Markets & Policy

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association welcomed the Commission’s guidance on delivering an EU-wide internal electricity market, but called for further proposals on self-consumption of PV.

The PV boom has created a solar sector worth NZ$40 million, with revenue growing at a rate of 100% and installed capacity reaching 8.2 MW.

Germany, the U.K., Italy and France will drive Europe’s PV recovery next year, forecasts NPD Solarbuzz. The countries will account for some 8 GW — more than 75% of Europe’s new solar capacity in 2014.

The German energy company has already installed 65 MW of PV capacity in the country across two plants, with this latest commission taking its presence in Romania to 115 MW.

Southern Power is partnering with Ted Turner’s Turner Renewable Energy on the Kern County project, which will be built, operated and maintained by SunEdison.

Suntech says it is seeking protection and time to complete negotiations and wrap up its restructuring efforts after agreeing to sell its main assets to Jiangsu Shunfeng.

The 70 MW solar power plant will be run by the Kagoshima Mega Solar Power Corporation and boasts technology from German solar inverter company SMA.

The U.S. solar equity markets enjoyed an upswing in October, driven by a substantial number of utility scale projects in the pipeline and advances in technology.

The acquisition of the robotic solar panel cleaning technology — which reduces water usage and improves LCOE — enhances SunPower’s energy services portfolio.

Following the completion and sales of solar parks, the Ontario-based company is now predicting increased shipments and higher margins. It will also supply 100 MW of panels to a new project in China.