Yemen sees solar energy grow despite civil war
The disrupture of the country’s power system, which is being caused by the ongoing civil conflicts, is pushing Yemenis to resort to solar as a primary source of energy. According to preliminary estimates, more than 300 MW of PV power generators were installed in Yemen since the war began in 2015.
Czech Republic launches new round of its Green Savings Programme
The scheme provides investment support for residential and commercial solar PV systems. The round’s deadline is April 30, 2018.
Colombia may contract 1 GW of solar, wind in 2018 auction
In an interview with pv magazine, the president of the Colombian solar energy association SER Colombia, Alejandro Lucio Chaustre, explains what expectations are being created by the upcoming auction for solar and renewables, announced by the Colombian Government at the beginning of November.
Portugal announces distributed solar generation FIT of €95/MWh for 2018
The 15 year feed-in tariff (FIT) for solar power units with a capacity of up to 250 kW for this year will be maintaned at the same level of that of the past three years.
Trump’s trade disputes raise concerns about overseas expansion, Chinese government says
As reported by Reuters, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology voiced concerns that frequent trade disputes may hurt China’s overseas expansion and would increase costs throughout the global solar market.
GTM Research predicts 11% reduction in the US solar market from tariffs
President Trump’s tariff decision was not the worst-case scenario for the U.S. market, but GTM Research says it will still have effects, particularly in marginal and emerging regional markets.
Trump levies graduated tariffs starting at 30%, exempts 2.5 GW in cells
The decision, released on U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer’s website, could keep current U.S. module manufacturers in business by keeping their cell lifelines open.
Private PPAs for renewables reach 5.4 GW in 2017, BNEF says
Last year’s result surpassed by more than 1 GW the results registered in 2015 and 2016, when the combined capacity of this market segment reached 4.4 GW and 4.3 GW, respectively.
Hungary to launch 300 MW solar program for farmers
The new scheme envisages the construction of 600 solar farms with a capacity of 0.5 MW each.
Japan: Disappointing first auction; plans for 200 GW solar by 2050
Japan’s first solar PV auction has reaped disappointing results, with just 41 MW set to be developed. Under the revised FIT, meanwhile, 27.7 GW were cancelled. Despite this, JPEA is aiming for 200 GW of solar PV installs by 2050. Overall, cumulative installed capacity has reached over 40 GW. There are still many plans afoot for large-scale projects, although it is the rooftop sector, which holds the most promise.
