New poly fabs could head off first-half solar project slowdown
Norwegian analyst Rystad Energy has warned the solar industry could suffer the same effects of rising input prices as onshore wind developers grappling with ever more costly steel, with much hinging on how much solar panel raw material polysilicon can be manufactured.
Polish gas plans could leave taxpayers needing to find billions
With the Polish government planning to commission five gas power plants over the next five years, London-based thinktank Carbon Tracker has estimated just how costly the move will be, compared to deploying solar plants and energy storage instead.
SunPower to sell C&I solar business to TotalEnergies
SunPower is selling its C&I operations so it can focus on expanding its residential business, while TotalEnergies will advance its distributed generation activities in the US market.
European funds back 40MW Kenyan solar field
The $87 million Kesses solar project, in Kenya’s Rift Valley town of Eldoret, is set for completion by Spanish developer Alten this year.
Solar investors back Italy despite electricity price cap
With the Italian government temporarily limiting the returns available from solar plants on the wholesale energy market, Swiss investor SUSI Partners says the underlying strength of the country’s PV industry remains.
EU Chips Act proposed to address semiconductor shortages
The European Commission wants to introduce legislation to back semiconductor research and to address the immediate problem of supply chain bottlenecks by drumming up more than €43 billion, with member states and the private sector expected to contribute.
SolarPower Europe calls on Italy to abandon measure introduced to halt rocketing energy price
Mario Draghi’s administration has replaced market-driven electricity prices for the rest of the year and replaced them with tariffs based on historical averages. With solar plant operators among those affected, the European trade body for PV is not amused.
Nova Scotia blocks ‘solar tax’ proposal
Utility Nova Scotia Power wanted to impose a monthly charge on net-metered solar system owners which the Canadian Renewable Energy Association said could have doubled the payback period for household and commercial arrays.
Shell completes Powershop takeover despite widespread outrage
Shell has completed its acquisition of Powershop Australia. The takeover sparked a heated outcry when it was first announced in November.
Net metering would offer a solar rooftop alternative to uneconomic Kenyan utilities
Commercial and industrial clients across the continent are turning to solar amid fears ever more cash-strapped conventional electricity companies will be unable to invest in their creaking grids, an online event has heard.
