Emiliano Bellini
Chile’s PV capacity surpasses 2 GW
Although official statistics report that grid-connected PV capacity reached 1.82 GW as of the end of December 2017, the completion of two large-scale projects totaling 215 MW in early January has raised Chile’s total installed power to around 2.04 GW.
Lebanon to launch 360 MW solar tender
The new tender will be issued as soon as the ongoing tender for 180 MW of solar projects has concluded. The new round will select another 24 large-scale solar projects, and will be open to bidders that failed to qualify for Round 1.
Total invests in semiconductor, PV research
The parent company of SunPower and the French National Research Agency have launched a new initiative aimed at developing new plasma processing methods for semiconductors and solar PV.
Brazil: DGPV system prices keep falling
According to a new report published by the consultancy Greener, PV system prices for distributed generation projects fell by 24% last year in Brazil. Total turnover of DG solar, meanwhile, was R $1.47 billion (approximately US$462 million). In other news, the country has joined IRENA.
France reduces FITs for rooftop PV up to 100 kW
The French energy regulator has decided to reduce FITs for the first quarter of this year by between 1.2 and 5%.
Slovak homeowners want more solar and storage
In the first 2018 round for solar rebates, funds were allocated in just nine minutes. More than two thirds of the selected projects included a storage solution.
Denmark’s Ørsted sets up solar and storage unit
The Danish energy group made the announcement in its latest financial results, where it stressed how its strategic transformation to a green energy company is progressing.
China: REC Silicon reduces stake in 20,000 MT polysilicon JV
The Norwegian polysilicon producer saw its stake in the joint venture (JV) with Chinese silicon material manufacturer, NSF reduced, after the latter agreed to provide all of REC Silicon’s outstanding capital contribution for the project.
ECREEE launches scheme to create qualified solar workforce in West Africa
The scheme is being implemented with the support of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the German development agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Niger tenders 22 MW solar-diesel hybrid project
The project will consist of a 13 MW solar facility, three 2 MW diesel power generators, and a 5 MWh storage system.
