Wacker’s Christian Westermeier elected SolarPower Europe president
SolarPower Europe announced that Christian Westermeier has been elected as the organization’s new president. Westermeier is the Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Application Engineering of German chemical company and polysilicon manufacturer Wacker Chemie.
Solar Systems LLC builds 15 MW PV plant in Russian region of Astrakhan
The government of the Russian region of Astrakhan announced that work on the first large-scale PV plant in the area has begun. Completion on the 15 MW project, which is being developed by local developer Solar Systems, is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.
France to introduce new regulation for self-consumption
France’s Parliament has given final passage to a law that regulates the installation of renewable energy systems for self-consumption. The new legislation will provide a clear regulatory framework for the grid-connection of these installations.
ReneSola to build 550 MW globally in 2017
The Chinese integrated PV manufacturer and developer currently has 335 MW of solar capacity under construction in seven countries, with plans to finish 550 MW by the end of the year.
Ecobuild London: pro-nuclear, anti-residential PV panel debate causes stir
An Ecobuild panel debate about the U.K.’s future energy mix proved to be heavily in favor of nuclear power and against the use of domestic solar PV with batterie, prompting cries of derision from audience.
UK Spring Budget: Chancellor silent on solar
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond made no mention of solar energy in today’s Spring Budget Announcement. This leaves the UK’s rooftop solar segment facing a tax hike of up to 800% in the financial year beginning next month.
Scatec Solar seeks to develop PV plants in Ukraine
The Norwegian solar developer is considering the construction of two PV plants totalling 60 MW in Ukraine. The company is discussing opportunities with local deputy Minister of Energy.
Romania’s PV capacity grew by 70 MW in 2016
Romania’s solar market registered a slight drop in new installations in 2016. Approximately 70 MW was installed last year. This capacity is represented by MW-scale PV projects developed under the green certificate scheme launched in 2011.
Belectric installs 15.9 MWh storage system in eastern Germany
The German EPC contractor is currently installing the largest battery storage system in Saxony, eastern Germany. The battery is expected to come online in the second quarter of this year.
SolarPower Europe summit opens, 6.7 GW installed in Europe in 2016
The European solar market decreased by 21% last year. This disappointing if not unexpected news opened SolarPower Europe’s annual summit in Brussels today. Grid integration of Europe’s solar capacity, EU market rules for protecting the ‘prosumer’ and reforms to the continent’s faltering Emissions Trading Scheme were major themes during the plenary session.
