Financing PV projects in Iran remains challenging
Interview: Iran intends to build new PV and wind power plants totaling 5 GW in the coming years. The first PPAs have already been signed. Among them, Germany’s Geon secured a FIT contract for a 120 MW solar park. The company’s managing director, Sharam Roghani explains why this is only half the battle and why financing projects in Iran remains difficult. He has not found a lender yet, and time is running out.
Agfa, Ferrbatt sign agreement for distribution of PV backsheets
Anticipating growing market demand for its UNIQOAT backsheet, Agfa has partnered with Italian company, Ferrbatt to bolster local industry supply and support.
Netherlands installed 853 MW of solar in 2017, monocrystalline modules dominate
According to new numbers released by Good!/Solar Solutions, the Dutch solar market grew by 60% last year. PV currently covers approximately 2.2% of the country’s power demand, while monocrystalline modules accounted for around 60% of last year’s solar panel sales.
Spain’s Canary Islands to launch 100 MW solar auction this year
The government of the Spanish archipelago, which also announced a 300 MW wind power auction for this year, aims to cover 45% of its energy needs with renewables by 2025.
Trump opens the door for specific products, nations to be excluded from tariffs
The U.S. President’s proclamation provides a path for specific products to apply for exemption from tariffs, which had been sought by both SunPower and the government of South Korea. Additionally, imports from a number of developing nations are exempt as long as import levels remain small.
Brazil surpasses 175 MW of solar under net metering
Overall, 23,627 solar PV power systems were installed in the country under the country’s distributed generation scheme.
Japan: Plans for 480 MW PV project advance
Five new parties have jumped onboard the 480 MW solar PV project, set to be located on the Japanese island of Ukujima. Around US$1.80 billion will be invested, with construction slated for FY 2019.
Yemen sees solar energy grow despite civil war
The disrupture of the country’s power system, which is being caused by the ongoing civil conflicts, is pushing Yemenis to resort to solar as a primary source of energy. According to preliminary estimates, more than 300 MW of PV power generators were installed in Yemen since the war began in 2015.
Czech Republic launches new round of its Green Savings Programme
The scheme provides investment support for residential and commercial solar PV systems. The round’s deadline is April 30, 2018.
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.
