The pv magazine weekly news digest
The solar big guns were out in force this week as changes to the U.S. net metering landscape rolled into Nevada. Elsewhere, China proved its PV prowess, Japan saw a shakeup and Germany confirmed its relative demise.
UK: Commercial rooftop PV can still be profitable, says industry
Following the U.K. government’s cuts for all forms of solar subsidy, the PV industry makes the case that rooftop PV, especially commercial, can still be a profitable investment.
IHS: U.S. market boosts inverter sales for SMA, SolarEdge
Both SMA Solar Technology AG and SolarEdge have reported strong quarterly results in recent weeks, which IHS Technology credits with their position in the U.S. inverter market.
Iran to pay 35% premium for solar, wind plants with domestic content
Iran will authorize 1 GW of solar and wind contracts in March and plans to put 5 GW online over the next decade.
US: Cumulative solar installs top 28 GW, 16 GW of renewables installed in 2015
According to a new study by BNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, cumulative solar capacity in the U.S. has reached 28 GW, of which 7.3 GW was installed in 2015. Overall, last year saw 16 GW of renewables added, outstripping fossil fuels for a second year. Energy productivity is also growing, while prices remain stable. Investment, particularly in solar, is also on the rise.
Morocco inaugurates 160 MW solar CSP plant as first phase of Noor complex
While the World Bank says that the Noor 1 plant will bring down the cost of concentrating solar power, the future of the technology does not look promising.
SunEdison offloads Japanese assets, assesses Vivint deal options
The U.S. renewables developer agrees deal to sell its entire 198 MW solar PV portfolio in Japan for around $80 million while, closer to home, the company evaluates options that will see the Vivint acquisition finally closed.
Total secures stake in Off Grid Electric and Powerhive
The French energy giant leverages its $150 million Total Energy Ventures fund to secure stakes of no more than 15% in the two off-grid and microgrid startups.
UK solar firms challenge government subsidy cuts in appeal court
Solarcentury and Lark Energy take case against government’s early closure of the Renewable Obligation scheme to court of appeal; government defends stance on claims its decision was grossly unfair.
Expert analysis: Back in black: SolarWorld provides optimistic outlook for 2016
On February 1, Solarworld published its preliminary business figures for 2015 and provided an optimistic outlook for 2016. Industry expert and Smart Solar Consulting CEO Götz Fischbeck delivers his analysis on SolarWorlds immediate upturn in fortunes and outlook.
