Tunisia preliminarily approves 10 solar projects selected in 70 MW tender
The solar PV parks, which will range in size from 1 MW to 10 MW, will sell power to the country’s state-owned utility, Société Tunisienne de l’électricité et du gaz (STEG) under a long-term PPA.
US community solar capacity more than doubles in 2017
387 MW of community solar projects were installed in the United States last year. This brings the cumulative total to 734 MW, with the majority in Minnesota and Massachusetts.
California blows through solar power, renewable energy output records
California has set a new record for peak output of utility-scale solar at more than 10.5 GW, as well as for renewable energy overall. However, the state’s grid operator is still curtailing solar and wind while hydro and the last nuclear plant run full-steam.
Singapore issues first tender for floating PV projects
Singapore’s National Water Agency is seeking proposals to deploy two floating solar plants with a combined capacity of 2.5 MW at the Bedok Reservoir and Lower Seletar Reservoir.
Berkeley Lab scientists discover coating to capture near infrared light
A team of researchers the United States Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has discovered a method of coating particles with organic dye, which can capture near infrared light, a breakthrough which, according to the researchers, could greatly boost solar cell efficiency by capturing a larger section of the light spectrum.
Oman reveals pre-qualified developers for 500 MW solar tender
After revealing the list of the 28 Statement of Qualifications (SoQs) it received in March, the Oman Power and Water Procurement company (OPWP) has now unveiled the names of the 12 pre-qualified applicants.
UK helps Peru launch its first green bonds
The U.K. government and the Lima Stock Exchange have published a guide, which provides the basic principles that must be met in order to issue green bonds.
JA Solar sees profits decline despite strong growth of shipments, sales
The Chinese company said its gross margins were impacted by lower ASPs and rising material costs, while the decline in net and operating profits was due to higher operating expenses. Shipments and sales, however, grew by 52.4% and 25.5%, respectively.
Germany reports slower solar growth for March
New solar PV installations for March totaled around 156.5 MW, which is slightly less than in the previous two months. FITs will remain at current levels for the three-month period between May and July.
Mersen acquires Idealec, reports 50% growth for solar business
Through the transaction, the French industrial equipment manufacturer aims to strengthen its R&D capabilities, as well as its position in the power electronics market. In the first quarter, its solar-related business grew by around 50%.
