U.S. OPIC under investigation for loans to Chilean solar projects
An internal U.S. government watchdog is looking at the loans which kick-started large-scale solar in Chile, after at least three of five solar projects have made moves to restructure these loans.
United States informs WTO of trade petition investigation (ITC notification embedded)
The U.S. International Trade Commission has informed the WTO that it is moving forward with its investigation into whether Suniva and SolarWorld deserve “global safeguard” protection from their competitors.
Sonnen, Senec and LG Chem dominate growing PV storage market in Europe
According to the German solar industry association (BSW-Solar) the prices for large and small PV storage systems have fallen by 50 respectively 40 percent. This growing market is dominated by Sonnen, Senec and LG Chem, as an analysis by EuPD Research shows.
Canadian Solar secures 268 MW module order from Abu Dhabi
The company’s double-glass Dymond modules will be utilized for the first phase of the 800 MW Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park being developed by the Dubai Water and Electricity Authority (DEWA).
Solar, wind meet more than 10% of U.S. electric demand in March
This is the first time that U.S. wind and solar have met more than 10% of demand in a single month; however individual states led by California and Iowa have reached much higher penetrations.
Russia launches 1.9 GW auction for solar, wind and hydropower
Monday was the first day of applications submission. Projects selected in the tender must be commissioned between 2018 and 2022.
Intersolar Europe: Global solar market could grow 80 GW in 2017, Europe by 8 GW, says SolarPower Europe
In latest Global Market Outlook unveiled today at the Intersolar Europe Conference, SolarPower Europe projects 80 GW of new capacity, beating 2016’s record 76.6 GW figure. European market may grow this year.
Morocco: government-run agency Masen authorized to buy minority stake in 170 MW NOOR PV I project
A unit of the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy (Masen) was allowed to acquire an interest of up to 25% in six special purpose companies owning the project’s three photovoltaic plants.
Belgian solar glass maker Ducatt files for insolvency
Ducatt had to start insolvency proceedings due to the insolvency of German solar module manufacturer SolarWorld. Around 50% of Ducatt’s revenue came from orders placed by SolarWorld, as reported by local media.
Engie acquires Sungevity’s European unit
The French energy giant made another move to expand its presence in the solar sector. Sungevity filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States in mid-March.
