Spain: Another deep cut for renewables to come
In order to save costs for the public electric system, the Spanish government is set to again cut subsidies for operational PV plants. Feed-in-tariffs could shrink at a rate of 20%.
France adds 88 MW of new PV in first quarter, weighs carbon footprint of future projects
France installed 88 MW of new PV capacity in the first quarter of the year. While it’s the lowest amount of solar capacity to be installed in the country since 2009, the French government is eager to increase PV while putting greater focus on the the carbon footprint and research and development impact of new projects.
U.S. PV installations rise 33% in first quarter
In the first three months of the year, the U.S. saw PV installations rise 33% to 723 MW, with solar now accounting for 49% of new electric capacity in the country, according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) newly published U.S. Solar Market Insight report.
LDK Solars Q1 results remain in the red
Hit by falling prices and increased competition, LDK Solar remained deep in red ink in the first three months of the year with a net loss of $187.1 million, $104.3 million in revenue and liabilities totaling $5.3 billion.
Inventux supplies PV modules for solar farm in Chile
German photovoltaic manufacturer Inventux is supporting construction of a 3 MW solar project in Chile.
Bulgaria limits PV capacity
State-owned energy holding group EAD has ordered drastic limitations on renewable energy capacity. Electricity distribution company CEZ will cut capacity by 40%.
Saudi Arabia unveils new solar training program
Kingdom’s Solar Industry Association has launched a vocational training program with U.S. solar training company SEI, aimed at engineers, designers and decision makers. The program will be showcased, along with a Women in Solar initiative, at Intersolar Europe.
$400 million for off grid renewables in Australia
Australia’s ARENA today launched an AUD$400 million fund to displace diesel in remote areas of the country. The fund is aimed at off grid and fringe-of-grid communities as well as mining operations and is expected to generate 150 MW of new renewables capacity by 2018.
Sunwize to install Samoa's largest PV project
U.S.-based Mitsui subsidiary Sunwize will install Samoa’s largest solar project to date. The 546 kW scheme is expected to generate 700,000 kWh per year across ground mounted sites in Salelolaga on Savai’i and Tanugamanono and Vaitele on Upolu.
Romania to cut green certificates
The Romanian government has approved legislation that will severely cut PV incentives for investors. Critics say the move could lead to a halt in foreign investment for the country’s solar market.
