Analysis: Longi mono wafer expansion plans could yield H2 oversupply
Independent solar analyst, Corrine Lin believes that Longi’s plans to triple monocrystalline wafer production capacity to 45 GW by 2020 could trigger an oversupply problem in the second half of this year.
Europe added 8.61 GW of solar in 2017 with Turkey taking top spot
Annual growth of 28% on 2016’s performance points to promising future as Turkey’s 1.79 GW saw the nation overtake Germany as Europe’s most dynamic solar market. Former shining star, the U.K. slinks away from top table after shrinking 54%.
Waiting for the World Bank’s Scaling Solar and Storage program
Expectation is rising that the World Bank’s Scaling Solar program will soon expand to include energy storage. A presentation by global law firm, Eversheds Sutherland this week in London added further weight to this.
ABB to build Latin America’s first digital substation alongside new 156 MW solar farm, publishes 2017 financials
The Swiss-headquartered power electronics firm will install a 230 kV digitally enable substation and connection bay at Brazil’s Juazeiro II substation, which will eventually deliver power from a 156 MW solar plant. 2017 full year financials reveal transitional year for firm.
EU, China request consultation with US over solar tariffs, WTO filing shows
Following the introduction of 30% graduated tariffs on imported solar modules into the U.S., the European Union and China have joined South Korea and Taiwan in filing a complaint with the World Trade Organization.
EU approves capacity mechanisms for Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy and Poland
The European Commission stated that capacity mechanisms in these five electricity markets are in line with EU state aid rules, and that all of the mechanisms are “well-designed”. SolarPower Europe says further supporting most polluting power generation forms through capacity mechanism simply does not make sense anymore.
Unsubsidized large-scale solar projects are proliferating across Italy
In a short conversation with pv magazine, the CEO of Italy-based consultancy, Prothea Srl has provided more details on the 500 MW Italian pipeline of market parity PV projects, which it has jointly announced with Limes RE.
Wind giant Vestas taps solar, storage markets for hybridization drive
The Danish wind turbine producer to explore further development of hybrid renewable energy plants that combine wind, solar and battery storage at single location as wind growth rates ease in face of market consolidation.
US solar jobs fell 3.8% in 2017
The hangover from the ITC-driven boom in 2016 in the U.S. is the biggest factor in the relative decline, and a rebound is expected in 2019.
UK: London backs solar with funding for 1 GW PV scheme
London has launched a £34 million Energy for Londoners scheme, which includes goal of generating 1 GW of energy from solar by 2030. Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor for the environment and energy, presented parts of London’s energy vision this week at the Energy Storage Connected Systems conference.
