Europe

As U.S. President Trump re-imposed sanctions on Iran, many solar companies – predominantly from Europe – were in the process of developing massive project pipelines in the country. These are now in jeopardy, even with blocking statute imposed by the EU. Those seeking to pursue plans demand safe financial channels from the EU in order to continue developing PV projects, and to signal a clear commitment to the Iran Nuclear Deal.

The German PV equipment provider has improved sales and results in the first half of the year. The company, however, received more orders from the semiconductor and microelectronics industries. In the next 12 months, centrotherm expects new orders from the Chinese solar industry.

The company reports having shipped 4.3 GW of PV inverter capacity, which marks a significant year-on-year increase. While revenues increased slightly, net income improved by a higher margin.

Examining the results of France’s latest solar PV tender, Finergreen says that Engie has secured the largest share of the 727.9 MWp awarded this week. Overall, 103 projects were awarded under three categories for average tariffs of between €52.1/MWh and 83.8/MWh.

Construction on the 100 MW Kristal Solar Park is set to start in October. The facility will be located near the town of Lommel, in the Flemish province of Limburg. The project developer, local investment agency, Limburgse investeringsmaatschappij (LRM) said the project will be 34% cheaper than expected.

Cumulative PV capacity installed under the scheme reached 90 MW at the end of June. Of this capacity, around 27 MW were deployed in the second quarter alone.

In the fourth of six tenders totaling 4 GW planned for the utility-scale segment, the French government selected 103 solar projects. In the next two, and final, rounds, around 1.7 GW of additional solar capacity will be assigned.

Valmont’s global manufacturing capabilities and utility customer base is expected to help the Italian company expand activity and market share.

U.K. investor the Foresight Solar Fund today announced the acquisition of a portfolio of operational PV projects, following a placement of new shares in June which raised around £48.1 million.

Through the auction, the authorities in Tirana aim to build a solar park in the Akërni salt flats, near Vlorë.