US, China hold close to 50% of global PV pipeline
At a combined capacity of 61 GW, projects in the U.S. and China make up almost half of the current PV pipeline, according to IHS, which says a large share of planned projects are “immature” and unlikely to materialize.
ABB partners with BYD to develop storage technologies
Electricity storage technology looks set to get a boost with two major companies active in the space forming a strategic partnership. Power and automation giant ABB will form a partnership with major Chinese company BYD to collaborate in battery storage for grid-connected, micro grid, solar and marine storage applications.
First Solar breaks ground on 250 MW solar PV plant in Nevada
Silver State South is the fifth solar project that First Solar is building in Southern Nevada, for a total of 750 MW. First Solar sold the project to NextEra in May, and is serving as EPC contractor. The company continues to build very large projects at a time when the industry is moving towards smaller utility-scale PV.
First Solar completes initial phase of America's first solar plant to sell electricity on spot market
The initial phase of the Barilla Solar Project is the first utility-scale project to be completed in the United States with no long-term contract and plans to sell the electricity generated on the spot market, as a new business model for solar in the nation.
US home solar loans at 6.5%
San Francisco-based Dividend Solar has launched an affordable loan for residential solar. The EmpowerPortal loan permits residents to claim a 30% federal tax credit.
China brings forward start date of carbon trading scheme
Official announces a national carbon trading scheme will be introduced in 2016. The country is already running seven city and province-based pilot schemes.
Distributed generation revenues set to top $182 billion
New research from analysts Navigant Research predicts that revenues from distributed generation (DG) are set to reach $182 billion, by 2023. Navigant reports that in Western Europe, the growth of DG is causing the most disruption to utility business models.
SPI acquires 30.5 MW UK pipeline
US-based PV developer SPI Solar has acquired a 30.5 MW pipeline in the UK. The agreement also grants SPI the exclusive rights to develop a further 50 MW of projects.
Global investment creating perfect storm for growing markets
The flood of money pouring into renewable energy around the world is trickling down and creating new revenue streams for established businesses eager for growth.
Portugal adds 33 MW of PV for 330 MW cumulative solar capacity
Portugal added 33 MW of solar PV capacity in the first six months of 2014. A significant reduction in new mini installations is worrying, though, given the Portuguese PV sector is predominantly rooftop driven.
