Markets & Policy

BNEF drops its annual future energy outlook with solar the shining light, BYD advocates for ‘all silicon’ and batteries and key German solar players make a stand against the minimum price.

High levels of solar, wind and hydro production have led to a crash in the European prompt market, with average day-ahead electricity prices in May of EUR 25.30/MWh in Germany – the lowest monthly average in 12 years – says Platts.

SMA Solar Technology AG has set up a test center at its German headquarters to optimize PV diesel hybrid energy systems. Such applications are growing in importance, says the company, which estimates an annual global growth in the single digit GW range.

REC will enter solar markets in East and South Africa this year on the back of its expectations that 100 GW of solar PV will be installed there by 2030. As an initial step, three offices will be opened, most likely in Ghana, Kenya and South Africa.

Yesterday, Bloomberg New Energy Finance released its 2015 New Energy Outlook. In it solar PV was seen as a leading energy source for the future, however the pace of renewable energy deployment and the continuation of large coal-fired fleets over the next 25 years is sure to disappoint some. Jenny Chase is the head of solar analysis at BNEF and she spoke with pv magazine.

China’s Yingli will supply developer Sybac Solar with 40 MW of solar modules for two PV power plant projects in Honduras. This latest supply deal is the latest of a number that Yingli is delivering in the region, totaling around 100 MW.

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation, which aims to remove planning permission for commercial solar rooftop projects. Unlike in England, no cap is expected to be placed on installation size. The move could prompt the English government to re-analyze its decision.

Trina Solar has confirmed to pv magazine that it has signed a framework agreement with a partner in Indian to develop a 2 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility in the country. Details for the plan are yet to be thrashed out.

A new report from GTM Research has concluded that the fast-growing community solar sector will reach 500 MW in five years time. On a cumulative basis, GTM sees the sector growing from 66 MW in 2014, up to 1.8 GW by decades end.

Landis+Gyr, a member of Japan’s Toshiba Group, will supply Finland with a BESS to be integrated into the Kalasatama district’s smart energy system. The goal is to test new opportunities presented by megawatt-scale storage facilities. Around €2 million is being invested in the storage facility, which should be commissioned next spring.