Markets & Policy

US solar manufacturer and project developer SunEdison has successfully raised a significant part of the cash required to complete its acquisition of wind project developer First Wind. Company has raised US$590m in cash through sales of shares and a credit facility for the acquisition.

How the incompetence of politicians gave the world large scale PV and Angela Merkel says it is time for a ‘respite from solar’, Germany’s gift to the world, but developers who head to Greece will have all their prayers answered, as long as they vote for the right party.

Despite a boom in oil and natural gas drilling in the United States, the surging solar power industry added more new jobs to the U.S. economy in the past year than major segments of incumbent fossil fuel and utility industries combined.

While Australia’s large scale PV sector remains depressed, homeowners continue to flock to solar. Figures released today by Green Energy Markets, show over 800 MW of residential and small commercial PV systems were installed in 2014. Average system size was 4.4 kW.

German/U.S. solar manufacturer SolarWorld has entered into a partnership with leasing provider DZ-4 to roll out solar and battery kits in Germany. Potential residential customers can enter in a 10-year lease with DZ-4 for a SolarWorld solar-plus-storage residential kit.

U.S. solar lease provider American Solar Direct (ASD) will team with PV crowdfunder Mosaic to provide homeowners with solar loans. ASD says that most customers will be able to access a 20-year loan produce, including a production guarantee and warranty and maintenance agreement.

The somewhat cynical wording of the German chancellor was like a punch in the gut to the solar industry. Speaking at the German Renewable Energy Federation’s new year reception in Berlin, Angela Merkel said she shared the skepticism about capacity markets. Overall, however, she offered few clear positions.

The government’s budget is expected to include nearly $40 million aimed at lowering the cost of solar power generation.

The opening of the 710 kW first phase of the planned 1.5 MW Dead Sea Photovoltaic Generating Plant has resulted in dramatic drops in electricity prices for Palestinian households that were formerly dependent on high Israeli utility rates.

A typical solar PV system represents a better investment than the stock market in 46 of America’s largest 50 cities, according to a report from NC Clean Energy Technology Center.