Japan: Plans for 480 MW PV project advance
Five new parties have jumped onboard the 480 MW solar PV project, set to be located on the Japanese island of Ukujima. Around US$1.80 billion will be invested, with construction slated for FY 2019.
Yemen sees solar energy grow despite civil war
The disrupture of the country’s power system, which is being caused by the ongoing civil conflicts, is pushing Yemenis to resort to solar as a primary source of energy. According to preliminary estimates, more than 300 MW of PV power generators were installed in Yemen since the war began in 2015.
Czech Republic launches new round of its Green Savings Programme
The scheme provides investment support for residential and commercial solar PV systems. The round’s deadline is April 30, 2018.
US solar tariffs: Korea to file WTO petition, Mexico considers legal action, module costs to increase
As anticipated, the fallout from U.S. President Trump’s decision to impose tariffs of up to 30% on solar imports has been big. The latest reactions include the Korean Government’s announcement that it will file a petition with the World Trade Organization (WTO) and Mexico’s promise of legal action. BNEF, meanwhile, expects module costs to increase by US$0.10/W.
SMA raises revenue outlook for 2017
Despite raised forecasts, last year’s revenue and EBIDTA were lower than those registred in 2016. Shipments grew year-on-year, from 8.2 GW to 8.5 GW.
Colombia may contract 1 GW of solar, wind in 2018 auction
In an interview with pv magazine, the president of the Colombian solar energy association SER Colombia, Alejandro Lucio Chaustre, explains what expectations are being created by the upcoming auction for solar and renewables, announced by the Colombian Government at the beginning of November.
Portugal announces distributed solar generation FIT of €95/MWh for 2018
The 15 year feed-in tariff (FIT) for solar power units with a capacity of up to 250 kW for this year will be maintaned at the same level of that of the past three years.
Trump’s trade disputes raise concerns about overseas expansion, Chinese government says
As reported by Reuters, the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology voiced concerns that frequent trade disputes may hurt China’s overseas expansion and would increase costs throughout the global solar market.
Enovos acquires Skytron O&M business & control room
With its latest acquisition, Germany-based Enovos now manages large-scale PV systems amounting to around 600 MW in Germany. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
GTM Research predicts 11% reduction in the US solar market from tariffs
President Trump’s tariff decision was not the worst-case scenario for the U.S. market, but GTM Research says it will still have effects, particularly in marginal and emerging regional markets.
