Belgium: Wallonia’s regulator imposes grid-fee for solar starting from 2019
The Belgian French-speaking region of Wallonia could introduce a grid-fee for residential PV starting from 2019. PV systems operators fear an annual fee ranging from €330 to €560.
India’s cumulative solar capacity tops 12 GW, says energy minister
Over the last fiscal year, India added 5,525 MW of new solar to push its cumulative capacity past 12 GW and affirm its status as one of the world’s leading solar powers.
Inverters with highly integrated components can lower costs, finds Fraunhofer ISE study
Innovation project conducted in collaboration with SMA and Phoenix Contact identifies cost, weight and power advantages of sintering mechanical components of the inverter, and reimagining electromechanical components.
Solar corporate funding activity increases by 100% in Q1, finds Mercom Capital
Total corporate funding across the global solar industry reached $3.2bn in the first quarter of the year, which is a 100% increase on Q4 2016. This rise is largely due to increased debt financing activity, said Mercom Capital Group CEO Raj Prabhu.
South Africa’s new energy minister postpones long-expected signing of 37 PPAs for solar and renewables
The signing of the PPAs was expected to enable financial closure of several PV and wind power projects being developed under South Africa’s REIPPPP program.
Enel and DIF invest $157 million in Australian solar project
The Italian power utility and the Dutch investment firm have agreed to acquire the first 137.5 MW of a 275 MW PV project under development in Australia. The second 137.5 MW project’s unit will be bought by the two companies later this year.
NPC Incorporated swings to profit in first half of fiscal year ending 8/2017
The Japanese equipment provider reported a profit of JPY 151 million ($1.3 million) for the first half of the current fiscal year. Revenue grew 231.3% year-on-year to JPY 2,227 million ($20.0 million).
Heraeus reveals global recruitment drive for 100 extra staff
The German silver paste specialist is ramping up its global team to support its strategic pivot towards becoming an integrated solution provider. Majority of new hires expected to be in China, company confirms.
Indonesia’s PLN signs deals for 45 MW of solar
State-owned utility PT PLN (Persero) signed agreements with six developers in late March to build PV projects throughout the Southeast Asian nation.
Saudi Arabia shortlists 27 companies for PV project
The Saudi Renewable Energy Development Office (REPDO) has announced a shortlist of 27 companies that will be invited to submit proposals for 300 MW of solar PV commissioned as part of the first round of Saudi Arabia’s National Renewable Energy Program (NREP).
