW mark in cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity, is the ongoing story of a shift away from Europe.
US: Quanta EPC on 40 MW California PV parks
Houston, Texas-based Quanta Services Inc has won an EPC contract for solar parks in Kings and Tulare counties in California.
India: Kerala unveils 10,000 PV rooftop program
The Indian state of Kerala has unveiled a program aimed at installing 10,000 one kW rooftop photovoltaic systems. The initiative was launched today by Indias Minister for New and Renewable Energy.
13 offgrid PV projects in Sierra Leone
Laos-based Sunlabob Renewable Energy has been awarded two contracts for the design, supply, installation and local training for 13 turnkey solar PV plants in Sierra Leone.
Photowatt to manufacture all PV modules in France
Photowatt parent company, EDF, has announced it will invest 10 million in the establishment of a new 75 MW photovoltaic module manufacturing line in France, in order to bring production back to Europe. Exisiting facilities will also be modernized.
Germany: PV storage subsidies expected in May
The new subsidies for battery storage systems will apply retroactively to all photovoltaic systems installed this year and have a maximum capacity of 30 kW. The German Environment Ministry and KfW state bank have not made any official announcements, however, the program is expected to be introduced in the coming week.
Spanish associations to start legal action against PV FIT decreases
Four renewable energy associations in Spain have joined forces to oppose implementation of the Spanish governments new decree, which “retroactively aggravates initial investment conditions” for developers of photovoltaic installations and other renewable energy plants.
US: More solar, less PV savings?
A report into the electricity bill savings available from residential photovoltaics in the U.S. has come up with some surprising conclusions. For instance, the more solar penetrates the energy mix, the lower the savings available from rooftop systems, although that is not the whole story.
Belgium reaches 2.6 GW of installed PV power
Belgian Renewable Energies Association, Apere, announced yesterday that Belgium surpassed 2.6 GW of installed photovoltaic capacity at the end of 2012. Overall, the renewable energy accounts for 2.8% of the countrys total electricity consumption.
Greece: Tender announced for 50 MW PV park
PPC Renewables has announced three tenders for a 50 MW photovoltaic project in Greece. If the park is completed by this October, it will secure a tariff of 0.392/kWh.
