Markets & Policy

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.

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.

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 will authorize 1 GW of solar and wind contracts in March and plans to put 5 GW online over the next decade.

Sharp has surprised many by awarding preferred negotiating rights to Taiwan’s Foxconn for its US$5.9 billion takeover bid, rather than the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ). Meanwhile, the electronic giant has reported a net loss for the first three quarters of around $902.5 million, led by its Energy Solutions segment.

Toshiba’s latest earnings results show catastrophic losses for the Japanese electronics conglomerate, which are forecast to hit US$6 billion for the FY 2015. Its recent accounting scandal has forced it into restructuring. More emphasis will be placed on its energy and storage businesses, despite these segments also suffering sales declines.

United PV has today announced the withdrawal of a US$90 million lawsuit, after receiving $250 million from an investment fund under a deed of assignment, and reimbursement from Hareon for all arbitration and legal costs.

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.

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.

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.