Solar corporate funding activity increases by 100% in Q1, finds Mercom Capital
Total corporate funding across the global solar industry reached $3.2bn in the first quarter of the year, which is a 100% increase on Q4 2016. This rise is largely due to increased debt financing activity, said Mercom Capital Group CEO Raj Prabhu.
Heraeus reveals global recruitment drive for 100 extra staff
The German silver paste specialist is ramping up its global team to support its strategic pivot towards becoming an integrated solution provider. Majority of new hires expected to be in China, company confirms.
Saudi Arabia shortlists 27 companies for PV project
The Saudi Renewable Energy Development Office (REPDO) has announced a shortlist of 27 companies that will be invited to submit proposals for 300 MW of solar PV commissioned as part of the first round of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP).
Spending less, getting more: renewables more cost-effective than ever in 2016, finds UN report
The latest Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment 2017 report by the UN Environment, Bloomberg New Energy Finance and the Frankfurt School-UNEP Collaborating Centre finds that while investment in clean energy fell last year, annual installations rose, revealing the cost-competitiveness of the sector.
SolarWorld wants issue of China trade practices raised during Trump-Xi talks
One of the pillars of Donald Trump’s election campaign was his pledge to protect the U.S. manufacturers from unfair competition. While it is still unclear whether he will follow through with his threats to increase import taxes on Chinese goods, SolarWorld has taken the opportunity of the historic meeting between President Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping to harangue China’s solar manufacturers and call for the issue of solar dumping to be raised.
UK looking to renege on climate goals post-Brexit – reports
The British government is assessing ways to scrap pledges made to hit 2020 clean energy targets without incurring any penalties, reports Bloomberg, in a first sign of the country reneging on mandatory environmental action made under EU membership.
First Solar seeking sale of its share in yieldco 8point3 Energy
The Arizona-headquartered solar power company wants to strategically align its resources to support its new Series 6 module, and thus seeks sale of its stake in the joint SunPower yieldco. SunPower reaffirms belief that the yieldco can deliver long-term assets and growth.
REN21 renewables report finds strong hope for 100% renewable world by 2050
More than 70% of 114 global energy experts interviewed in REN21 Renewables Global Futures Report believe global transition to 100% renewable energy is feasible. However, challenges remain fiercest in areas of transport and larger economies.
Solar represented 13% of California’s power in 2016
One in eight electrons generated in California came from a solar panel, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Mexico publishes requirements for clean energy certificates
The Mexican Government intends to facilitate the planning of renewable energy projects over the next years. Clean energy certificates, which apply to power provider and industrial consumers, will increase from 7.4% in 2020 to 10.9% in 2021 and 13.9% in 2022.
