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.
Akuo Energy secures financing for Mali’s second solar park
The 50 MW solar plant will be located in Kita, western Mali, and will require an investment of around €77 million.
Battery, smart grid and efficiency companies raise $1.5 bn in VC funding in 2017 – Mercom
In 2017, battery storage, smart grid and energy efficiency companies saw a YoY increase in venture capital funding, garnering a combined US$1.5 billion, up from the $1.3 billion raised in 2016, finds the latest Mercom Capital report.
Berkeley Lab researchers develop perovskite ‘smart window’ material
Scientists from the renowned U.S. Berkeley Laboratory have discovered a perovskite material, which can be used in photovoltaic glass applications, and can be switched between transparent and non-transparent without diminishing its electronic properties.
