Middle East to tender 8 GW of PV in 2018, says GTM Research
Most of the region’s future solar development will come from large-scale solar projects, as distributed generation still suffers from the high subsidies granted to residential and commercial electricity customers.
Sungrow plans 3 GW inverter fab in India
Sungrow, the world’s second largest inverter supplier, according to GTM research, has announced plans to establish production facilities in India. The Chinese inverter company is aiming to strengthen its global delivery capability by setting up central and string inverter facilities in the state of Karnataka. The fab would be its first outside of China.
Netherlands: Land prices are rising due to increasing development of solar parks
The country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has urged regional governments and municipalities to grant licenses for solar PV parks on agricultural land only as a last resource. No restrictive measures, however, are being considered.
Order situation ‘weakening’ for German equipment suppliers, says VDMA
After a strong finish to 2017, Germany’s equipment suppliers are looking at weaker demand in 2018, although the industry still expects sales growth of 9.2% this year, according to the latest Business Climate Survey published by the German Engineering Federation’s Photovoltaic Equipment Group.
Bolivia hires ACI Systems for its first lithium factory
The German company was chosen among eight bidders through an expression of interest process. It will be responsible for the construction, assembly and commissioning of a lithium manufacturing facility. The Bolivian government expects an annual income of US$1 billion.
ReneSola records positive performance following restructuring
The Chinese solar PV project developer has posted positive earnings for both FY2017 and Q4, although it has not included its discontinued manufacturing operations in its latest financials. Overall, it has a project pipeline of 1.1 GW, big plans for Europe and a strategic investor interested in injecting US$31.6 million in its Chinese Holdco.
Longi half cut PERC module exceeds 360 W
Longi is progressing at breakneck speed, having announced yet another world record. This time, the Chinese manufacturer says its 120-cell half-cut monocrystalline PERC module has exceeded 360 W.
Spanish region of Aragon fast-tracks eight PV projects totaling 398 MW
Overall, the fast-tracked solar parks will require an aggregate investment of approximately €267 million, the regional government said.
Grasshopper Solar gets $210 million financing from Deutsche Bank
The Canadian solar company will use the funds to expands its asset base and reach new business opportunities.
Power Ledger partners with Japanese utility in new trial
Australia-based peer-to-peer (P2P) energy pioneer Power Ledger will partner with Japanese utility Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) to trial its blockchain-enabled platform. The limited trial will first involve only 10 homes in Osaka, however, Power Ledger says that Japan is an excellent fit for P2P energy trading.
