Actis acquires SunPower’s 100 MW project in Chile
Through this operation, the U.K. investor, which already owns a 40% interest in the Javiera solar plant located in the Antofagasta region, consolidates its position in the Chilean solar market.
Taiwan to raise FIT rates for first half of 2018
The Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) today announced a 9.09% increase to FIT rates originally proposed in September for rooftop solar installations up 20 kW, in a bid to encourage further public participation in its Green Energy Roofs project.
Canadian Solar fund acquires two Japanese solar projects, raises $8.2m loan
The Japanese infrastructure arm of Canadian Solar, Canadian Solar Asset Management, has acquired ownership of two large-scale Japanese solar farms, while also taking out a loan of JPY 900 million.
SMA, Danfoss create JV to deliver solar, storage and energy management to supermarkets
The German and Danish technology firms will utilize their various expertise and platforms to help supermarket operators increase their renewable energy footprint and optimize their energy usage.
Financing PV projects in Iran remains challenging
Interview: Iran intends to build new PV and wind power plants totaling 5 GW in the coming years. The first PPAs have already been signed. Among them, Germany’s Geon secured a FIT contract for a 120 MW solar park. The company’s managing director, Sharam Roghani explains why this is only half the battle and why financing projects in Iran remains difficult. He has not found a lender yet, and time is running out.
Agfa, Ferrbatt sign agreement for distribution of PV backsheets
Anticipating growing market demand for its UNIQOAT backsheet, Agfa has partnered with Italian company, Ferrbatt to bolster local industry supply and support.
Netherlands installed 853 MW of solar in 2017, monocrystalline modules dominate
According to new numbers released by Good!/Solar Solutions, the Dutch solar market grew by 60% last year. PV currently covers approximately 2.2% of the country’s power demand, while monocrystalline modules accounted for around 60% of last year’s solar panel sales.
Spain’s Canary Islands to launch 100 MW solar auction this year
The government of the Spanish archipelago, which also announced a 300 MW wind power auction for this year, aims to cover 45% of its energy needs with renewables by 2025.
Trump opens the door for specific products, nations to be excluded from tariffs
The U.S. President’s proclamation provides a path for specific products to apply for exemption from tariffs, which had been sought by both SunPower and the government of South Korea. Additionally, imports from a number of developing nations are exempt as long as import levels remain small.
Brazil surpasses 175 MW of solar under net metering
Overall, 23,627 solar PV power systems were installed in the country under the country’s distributed generation scheme.
