BNEF calculates that 57 GW of solar PV was installed last year, marking an increase of around 30% on 2014. Latest figures also show that, despite factors which could have impeded growth, clean energy financing reached US$329.3 billion in 2015. Chinese and U.S. markets led the charge, alongside a host of new markets; European activity, however, decreased.

BNEF calculates that 57 GW of solar PV was installed last year, marking an increase of around 30% on 2014. Latest figures also show that, despite factors which could have impeded growth, clean energy financing reached US$329.3 billion in 2015. Chinese and U.S. markets led the charge, alongside a host of new markets; European activity, however, decreased.

The U.S. Supreme Court has put President Barack Obama’s Clean Power Plan on hold until it determines the plan’s legal merits, expected this summer. Despite the surprise, many are confident the decision won’t affect coal’s continued decline in the States amid a burgeoning renewable industry.

Japanese finance and leasing company, Orix has said it aims to invest around US$872 million in installing 550 MW of solar in Japan in the next two years. This would take its cumulative capacity to 900 MW, thus achieving targets outlined in 2014.

Sharp has surprised many by awarding preferred negotiating rights to Taiwan’s Foxconn for its US$5.9 billion takeover bid, rather than the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan (INCJ). Meanwhile, the electronic giant has reported a net loss for the first three quarters of around $902.5 million, led by its Energy Solutions segment.

United PV has today announced the withdrawal of a US$90 million lawsuit, after receiving $250 million from an investment fund under a deed of assignment, and reimbursement from Hareon for all arbitration and legal costs.

According to a new study by BNEF and the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, cumulative solar capacity in the U.S. has reached 28 GW, of which 7.3 GW was installed in 2015. Overall, last year saw 16 GW of renewables added, outstripping fossil fuels for a second year. Energy productivity is also growing, while prices remain stable. Investment, particularly in solar, is also on the rise.

Rumors have been furiously swirling around the possibility of a bailout of Sharp Corp. Both Taiwan’s Foxconn and the Innovation Network Corporation of Japan have recently presented rescue plans. The latest news to emerge from Japan is a possible merger with CIS thin film pioneer, Solar Frontier.

On the back of a successful 2015, which saw revenues and shipments exceeding forecasts by 33%, SolarWorld says it expects to see another increase of more than 20% in both areas in 2016. Although a positive 2015 EBIT was not achieved, as anticipated, it hopes for double digit gains this year.

Hanwha Q Cells has sold the project development rights to five solar PV projects totaling 42 MW in Turkey. It has simultaneously been awarded an EPC contract to construct the projects.