India hikes solar cell and module tax rate to 18%
The increased Goods and Services Tax rate for solar cells and modules is in part a response to the technology’s ability to “stand on its own two feet”, says energy minister.
Hevel Solar begins work on 10 MW PV plant in Siberia
The plant is located in the Republic of Buryatia, where Hevel is also planning another 15 MW solar facility. The project’s completion is scheduled for December 2017.
Canada: Newfoundland and Labrador launches net metering
Renewable energy power generators installed under the scheme will sell power surplus to local utilities Labrador Hydro and Newfoundland Power starting from July 2017.
Itochu launches residential lithium-ion battery in Japan
The Japanese trading firm has started selling its new Smart Star L lithium-ion storage battery system for the Japanese residential PV market. It has designed the system in cooperation with Yokohama-based manufacturer NF Corp.
Cypark to develop 14.5 MW in Malaysia
Engineering firm Cypark Resources has signed contracts to build two utility-scale PV projects for MYR 75.01 million ($17.4 million) in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan.
U.S.: Vistra to build Texas’ largest solar plant
The power company has bought the 180 MW Upton County Solar 2 project in West Texas, and signed a contract to have the project built.
RWE considering sale of minority stake in renewable energy unit Innogy to Engie, report
RWE and Engie could be intertwined soon. According to Reuters, the investment banks of both energy providers are currently examining different options. The article reports that RWE could sell to the French energy giant all of its majority stake in its renewable energy unit Innogy, or a part of it. Reuters cites the investment banks involved in the operation as a source.
40 MW floating PV plant in China connected with Sungrow’s inverters
The world’s largest floating PV power plant, with the capacity of 40 MW is now connected to the grid.
ADB raises $46 million for Indian PV, wind with green bonds
The Asian Development Bank has raised INR 3 billion ($46.19 million) through the issuance of rupee-linked green bonds to back the development of 709 MW of solar and wind capacity in six states in India.
Residential and commercial PV drive solar growth in Poland, cumulative capacity nears 200 MW
Around 101 MW of new PV systems was connected to the grid in Poland last year. Of this capacity, about 73 MW came from residential and commercial solar power generators.
