Finance

Global solar power capacity is due to increase from 93.7 GW in 2012 to 668.4 GW in 2025, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan. Big price falls are weakening growth prospects for concentrated solar power, however.

The utility says the advantages of its select sites coupled with decreasing solar costs will allow for the cost-effective expansion of large-scale solar.

The local division of Canada’s JCM Capital aims to finance environmental and social impact investments. The African Development Bank is backing the grant.

According to GTM Research, investments in the field last year surpassed 2012 and 2013 but remained below the $1.4 billion the sector raised in 2011.

The ultra-low LCOE agreed for the latest phase of Dubai’s 1 GW project is not typical but may point to an expectation of further falls in panel prices up to 2018.

World Energy Council report cites oil price plunge and falling cost of renewables as most critical issue facing energy policymakers in 2015.

Falling oil prices have the potential to harm the uptake of solar-diesel hybrid systems, according to research from German consultancy firm THEnergy.

Organisers of the Milan trade show say there are signs of a recovery in Italian PV. Inverter maker Fronius and Chinese giant Jinko Solar are making all the right noises.

The president of the module business, which has become the world’s biggest, has been promoted to the Trina Solar board. The Chinese giant also added a new independent director.

Cypriot government has signed a contract with a consortium of companies to develop the 5 MW, $7.5m project. The scheme is the first under the Go Green military initiative.