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.
Germany opens 2018 auction for large-scale PV, announces joint wind/solar auction
The deadline to submit project proposals is February 1. In addition, the Bundesnetzagentur has scheduled the first joint auction for large-scale wind and solar projects for April 1, 2018.
Lebanon’s 180 MW solar tender moves forward
Overall, 42 bids were submitted to Lebanon’s Center for Energy Conservation (LCEC) for 180 MW of tendered PV capacity. The LCEC will now start the evaluation process in two weeks.
Goa approves new solar policy
Under the new policy, the government of India’s smallest state is aiming to install around 150 MW of PV capacity by 2022.
Japan research team develops new semi-transparent solar cell
The new cell, based on perovskite and silver nanocubes, is being developed for solar window applications.
Netherlands sets €12 billion budget for 2018 SDE+ program
The first window to submit solar projects will be opened in the so-called “Spring Round” on March 19. The program is open, among other renewable energy projects, to solar plants over 1 MW and projects ranging in size from 15 kW to 1 MW.
Nicaragua extends fiscal incentives for renewables by another five years
The tax benefits for renewable energy generation projects, which were set to expire at the end of this year, have been extended until the end of 2022.
Uganda issues tender to bring off-grid solar to schools in seven regions
Uganda’s government seeks proposals to bring off-grid solar solutions to 89 post primary education institutions across the country.
Switzerland to replace FITs with solar rebates in 2018
According to Swissolar, this change will allow more PV capacity to be deployed, as waiting times for the implementation of FIT contracts are considerably increasing. Self-consumption is also becoming more attractive for multi-family houses and commercial enterprises.
Slovakia’s Green Houses Program has €13 million 2018 budget
The scheme grants incentives for the installation of solar water heaters, PV systems up to 10 kW, heat pumps and small windmills.
