German scientists to develop energy-storing solar cells
The planned cell is to be based on the so-called norbornadiene-quadricyclane storage system.
Netherlands to replace net metering with new scheme for residential, commercial PV
Under the new scheme, set to come into force in 2020, homeowners and small businesses investing in solar and other renewables can expect a payback period of around seven years. They will also be exempt from paying energy taxes and the ODE (Opslag Duurzame Energie), a levy on power consumers that finances the country’s renewable energy programs, for self-consumed electricity,
Mexico eliminates 15% customs duties on solar module imports
Mexico’s Federal Court of Fiscal and Administrative Justice has accepted an appeal lodged by the Mexican solar association, Asolmex, to remove the 15% customs duties applied to imports of solar PV modules.
United States: Large-scale solar stays strong in Q1 2018
Thanks in no small part to modules stockpiled before the Section 201 tariffs hit, both the utility-scale and “non-residential” market segments grew year-over-year in Q1. And while the duties are expected to play a greater role in 2019, there are other factors supporting ongoing market growth.
Spain’s ‘sun tax’ set to be scrapped
With her first official announcement, Spain’s incoming Minister of Ecological Transition, Teresa Ribera has made it clear that the previous government’s reviled tax on distributed generation array, the so-called ‘sun tax’ will be eliminated. At the same time, she has confirmed her support for more ambitious EU renewable energy targets.
Polish utility PGE takes another step into solar
The utility’s renewable energy unit PGE EO has announced the construction of a PV laboratory and a solar module field test in Siedlce. The move is part of its plan to invest in solar parks up to 1 MW under Poland’s auction mechanism.
First Solar breaks ground on 1.2 GW factory in the US
The plant is the second-largest planned in the Western Hemisphere, and will triple the thin film module maker’s manufacturing capacity in the United States.
Italy and Spain join group of countries supporting 2030 binding renewable energy target of 35%
According to the EU Commissioner for Energy and Climate Action, Arias Cañete, negotiations among all EU members on final target are still ongoing, and face several issues.
Lowest public solar power contract in the United States: 2.49¢/kWh
Arizona’s largest power user has approved a 20-year power contract with a 30 MW solar project at 2.49¢/kWh, the lowest price for a public solar power contract to date. The deal also involves shutting down a coal plant.
Australian solar researcher Martin Green awarded Global Energy Prize
Pioneering UNSW solar researcher Martin Green has received wide recognition for his achievement as being selected as one of the winners of 2018 Global Energy Prize. The prize has brought with it $820,000 towards Green’s research and teaching, and a congratulatory call from Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull.
