Japan’s Looop signs 40 MW development plan in Kenya
The Tokyo-based PV module supplier has moved forward with the development of its first utility-scale PV plant by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the authorities in Kitui county, roughly 170 kilometres southeast of Nairobi.
Indian firms request more time to install rooftop plants
With India’s rooftop market set to boom in 2017, the Faridabad Industries Association (FIA), which represents businesses in the Faridabad region of India, has requested an extension to the December 31st 2016 deadline to install rooftop solar on commercial and industrial units.
Natcore Technology approved for 200 MW of PV in Vietnam
The U.S. heterojunction PV cell specialist has secured initial approval to oversee construction of 200 MW of solar capacity in Binh Thuan province.
EU Commission recommends two-year extension of solar tariffs against China, MIP to be lowered
The proposed extension of trade measures on solar panels and cells imported into the EU from China would represent a severe blow to the sector, says SolarPower Europe. EU ProSun, however, welcomes the recommendation. Minimum Import Price to be reduced in 2017.
OPIC and MNRE launch $20m Indian clean energy fund
U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation partners with India’s Ministry for New and Renewable Energy to launch USICEF – a fund designed to spur wider public and private financing for renewable power generation in the country.
10 Indian states account for 90% of country’s large-scale solar, finds Mercom Capital
State-by-state analysis of India’s installed ground-mount and large-scale solar pipeline finds that the country’s solar strength is centered on just ten states.
Kenya is keen to expand solar deployment
A survey conducted in Kenya by Vulcan Impact Investing and mini-grid operator Steama.co, found that those who had benefited from solar mini-grids were eager for more solar power, while also highlighting how the technology had weened communities off kerosene and batteries.
Canada’s Alberta government aims for 50% solar power
Government of Alberta posts request for information to explore the possibility of using solar energy to meet half of its energy needs, replacing existing green energy contracts that are set to expire.
Huawei edges out SMA as leading global inverter by shipments, finds GTM Research study
The Chinese giant shipped the most inverters in 2015 in terms of MWac, pushing SMA into third place behind Sungrow; positions switched in terms of revenue, with SMA holding on to top spot despite pressure from Huawei and Sungrow.
Emerging markets 2015: Will Israel’s PV take off?
Despite the encouraging news coming lately from other Middle Eastern markets, Israel remains the region’s most hopeful case for solar PV development. But will Israel seriously decide to boost its photovoltaic sector in 2015? Or are we set for yet another year of generally positive installations but nothing close to what Israel could or should achieve?
