2015: 57 GW of solar PV installed, clean energy investment hits highest ever levels
BNEF calculates that 57 GW of solar PV was installed last year, marking an increase of around 30% on 2014. Latest figures also show that, despite factors which could have impeded growth, clean energy financing reached US$329.3 billion in 2015. Chinese and U.S. markets led the charge, alongside a host of new markets; European activity, however, decreased.
Trina Solar acquires 200 MW Dutch solar cell factory from Solland Solar
The Chinese solar company has purchased all machinery, stock, inventory and real estate from Solland Solar; fab is located in Heerlen, the Netherlands.
Qatar JV plans 1 GW solar PV development
Joint venture between Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Electricity and Water Company, created in January, targets 1 GW solar deployment under the $500 million collaborative initiative.
First Solar sets new cadmium telluride thin-film cell efficiency record at 22.1%
This is First Solars 9th efficiency record since 2011, but CdTe is still 0.2% behind CIGS for record thin-film efficiencies.
US: ITC extension worth additional 20 GW solar boost by 2022, says NREL
Analysis of the impact of the Investment Tax Credit by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory finds that solar will likely benefit by an additional 20 GW of capacity between now and 2022.
New report finds net metering under attack across the United States
While utilities across the U.S. are seeking to impose higher fixed charges and dismantle net metering, they usually dont get all they ask for.
Japan backs solar+storage project in Egypt with $89m loan
Government-backed loan of 10 billion yen will support the development of a 20 MW solar plant with 30 MW storage facility close to Egyptian city of Hurghada.
India: SkyPower agrees 200 MW solar PPA with Telangana government
Canadian solar developer to add to its growing Indian solar portfolio with development of four large-scale PV projects in the state of Telangana.
Germany's solar+storage subsidy extended to 2018
The German battery storage subsidy, for households adding a battery system to their PV array, has received funding through to 2018. The scheme has been allocated around EUR 30 million by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. The program commences March 1.
Jordan turns to solar to relieve stress of refugee crisis
With Syrian refugees now comprising one in seven people living in neighboring Jordan, the kingdom will ramp up its solar development plans to help meet surging demand for energy, the government confirms.
