Is large scale solar ready for the North Pole?
Norwegian researchers have conducted a study to assess the technical feasibility of solar parks in polar regions. They found out that snowdrifts may be a major issue but they also believe that snow accumulation can be reduced through snow fences and proper system design.
FRV builds on Australian portfolio with 2.4 MW/5 MWh solar-storage plant
Fotowatio Renewable Ventures has started building a 5 MW solar-storage hybrid power plant near Dalby, southern Queensland.
Swedish fund launches takeover bid for Solarpack
Swedish venture capital fund EQT has launched an offer for the Spanish solar developer at €26.50 per share.
France announces results of commercial and industrial PV tender
The French government has selected 329 projects in its latest procurement exercise. Average prices were €77.62/ MWh for large power plants (500 kWp to 8 MWp) and €87.23/MWh for projects below 500 kWp.
Module price increases to moderate PV project returns in India
PV module prices have risen by 15% to 20% over the last four to five months. PV modules account for about 50% to 55% of overall project costs, so such price increases could moderate debt service coverage metrics for developers.
US passes 100 GW of installed solar capacity
Figures from the US Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) show that utility-scale solar set an installation record in the first quarter, with 3.6 GW of new capacity additions. Texas made up the largest share of this capacity, with more than 1.4 GW.
French government finances 150 MW solar project in Tanzania with €130m
The solar facility is intended at reducing the country’s dependency on hydropower, especially during drought periods.
Taiwan maintains feed-in tariffs for PV unchanged
The move is intended at helping the solar sector recover from the delays caused by the Covid-19 crisis. The Taiwanese government has also granted a three-month grace period for project completion.
Colombia launches second renewables auction
Projects not exceeding 5 MW in size will be entitled to participate in the procurement exercise. Selected developers will be granted a 15-year PPA and will have to start commercial operation on January 1, 2023.
Niger joins the Scaling Solar club
The government wants 30% of its power from clean energy sources by 2035 and the 50 MW of solar targeted by the World Bank would make up two-thirds of that ambition.
