All in: Utility PG&E signs energy storage deals totaling 165 MW
The most recent contracts, which still need to be approved by California regulators, are part of a state-mandated goal of adding 580 MW of storage by 2020.
Brazil launches $154 million fund for residential PV in the Amazon basin
The funds will be used to provide financing for residential PV projects across all of the nine states that form the so-called Amazônia Legal.
Nicaragua extends fiscal incentives for renewables by another five years
The tax benefits for renewable energy generation projects, which were set to expire at the end of this year, have been extended until the end of 2022.
Uganda issues tender to bring off-grid solar to schools in seven regions
Uganda’s government seeks proposals to bring off-grid solar solutions to 89 post primary education institutions across the country.
Switzerland to replace FITs with solar rebates in 2018
According to Swissolar, this change will allow more PV capacity to be deployed, as waiting times for the implementation of FIT contracts are considerably increasing. Self-consumption is also becoming more attractive for multi-family houses and commercial enterprises.
Thailand’s bigger RE ambitions may lead to economic renaissance – IRENA
Increasing the role of solar PV in its energy mix from 6 GW to almost 17 GW is one of IRENA’s key recommendations for Thailand. Noting that RE national targets could be comfortably surpassed by a quarter to reach more than 37% by 2036, its report finds more ambitious deployment could save over US$9 billion annually, proving to be a major turning point for the entire economy.
Canadian Solar awarded 17 MW in Japan’s first large-scale solar auction
Canadian Solar Inc. has won a contract for 17.87 MWp in Japan’s first auction for large-scale solar projects. A total of 141.3 MW was awarded last month.
Armenia sees another finished solar PV plant
Armenia’s fledgling solar industry has received a boost with the installation of another 1 MW PV plant, by Arpi Solar. The company is due to start work on another 55 MW “very soon”.
Another 30 MW awarded in Malaysian solar auction
A Cypark Resources Berhad (CRB) subsidiary has been awarded a 30 MW PV project in Malaysia’s latest solar auction. The country is expected to install 197 MW this year.
Bali volcano threat prompts distribution of solar-powered TVs, kits
Non-profit organization, Kopernic is providing disaster relief in Bali with the distribution of solar-powered televisions and kits.
