Another Brazilian state introduces ICMS exemption for solar
This time, the state of Espíritu Santo has agreed to adopt the fiscal incentive for net-metered solar PV systems up to 1 MW. The measure has been suggested by the Brazilian central government to all the country’s states since September 2015.
The weekend read: Empowerment and energy in India
Gender issues: Energy access can be transformed from an obstacle to an opportunity for women’s empowerment through the integration of women into the energy supply chain, as well as supportive policies. Organizations in India are working to expand energy access and empower women by boosting incomes, expanding skills and strengthening self-confidence. Over time, these efforts will enable a woman to have greater influence over herself, her family, and her community.
Phoenix Solar to file for insolvency in Germany
The construction contractor will start insolvency proceedings at the district court in Munich next week.
No stabilization without flexibilization
A new report from DNV GL stresses the value of flexibility regarding the design of future energy markets. The paper also indicates how to avoid imbalances that could cause the instability of power systems.
$265 million earmarked for 800 MW Moroccan solar project
The African Development Bank has committed US$265 million to the development of two solar power plants in Morocco with a total capacity of 800 MW.
Tunisia’s power utility STEG plans another 10 MW solar park
The recently tendered project will be financed by German development bank, KFW and will be located in Tozeur, where STEG is now building its first PV plant.
Belgium: Wallonia could close incentive scheme for residential PV
As the government of Belgium’s French-speaking region has announced the possible closing of the incentive scheme Qualiwatt, claiming that self-consumption is now becoming more profitable, the region’s regulator CWaPE warns that the abrupt cancellation of the incentives may have a negative psychological effect.
Longi claims 82.15% bifaciality record for its PERC solar cell
After announcing a record 22.71% conversion efficiency with its monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells in October, the Chinese solar manufacturer now claims it has achieved an 82.15% record bifaciality for the bifacial version of the same cell.
Chile: Interest in small solar parks grows
The number of planned PV projects not exceeding 9 MW in size, which are eligible to access Chile’s PMGD Program for distributed generation, has increased considerably over the past months.
EIA: US solar output increases 47% in 2017
The latest monthly report from the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Agency shows that U.S. PV output in the first nine months of 2017 grew 47% over the same period in 2016, with market growth across the nation. PV represented 1.9% of total generation during this period.
