Israel to reintroduce FITs for rooftop PV up to 50 kW
A new scheme aimed at supporting all rooftop PV segments is expected to be launched soon by the government. The new mechanism includes net metering, although with an additional grid fee covering storage costs, and FITs for small-scale solar. The government is also planning new auctions for rooftop solar geared towards new models of entrepreneurship.
Argentina awards additional 259 MW of PV in third auction round
The developers of the five newly selected PV projects, which were initially excluded from the round, have agreed to reduce their prices to the levels of those selected in late November. The additional solar capacity has raised the total assigned power for PV up to 816.3 MW.
Scotland’s first energy strategy draws mixed feelings from solar industry
While solar has been recognized in Scotland’s first energy strategy, which aims to supply half of the country’s energy needs from renewables by 2030, criticism has been aimed at the lack of concrete policy frameworks for solar, an energy source that could add 6 GW capacity in the next 12 years.
Tremendous demand: An interview with First Solar CEO Mark Widmar
In this interview Mark Widmar talks about the market for PV modules and his company’s supply situation, First Solar’s position in the Section 201 case, and the role he sees for solar in the future of energy.
Coal specialists EMO, JERA enter solar industry
The Dutch shipment company and the Singapore-based coal trader will begin providing the global solar industry with specialty metallurgical coals.
Solar installations to soar under new South Korean energy plan
South Korea’s total installed renewables capacity will spike to 58.5 GW by 2030, from just 11.3 GW at present, under a new energy plan that prioritizes solar and wind development over nuclear generation.
EU Council emphasizes right of solar self-consumption under new climate target strategy
The EU Council has defined its negotiating strategy for the so-called winter package, with which the EU wants to reach its energy and climate targets. The representatives of member states accepted, inter alia, the right to self-generation and CO2 limits for power plants to be financed through capacity mechanisms.
Pakistan: 100 MW PV plant planned, on track for 1 GW installs
Zorlu Enerji is working on a 100 MW solar PV plant in Pakistan. It is slated to come online in the first half of 2018. Overall, Pakistan is on track to install more than 1 GW this year.
Sierra Leone begins construction on its first solar park
The 6 MW Solar Park Freetown will be built with the support of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD).
Brazil awards 574 MW (AC) of solar in A-4 power auction
Solar was the prevailing source with an 85% share in all of the assigned capacity. Final average price for solar was 145.78 BRL ($43.88) /MWh.
