Mexican energy reforms to benefit solar
Sweeping energy reforms signed into law this week include multiple changes to the electricity sector, many of which favor solar and other renewable energies.
PACE returns: 17 counties launch clean energy funding programs in California
Enabled by legislation at the state level, counties across California have launched property assessed clean energy (PACE) programs. This represents a revival for PACE, a promising mechanism for property owners to finance solar systems and energy efficiency improvements, and the program administrator expects CaliforniaFirst to support US$250 million in solar PV systems in 2015.
SEIA sets the record straight on Germany's solar success
The U.S. solar trade organization has released a report on Germany’s experience with policies to support solar PV, finding that the nation’s widely misunderstood system of feed-in tariffs has been highly successful in deploying large amounts of solar PV and decarbonizing its electricity sector.
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.
