Mersen launches solar offensive
The French industrial equipment manufacturer expects to almost double turnover in solar by 2023. The company supplies materials for ingot production as well as providing electrical protection solutions such as fuses, fuse holders, heatsinks, wire management, disconnect switches, laminated busbars and surge protective devices.
Portugal: New energy minister announces first RE auction for Q2 2019
In addition to unveiling Portugal’s first renewables auction, State Secretary for Energy João Galamba has said he will fight speculation in the large-scale solar business, and introduce both longer timeframes for project construction and stronger penalties.
Botswana issues tender for 12 IPP solar projects
Through the tender, the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is seeking independent power producers (IPPs) to provide more electricity connections within the African country. It joined the International Solar Alliance at the beginning of November.
Canada’s regulator identifies profitable solar regions
In a new report, the Canadian National Energy Board has identified the regions with both the highest and lowest solar energy potential. Overall, the future of solar in the country appears bright, as power prices are expected to increase considerably over the next two decades.
Neoen announces financial close for 140 MW (DC) PV plant in El Salvador
The power plant will be connected to a 3 MW/1.5 MWh lithium-ion battery system. Lenders are the Dutch Development Bank (FMO), the French Development Agency (Proparco) and the Inter-American Development Bank.
Poland’s wind, solar auction concludes with lowest price of $79.1/MWh
The auction’s final lowest price was higher than that of the two previous auctions of the same kind, which were held in 2017 and 2016, respectively. Overall, 8,169 TWh of power were sold for PLN 2.2 billion (US$579.8 million).
Gamesa secures 400 MW inverter order from Egypt
The Spanish inverter maker will provide Norwegian developer Scatec with 66 PV inverter stations for projects it is building at the Benban complex.
Renewables surpassed fossil fuels capacity in Germany last year
In their annual monitoring report, Germany’s Federal Network Agency and the Federal Cartel Office have analyzed the figures for 2017. At the end of last year, renewables accounted for around 112.5 GW of operational capacity, while conventional sources totalled 105.1 GW.
Chile launches call for $193.4 million solar energy research institute
The Technological Institute for Solar Energy, Low Emissions Mining and Advanced Materials of Lithium and other materials, will be set up with a mixture of public funding and 30% private investment.
“There are four or five key issues in project quality control, most of them before installing the first module”
PI Berlin plans to open a headquarters in Spain next year. pv magazine has spoken with Senior Consultant Asier Ukar about market expectations, the most recurrent quality failures in Spain, risks, certification and protectionism. “After 10 years, we return to Spain with much enthusiasm,” he told us.
