UK: Commercial rooftop PV can still be profitable, says industry
Following the U.K. government’s cuts for all forms of solar subsidy, the PV industry makes the case that rooftop PV, especially commercial, can still be a profitable investment.
IHS: U.S. market boosts inverter sales for SMA, SolarEdge
Both SMA Solar Technology AG and SolarEdge have reported strong quarterly results in recent weeks, which IHS Technology credits with their position in the U.S. inverter market.
Iran to pay 35% premium for solar, wind plants with domestic content
Iran will authorize 1 GW of solar and wind contracts in March and plans to put 5 GW online over the next decade.
Sharp: Surprise over Foxconn nod, Energy Solutions segment reports biggest revenue drop
Sharp has surprised many by awarding preferred negotiating rights to Taiwans Foxconn for its US$5.9 billion takeover bid, rather than the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ). Meanwhile, the electronic giant has reported a net loss for the first three quarters of around $902.5 million, led by its Energy Solutions segment.
Toshiba reorganizing to focus on energy, storage amid major losses
Toshibas latest earnings results show catastrophic losses for the Japanese electronics conglomerate, which are forecast to hit US$6 billion for the FY 2015. Its recent accounting scandal has forced it into restructuring. More emphasis will be placed on its energy and storage businesses, despite these segments also suffering sales declines.
United PV withdraws $90 million Hareon lawsuit
United PV has today announced the withdrawal of a US$90 million lawsuit, after receiving $250 million from an investment fund under a deed of assignment, and reimbursement from Hareon for all arbitration and legal costs.
US: Cumulative solar installs top 28 GW, 16 GW of renewables installed in 2015
According to a new study by BNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, cumulative solar capacity in the U.S. has reached 28 GW, of which 7.3 GW was installed in 2015. Overall, last year saw 16 GW of renewables added, outstripping fossil fuels for a second year. Energy productivity is also growing, while prices remain stable. Investment, particularly in solar, is also on the rise.
Indias Karnataka plans for 3 GW of solar
Three GW of new solar PV projects have been announced for the Indian state of Karnataka. The government has approved a 2 GW plant by Karnataka Solar Power Development Corp. Ltd, while Adani is said to be planning a 1 GW project.
SunEdison offloads Japanese assets, assesses Vivint deal options
The U.S. renewables developer agrees deal to sell its entire 198 MW solar PV portfolio in Japan for around $80 million while, closer to home, the company evaluates options that will see the Vivint acquisition finally closed.
Total secures stake in Off Grid Electric and Powerhive
The French energy giant leverages its $150 million Total Energy Ventures fund to secure stakes of no more than 15% in the two off-grid and microgrid startups.
