Czech Republic sees 1 MW storage project, plans for 10 MW more
A 1.2 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) has been installed in the Czech Republic by Solar Global and Alfen. Plans for another, 10 MW, project have been revealed.
Slovakia’s Green Houses Program has €13 million 2018 budget
The scheme grants incentives for the installation of solar water heaters, PV systems up to 10 kW, heat pumps and small windmills.
Lithuania raises net metering size limit for businesses and farmers
Prior to the introduction of the new provisions, only public institutions were entitled to install PV systems between 10 and 100 kW. The 10 kW limit will remain for private citizens, however.
Armenia sees another finished solar PV plant
Armenia’s fledgling solar industry has received a boost with the installation of another 1 MW PV plant, by Arpi Solar. The company is due to start work on another 55 MW “very soon”.
EkoRE plans 15 MW solar plant in Ukraine
The Turkish EPC contractor is also planning to install rooftop PV systems on several public buildings of the city of Ochakiv, where the solar park may be located.
Lithuania’s new energy strategy bets on wind and prosumers
Although the country’s new national energy independence strategy says wind will represent 65% of its total renewable energy share by 2050, the number of households that self-generate their power (predominantly from solar) is expected to increase from 34,000 in 2020, to 500,000 in 2030.
Fortum to buy 35 MW of solar plants in Russia
The Finnish power utility has agreed to acquire three solar facilities, commissioned between 2016 and 2017 and located in Russia, from local solar module maker Hevel.
EU Energy Committee’s proposal to upgrade 2030 RE target to 35% welcomed
The European Parliament has proposed both an upgraded, binding RE target of 35%, and plans to reduce energy consumption by 40% by 2030. The two resolutions, along with other provisions to remove fees or taxes on self-consumption, now have to be approved in January. SolarPower Europe has welcomed the news, saying the move will boost jobs and investment.
New coating steps up solar cell efficiency by 20%, Russian researchers find
By putting silica particles inside the top electrode, scientists from Russia’s ITMO University have developed a new solar cell coating, which helps avoid overheating and diminishes light reflection, thus increasing overall efficiency by 20%.
Hungary grants 1-year grace period for PV projects under FIT scheme
The Hungarian government has updated the Decree 389/2007, which regulates the support for renewable energies, to allow around 2 GW of projects approved under the FIT program to see completion by the end of 2018, although the incentive scheme was closed in mid-2016.
