Brazil’s BNDES reduces interest rate for loans for large-scale solar from 1.7% to 0.9%
After improving financing conditions for solar and renewable energy projects in upcoming auctions in November, the Brazilian Development Bank has now agreed to considerably reduce the interest rate for loans devoted to projects in the areas of public safety, innovation, environment, solar energy, sanitation, solid waste treatment and professional qualification.
2017 Polish residential PV grew by 81.3 MW
The residential segment saw an increase of 26% in new installations last year, with net metering continuing to drive the market.
Colombia issues regulation for distributed solar generation
Colombia’s Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission approved the 2018 Resolution CREG 030 last Friday, which regulates how solar PV system owners can sell surplus power to the National Interconnected System under net metering.
SolarWorld Americas gets $5 million loan from creditors
Creditors will allow SolarWorld Americas to borrow more than US$5 million. This should bring operations up to full capacity in the coming months.
Netherlands’ solar installs top 2.7 GW
Around 700 MW of installed PV was connected to the grid in the Netherlands in 2017, according to provisional numbers provided by the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). Solar was also able to increase its share in the country’s power production from 1.30% in 2016, to 1.75% last year.
Oman reveals applicants of 500 MW solar tender
The Oman Power and Water Procurement Company has received 28 requests for qualification for the tendered solar PV plant, which will be located in Ibri, 300 km west of Muscat.
Portugal issues new rules for selection of unsibisidized large-scale solar projects
The new provisions include a draw mechanism for the project selection. The results of the first draw will be announced in mid-March.
Luxembourg launches tender for solar over 500 kW
The government of Luxembourg has also adopted a new draft legislation aimed at regulating self-consumption and promoting the active role of prosumers.
Interview: There is a long positive road ahead for solar in Brazil
In an interview with pv magazine, head of the Brazilian government-run energy agency EPE, Luiz Augusto Barroso explains how the newly-implemented mechanism for power auctions was conceived for ensuring a more market-oriented approach and increasing competition. Barroso adds that the upcoming A-4 auction, which includes solar, may have a slightly bigger outcome than the auction held in December, and that the inclusion of solar in the A-6 auction, which is expected to be held in the second half of this year, is being considered.
Hungary’s oil and gas provider MOL enters solar business
The company will initially build solar facilities at three of its main industrial sites in Hungary, on currently unused areas.
