WalMart's mixed record on solar and renewable energy
WalMart is the largest corporate user of solar PV in the United States, and the Walton Family is a major shareholder in First Solar. However, a new report shows that the company has showered money on anti-renewable political organizations, and raises questions about First Solar’s policy stands.
Proposed change in scope of US-China trade case unlikely to have major impact
The U.S. Department of Commerce has proposed a change in the scope of its anti-dumping case against Chinese solar products, to include wafers and cells manufactured in any nation. GTM Research says that this is likely to have little impact on market dynamics.
Ontario reduces feed-in tariffs 1-5% for solar PV
NPD Solarbuzz predicts limited impacts on the PV market in the Canadian province of Ontario, which is hovering around 200 MW annually.
Brightsource, Abengoa scrap plans for controversial solar CSP project
Despite a recommendation of approval by regulators, the project company has abandoned its application for the 250 MW solar power tower project in the California desert. Palen drew fire from conservationists due to potential impacts on birds.
Latin American solar markets explode in 2014, 2015
The latest report by GTM Research predicts that 805 MW of solar PV will be installed across the region in 2014, a six-fold increase over 2013. The company forecasts another 2.3 GW of new PV in 2015.
New York State to support 214 MW of new solar PV
New York will provide an estimated US$94 million in incentives for 142 PV projects at businesses, schools and universities, government buildings and non-profits, which were awarded through a competitive solicitation.
U.S. government releases draft of Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan
The state of California and U.S. federal officials have released the latest draft of their plan for renewable energy in the California desert, which environmentalists say does not go far enough to protect biologically sensitive areas.
California approves solar permit streamlining
California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill which advocates say will greatly simplify and standardize local permitting in the state, removing a key market barrier for residential solar in some areas.
SolarCity breaks ground on GigaFactory for solar PV in New York state
The 110,000 square meter plant in Buffalo will produce PV cells and modules based on Silevo’s high-efficiency technology, as the largest solar manufacturing facility in the Western Hemisphere.
EIB to provide loan for 30 MW PV project in West Africa
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will join France and the EU in supporting a PV project in Burkina Faso, as one of the largest in the continent outside of South Africa to receive funding to date.
