Blattner Energy takes top U.S. solar EPC spot in 2016 (with chart)
IHS Markit’s latest assessment of U.S. solar contractors finds that Blattner outpaced First Solar to take the top spot in 2016.
Switzerland installed 250 MW of new PV systems in 2016
According to estimates from national association Swissolar, about 250 MW of new PV installations were connected to Switzerland’s grid last year.
Net metering 2.0 slows down California’s residential solar market
Solar industry commentary is echoing state data, which shows that the implementation of net metering 2.0 and time-of-use rates is having a significant negative effect on California’s distributed solar market.
Eon reports record €16 billion loss for 2016
The German energy company said its new strategy is fully reflected in its balance sheet. This was accompanied by the largest loss ever registered by the group. Eon is now planning workforce reductions, as well as further measures to reduce its net liabilities to €20 billion in the mid-term.
Czech solar market shows first signs of revival in residential segment
The Czech solar market collapsed in 2014 after the country’s FIT scheme was shut down. After two years of almost zero growth, the country’s PV market registered a slight increase in new installations in 2016. This growth was mainly due to the support program for sustainable buildings.
Estonia to replace feed-in premium scheme for renewables and solar with auction mechanism
The Estonian government plans to replace the current FIP scheme for renewable energies with an auction mechanism within the next few months. The country’s installed PV capacity reached 10 MW at the end of 2016.
Trina Solar goes private
The Chinese PV maker has completed its merger transaction and will now become a private company. Trading of Trina’s shares on the NYSE have been suspended pending de-listing.
Neoen secures 25-year PPA for 54 MW solar project in Zambia
The French developer has secured a 25-year PPA for Zambia’s largest PV plant. The project, which was selected in an auction held by the World Bank in 2014, will sell power to local utility ZESCO at US$0.0602 per KWh.
Panama reports 46 MW of new large-scale solar capacity for 2016
With seven large-scale PV projects connected to the grid last year, Panama has reached a cumulative PV capacity of 89 MW.
Italian PV demand maintains steady pace in January, new opportunities for business
The Italian PV market maintains its path of stable growth in January with approximately 25.7 MW in new systems. Meanwhile, the local government agency GSE has published new rules for the revamping and repowering of existing installations. The Italian renewable energy sector believes that the new rules will create new business opportunities for both solar manufacturers and developers.
