Armenia builds third 1 MW PV plant under special tariff regime, announces plans for module factory
The Armenian government introduced a special tariff for PV projects up to 1 MW in late 2016. Construction on the country’s third 1 MW solar project under this regime has now begun. Furthermore, the Ministry of Energy has announced plans for Armenia’s first module factory.
ET Solar begins work on ACWA’s 60.9 MW solar plant in Jordan
The German subsidiary of ET Solar is building a 60 MW PV plant in Jordan for ACWA Power. Construction on the project is expected to be completed within ten months.
Switzerland installed 250 MW of new PV systems in 2016
According to estimates from national association Swissolar, about 250 MW of new PV installations were connected to Switzerland’s grid last year.
Czech solar market shows first signs of revival in residential segment
The Czech solar market collapsed in 2014 after the country’s FIT scheme was shut down. After two years of almost zero growth, the country’s PV market registered a slight increase in new installations in 2016. This growth was mainly due to the support program for sustainable buildings.
Estonia to replace feed-in premium scheme for renewables and solar with auction mechanism
The Estonian government plans to replace the current FIP scheme for renewable energies with an auction mechanism within the next few months. The country’s installed PV capacity reached 10 MW at the end of 2016.
Four bidders for Turkey’s 1 GW Konya solar PV plant
The names of four consortia that will bid for Turkey’s 1 GW solar PV plant in Konya have been revealed. The tender will take place on 20th March.
Engie plans to acquire RWE’s renewable energy unit Innogy, reports
The French energy giant is offering to acquire Innogy, the renewable energy unit of German power provider RWE. Innogy acquired German developer Belectric and its huge solar power plant portfolio in January.
Neoen secures 25-year PPA for 54 MW solar project in Zambia
The French developer has secured a 25-year PPA for Zambia’s largest PV plant. The project, which was selected in an auction held by the World Bank in 2014, will sell power to local utility ZESCO at US$0.0602 per KWh.
Sungevity files for bankruptcy amid rumors of IKEA buyout
Four days after laying off an estimated 400 employees, Sungevity has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Meanwhile former employees say that a potential acquisition of the company’s European business by IKEA is afoot.
Panama reports 46 MW of new large-scale solar capacity for 2016
With seven large-scale PV projects connected to the grid last year, Panama has reached a cumulative PV capacity of 89 MW.
