First Solar breaks ground on 250 MW solar PV plant in Nevada
Silver State South is the fifth solar project that First Solar is building in Southern Nevada, for a total of 750 MW. First Solar sold the project to NextEra in May, and is serving as EPC contractor. The company continues to build very large projects at a time when the industry is moving towards smaller utility-scale PV.
First Solar completes initial phase of America's first solar plant to sell electricity on spot market
The initial phase of the Barilla Solar Project is the first utility-scale project to be completed in the United States with no long-term contract and plans to sell the electricity generated on the spot market, as a new business model for solar in the nation.
US home solar loans at 6.5%
San Francisco-based Dividend Solar has launched an affordable loan for residential solar. The EmpowerPortal loan permits residents to claim a 30% federal tax credit.
China brings forward start date of carbon trading scheme
Official announces a national carbon trading scheme will be introduced in 2016. The country is already running seven city and province-based pilot schemes.
Global investment creating perfect storm for growing markets
The flood of money pouring into renewable energy around the world is trickling down and creating new revenue streams for established businesses eager for growth.
Portugal adds 33 MW of PV for 330 MW cumulative solar capacity
Portugal added 33 MW of solar PV capacity in the first six months of 2014. A significant reduction in new mini installations is worrying, though, given the Portuguese PV sector is predominantly rooftop driven.
Weekly news round-up
A pick of the biggest headlines in solar around the world this week, with details of elephants, bees, beer, gigafactories, ultra-mega, erm, things and electioneering in the UK… as Sid Vicious once said… almost.
China reveals details of distributed generation policy
The government’s National Energy Administration has pledged to help local authorities drive rooftop installation across the nation. The details were revealed in an investment note issued by Deutsche Bank.
Slower growth in the U.S. solar market during Q2 due to timing of utility-scale projects
GTM Research and SEIA’s Q2 Solar Market Insight reports the third consecutive quarter over 1 GW, with ongoing growth in the residential segment and a strong quarter for commercial PV.
France's PV market recovers in the first half of 2014
The latest French government figures show solar PV market recovery continuing in the second quarter of 2014, led by large projects. During the quarter the nation surpassed 5 GW of installed PV.
