Markets & Policy
In highly regulated energy markets, policy decisions can make or break new technologies, strategies, and even entire industries.
Support from policymakers, in the form of procurement exercises, priority dispatch, tax incentives and a wealth of other instruments, has been vital to the global solar industry’s success, and new mechanisms to support growth in energy storage are an increasingly important part of the story today.
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Latest News
Argentina’s next era
Argentina’s solar sector is entering a new phase, writes pv magazine’s Luis Ini. As the country’s installed PV capacity nears 2.6 GW, demand is growing. This stems from the mining sector, projects connected to distribution grids, the upturn in self-consumption following tariff rises, and the first national tenders for large-scale battery storage. However, the market remains constrained by two structural limitations: transmission capacity and access to finance.
Aug 26, 2026
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California plug-in solar bill earns approval of both legislative houses
The California state Assembly has passed SB 868, known as the Plug and Play Solar Act. Pending Senate concurrence in amendments made to the bill by the Assembly, California is one step away from passing its highly-anticipated plug-in solar legislation.
Spain to require data centers to source 80% of electricity from renewables
Spain has proposed new rules requiring data centers to source at least 80% of their electricity from additional renewable generation, with hourly matching of consumption and supply. The framework would apply to facilities of at least 1 MW and introduce grid access, water efficiency and EU data sovereignty requirements.
Ireland’s sixth renewables auction puts solar to the test under new NZIA rules
The results of Ireland’s sixth Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS 6) are due to be announced on December 2. Leanne Donovan, Solar Ireland’s policy manager, told pv magazine that “cost competitiveness will remain the dominant factor” even with the new pricing framework.
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All Markets & Policy news
China's Shandong Province lowers PV tariffs
Chinas Shandong province has set an electricity purchase price of 1.7 yuan (25 cents) a kilowatt-hour for photovoltaic (PV) power plants for this year. It has also been said that next year and in 2012 Shandong will lower the tariffs for ground-mounted PV plants to 1.4 yuan and 1.2 yuan a kilowatt-hour, respectively.
Phoenix Solar to see substantial increase in consolidated revenue following proposed German FITs compromise
Following the proposed compromise to cut photovoltaics (PV) feed-in tariff (FIT) incentives by three percent this month, put forward by the German parliamentary mediation committee between the German Bundestag and the Bundesrat for solar promotion yesterday, Phoenix Solar AG has said it expects to see a substantial increase in consolidated revenue”.
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German mediation committee proposes PV cuts compromise
German photovoltaic feed-in tariff cuts should be slightly reduced and implemented in two stages including retroactively according to a recommendation issued by the parliamentary mediation committee between the German Bundestag and the Bundesrat for solar promotion.
PV innovation must be holistically managed for DTs to be effective
Publicly funded demonstration projects and trials (DTs), such as those for photovoltaics (PV), are vitally important for developing low-carbon technologies in the fight against global warming. However, according to new research from the Advanced Institute of Management Research (AIM Research), the process of innovation needs to be managed holistically for DTs to be effective.
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Indian Government unveils new guidelines for off-grid solar PV
The Indian Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has unveiled new guidelines for off-grid and decentralized solar applications, which are to be achieved as a part of the National Solar Mission. Rooftop and other small solar power plants are also included.
USD$1.85 billion boost for US solar industry
President Barack Obama has announced that USD$1.85 billion in conditional commitments will be made available in the form of loan guarantees to two U.S. solar companies. As a result, one of the worlds biggest solar plants is scheduled to be built in Arizona, while around 5,000 jobs are expected to be created.
Intersolar extends strategic partner program in U.S.
Intersolar North America and Solartech have announced an expanded partnership for the 2010 Intersolar North America conference. Under the agreement, Solartech will now provide an additional program offering at the conference. Other reciprocal elements between both organizations will extend into next year.
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