Markets & Policy

Uruguay has begun accepting applications for new large-scale solar projects to meet the country’s 200 MW target.

Mecasolar achieved a record 400 MW in tracker sales in the first half of the year, and while Europe remains its biggest market, the company will soon generate most of its business in other territories.

Phoenix Solar has begun its second project for Saudi Arabian energy group Saudi Aramco, a 1.8 MWp plant in Riyadh. The Gulf region has become a key market for the recently restructured German company.

South Korea and Honduras are partnering on a wide range of areas, including renewable energy. The Asian powerhouse is providing nearly $50 million for solar projects in the country.

The EU and China are apparently continuing intensive negotiations on a possible settlement of the PV product trade dispute. EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht and Chinese Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng are due to discuss the matter later this week. Moreover, the EU has reportedly offered China a compromise.

In order to stimulate PV consumption and control industrial overcapacity in the domestic market, China has increased its PV energy target to 35 GW by 2015.

Activ Solar is building a 34 MWp Bolgrad Solar Park in Odessa, Ukraine. The project, which will feature 141,000 modules, brings the Austrian company’s installed capacity in the region to 180 MWp.

Renesola saw shipping levels during the second quarter surpass initial predictions. The revision means more optimistic full-year figures for the Chinese manufacturer.

Chile’s scenic northern region continues to attract ambitious photovoltaic projects. First Solar is planning a 162 MW, $370 million plant in Copiapó, while SunEdison is looking to build a 92 MW, $241 million solar park in Tarapaca.

The success of Long Island’s Clean Solar Initiative in New York has sparked plans for second round. The new projects must be 100 kW to 2 MW.