Netherlands: Land prices are rising due to increasing development of solar parks
The country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has urged regional governments and municipalities to grant licenses for solar PV parks on agricultural land only as a last resource. No restrictive measures, however, are being considered.
The unexpected benefits of replacing tobacco plantations with solar farms
Although tobacco consumption is the key cause of avoidable deaths worldwide, its cultivation remains the main source of income for many farmers. Now, two researchers from the Michigan Technological University claim that converting tobacco fields to solar farms could be beneficial for two purposes: reducing deaths and helping solar energy fight climate change.
PV increases efficiency of cultivatable land use by more than 60%, Fraunhofer ISE says
Until now, cultivatable land was destined either for the generation of energy, or for food production. However, a pilot project, run by the Fraunhofer ISE, shows the two are compatible.
BayWa r.e. connects pilot PV+storage project in Zambia
German PV developer BayWa r.e. has completed an 86 kW PV + storage project, which will power irrigation equipment for farmers in Zambia. The project marks Baywa r.e.’s first entrance on to the African continent, where the company says it has significant plans for expansion.
Indian state of Maharashtra announces 2 GW of solar projects
The Maharashtra State Power Generation Company (MAHAGENCO) issues call for developers to build 500 MW solar park and construct 1.5 GW of solar projects to solarize state’s agriculture feeder infrastructure.
JinkoSolar signs 100 MW supply deal in China
The Chinese PV manufacturer has agreed to provide its Eagle series solar panels for undisclosed solar fishery projects being developed by Jing Bei New Energy. It did not disclose the terms of the deal.
