India hikes solar cell and module tax rate to 18%
The increased Goods and Services Tax rate for solar cells and modules is in part a response to the technology’s ability to “stand on its own two feet”, says energy minister.
ADB raises $46 million for Indian PV, wind with green bonds
The Asian Development Bank has raised INR 3 billion ($46.19 million) through the issuance of rupee-linked green bonds to back the development of 709 MW of solar and wind capacity in six states in India.
Indian state of Haryana exempts solar components from VAT
The move by the Haryana government seen as clear support of solar industry, designed to lower the financial barriers for renewable energy in the Northern Indian state.
Report: Suniva case could destabilize global supply chain (with chart)
IHS Markit says the complaint could also cause the U.S. market to crater 60% by 2021, causing global module oversupply and driving module prices ever lower.
Environmentalist and solar advocate Nicolas Hulot is France’s new energy minister
Hulot is a well-known journalist and environmentalist which has had a leading role in the French Green Party (Europe Écologie-Les Verts) in the past, and has always supported solar through his foundation.
Energy trade groups send grid reliability reports to Energy Secretary Perry
SEIA, ACORE, AEE and AWEA express concerns that the former Texas Governor is starting his inquiry into grid reliability with a faulty premise by conflating coal and nuclear generation with reliability.
Solar Trade Association launches ‘Manifesto’ for UK solar
The UK trade body today launched its ‘Great British Solar Manifesto’, in a pre-election appeal to MPs outlining the contribution solar can make to the country over the next Parliament, if the right policy framework is put in place to fairly support market developments.
US investors, led by Tesla/SolarCity, dominate list of non-Chinese solar PV asset owners
Report by GTM Research and Solichamba finds 11 investors that each own more than 1 GW of PV assets, with eight of those 11 hailing from the U.S.
Solar tariffs in India tumble to another new record low
The latest 500 MW tender by the Solar Corporation of India (SECI) drove the tariffs under INR 2.50 ($ 0.038), making solar cheaper than fossil fuel-generated power.
Greece applies virtual net metering
Greece’s environment and energy minister has approved the country’s virtual net metering provisions. This is a policy step towards the right direction, however it is not expected to have a significant effect on Greece’s PV installations any time soon.
