Webinar Q&A: Calculating large-scale PV costs
No two solar markets are ever the same, and all are buffeted by unique conditions that can affect development costs. And the larger the plant, the greater the impact of such external forces in shaping the investment outlay and potential return on income. These issues and more were addressed during a recent pv magazine webinar titled: Has large-scale solar got its sums right?
Sonnedix connects 46.8 MW power plant in Japan
Independent power producer, Sonnedix has announced start of operations for the 46.8 MW Suwa solar PV plant, located on a former golf course in Nagano prefecture, Japan. The project is the first to be completed, of several investments made by Sonnedix in the Japanese market.
SunPower to buy SolarWorld Americas
The two biggest names in the solar trade fight will now be one company. SunPower will again be a U.S. manufacturer, and SolarWorld will begin producing P-Series modules.
Palestine issues tender for 35 MW of rooftop solar
Through the tender, the Palestine Investment Fund is aiming to install solar PV systems with an average installed capacity of 70 kW on the roofs of 500 public schools in the state.
EU grants €5 million to perovskite research consortium
Belgian institute Imec will be the coordinator of a project involving many of Europe’s leading research organizations, which will focus on developing stable, scalable, low cost PV modules based on perovskite technology. The project, named ‘ESPResSo’ has received more than €5 million in funding from the European Union.
March rooftop solar installs sets new Australian record, exceeding NEG modelling by 50%
Rooftop solar PV installation rates in Australia are breaking all previous records. March saw the highest number of rooftop systems ever installed in the country, worth a capacity of some 127 MW.
Eni to build 220 MW of solar at its Italian facilities
The Italian oil giant has already identified 25 sites where the solar plants could be located. The projects are part of the company’s €7 billion investment plan in Italy.
Australia: Fast-falling EPC prices make sub-$60/MWh solar feasible
Analysis from Rystad Energy has revealed that sub-AU$60/MWh utility-scale solar projects could be viable in sunny parts of Australia today. The highly competitive EPC landscape has been identified as the major driver of the improving PV power plant economics although, as always, cost of capital remains key.
Poland’s PV capacity reaches 281 MW
In 2017, newly installed solar power in Poland reached around 81 MW, the majority of which comprised PV installations 40 kW or smaller in size.
Total inks deal to acquire Direct Energie
The French oil group, which is the parent company of U.S. solar manufacturer, SunPower, is set to acquire a 74.33% stake in France’s third largest power utility, Direct Energie. With this move, Total is gearing up to expand its presence in the power sector, particularly in France and Belgium.
