Germany opens 2018 auction for large-scale PV, announces joint wind/solar auction
The deadline to submit project proposals is February 1. In addition, the Bundesnetzagentur has scheduled the first joint auction for large-scale wind and solar projects for April 1, 2018.
Lebanon’s 180 MW solar tender moves forward
Overall, 42 bids were submitted to Lebanon’s Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) for 180 MW of tendered PV capacity. The LCEC will now start the evaluation process in two weeks.
Netherlands sets €12 billion budget for 2018 SDE+ program
The first window to submit solar projects will be opened in the so-called “Spring Round” on March 19. The program is open, among other renewable energy projects, to solar plants over 1 MW and projects ranging in size from 15 kW to 1 MW.
Updated: Silfab, Morgan Solar JV targets 30% module cost reductions, plans large-scale production
In a unique partnership, the two Canadian companies are set to integrate low concentration optic technology into standard solar PV modules, in a move which they say will see cost savings of up to 30% and a silicon reduction of up to 80%. A “significant” factory ramp up is underway, with large-scale plans in the pipeline.
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.
Canadian Solar awarded 17 MW in Japan’s first large-scale solar auction
Canadian Solar Inc. has won a contract for 17.87 MWp in Japan’s first auction for large-scale solar projects. A total of 141.3 MW was awarded last month.
Armenia sees another finished solar PV plant
Armenia’s fledgling solar industry has received a boost with the installation of another 1 MW PV plant, by Arpi Solar. The company is due to start work on another 55 MW “very soon”.
Another 30 MW awarded in Malaysian solar auction
A Cypark Resources Berhad (CRB) subsidiary has been awarded a 30 MW PV project in Malaysia’s latest solar auction. The country is expected to install 197 MW this year.
Jamaica’s oil company PCJ plans floating PV project at water reservoir
The Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica is seeking consultants for the feasibility study of a grid-tied project, which will also have to be combined with storage.
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.
