Markets

Installations are increasing under net metering. Last year 45 MW was added under the program.

The Adams and Pulida projects were awarded in the third round of South Africa’s REIPPPP solicitation, and this brings Enel to 323 MW of solar online in the nation.

Contracts have been signed for 1.8 GW of solar in Mexico, including one contract at a price of US$26.99/MWh by Fotowatio. The median price for solar in this auction was around $31.70/MWh.

Japanese electronics giant lowers its full-year losses to just $329 million as share values rise across the board following buyout by Foxconn. Sharp’s solar segment, however, remains only unprofitable division.

Along with changing its name from Tesla Motors to Tesla Inc. the electric vehicle and battery maker will eliminate the SolarCity brand.

The German chemical giant finished off 2016 with increased sales and profit in its polysilicon division, as it remains the only Western polysilicon maker to sell directly into China.

More than 40 companies have expressed interested in a tender for the construction of a 50 MW solar power plant in Armenia. The project is a part of a US$58 million program to boost renewable energy in the country.

It is estimated that last year more than 100 MW was installed in the segment. With the new distributed generation regulation they believe that new business models will lead to a notable increase in the market his year.

Policy changes have slowed the U.K.’s progress towards 2020 renewable energy goals as the country wrestles with the forthcoming Brexit turmoil. France and Netherlands also on watchlist, says Commission.

Solar has started playing an important role in the developing world, but the pace of investment needs to step up. Is there enough financing for projects in the developing markets and if not, what needs to be done?