Redesign of Massachusetts' incentive system dies in legislature, net metering caps raised slightly
Landmark legislation to move Massachusetts’ solar incentives from SRECs to declining block grants did not make it out of committee. However, caps on the volume of solar PV able to participate in net metering were marginally increased, making room for more systems.
Arizona Public Service unveils plans to install 20 MW of solar PV on customer rooftops
The move by the Arizona utility would replace a utility-scale solar PV plant that it planned to build. APS’ rooftop solar plans are in sharp contrast to its attacks on net-metered solar, and the move has been questioned by SEIA.
SolarCity, Sunrun to sue Arizona over taxes on third-party solar
Third-party-owned solar companies are fighting back against the second additional cost that the government of Arizona has imposed on distributed solar PV in two years.
Cyprus to expand PV via net metering
The Mediterranean country is launching a second net metering program after a strong response to a similiar initiative last year. Despite broad support for renewable energy, the nation’s limited grid remains a problem for future expansion of renewables.
Greece awaits ‘new deal’ after adding 1 GW of solar in 2013
Greece’s Environment Ministry is set to introduce new measures in the hopes of reaching a long-term solution, including FIT cuts and loan extensions. Consumers, however, face still more RES fee hikes.
Greece adds 148 MW while preparing for drastic new FIT cuts
Greece added 148 MW of solar photovoltaics in the second quarter but the situation for solar developers is getting tougher: new FIT cuts are on the way and consumers face 120% electricity fee hikes to back new RES projects.
Construction begins on 160 MW CSP plant in Morocco
Construction on Moroccos 160 MW concentrated solar power (CSP) plant project in Ouarzazate began on Friday with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony by King Mohammed VI.
Germany: A brake on Altmaier's "electricity price protection"
The German government has made it official: The proposed “strompreisbremse” or electricity price protection as it is loosely translated, will not materialize since both the states and federal government have failed to come to an agreement. The brake on rising electricity prices is not expected until the next elections in September.
The solar aspect of EU-US trade talks
EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht gave a speech in Boston at the weekend about the planned EU-U.S. trade talks, which could have an impact on the Transatlantic, and wider, solar industry.
SEMI proposes a way out of solar trade wars
Global electronics manufacturing industry group SEMI has offered to step between the nations waging the current proliferation of solar trade disputes in an effort to find a way forward.
