Investor news

Bridge to India estimates that India will have a cumulative solar PV capacity of 31 GW by 2019, up from around 4.5 GW today. While representing impressive growth, it will fall short of the government’s newly increased targets.

In three separate statements, SunEdison has announced the acquisition of two wind companies, in Central America and India, with a cumulative wind portfolio of around 2 GW; and the raising of US$403 million in private placements for its yieldco vehicle, TerraForm Global.

The investment opportunities and business models in the energy storage industry need to be identified, writes Ernst & Young. In the energy industry in general, more focus needs to be placed on the customer, with utilities adapting their traditional supply and demand models. Energy security in the Mediterranean is also a top priority.

Hanergy Thin Film has cancelled the 900 MW a-Si equipment order it booked with its wholly-owned subsidiary, Fujan Apollo.

Intersolar Europe opened its doors this week, prompting a flurry of bullish solar market reports outlining a glittering future for the renewable energy. That is, if the politicians and regulators play along. Energy storage was one of the most discussed topics (both at the show and in the wider industry), although inverters, India, Britain and the U.S. were also in the spotlight. Finally, two solar companies unveiled details of their upcoming IPOs.

The yieldco vehicle of First Solar and SunPower is expected to raise around US$420 million in its upcoming IPO, which is set to value the company at up to $1.49 billion. It has also secured $525 million in credit facilities.

According to the PV Market Alliance, 50 GW of solar PV will be installed globally this year. China, Japan and the U.S. will drive growth, while markets in Europe are expected to stabilize.

In a new report, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants predict solar PV could account for 12% of Europe’s total electricity production by 2030. It further looks at the challenges and opportunities decentralization is presenting utilities, including regulation.

Analysts say a massive 32 GW pipeline of utility-scale solar is under development in the U.S., with developers aiming to finish their projects by the end of 2016, when the Federal energy investment tax credit (ITC) expires. Almost half of this is set to be installed in leading solar state, California.

In another positive announcement for the U.S., a record 1.3 GW of solar PV has been installed in Q1. The residential sector boosted growth, installing more capacity than natural gas, thus highlighting the significance of its future role in the electricity market. Overall, solar accounted for 51% of all new energy generation brought online.