Emiliano Bellini
Oman to launch support scheme for small-sized PV
The Middle Eastern country is planning to support the installation of rooftop PV systems ranging in size from 2 kW to 4 kW. The support scheme will not be based on FITs or net metering, but on an “accelerated subsidy adjustment” mechanism.
Taiwan confirms plan to reach 20 GW of cumulative solar by 2025
Taiwan’s new solar energy strategy envisages the deployment of less than 200 MW of new PV capacity over the next two years, and the achievement of 6.5 GW of cumulative PV by 2020.
Belgium: researchers say solar-plus-storage is far from becoming economically viable
According to a scientific paper from the Université libre de Bruxelles, even a further reduction in storage prices may not be sufficient to make solar-plus-storage attractive in the Belgian market.
French government publishes new FITs for rooftop PV installations up to 100 kW
Another decree issued by the French Ministry of the Environment, Energy and the Sea has set the new feed-in tariffs for residential and commercial PV projects up to 100 kW on the French mainland.
U.S.-Turkish research team uses data science to predict PET back-sheets degradation in solar modules
The scientists have used engineering epidemiology and statistical-data analytics to predict how polyethylene terephthalate films in solar panels deteriorate under multi-factor accelerated weathering exposures.
Nepal seeks to improve power network for 25 MW of grid-connected solar
The Nepal Electricity Authority has issued a tender to select consultants for the implementation of the Nepal Grid Solar and Energy Efficiency Project. The initiative is aimed at reducing distribution losses in pilot distribution centers, and enabling the grid-connection of large-scale solar.
Luxembourg bets on solar: additional 2.4 GW planned by 2050
The new energy strategy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg aims to increase the share of renewables in its energy mix from around 6% currently to 70% by 2050. About 4.8 GW of new renewable energy power generation capacity is expected to be installed in order to reach this target, and to reduce dependence from power imports.
Ukrainian government reports growing interest for solar under net metering
Around 3.4 MW of PV systems were installed in Ukraine under its net metering scheme in the first quarter of this year. The scheme was introduced by the Ukrainian government in 2015.
Cyprus sees share of large-scale solar rise
A 1.5 MW project financed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development was commissioned in Nisou. The plant is one of five MW-sized solar projects supported by EBRD in Cyprus.
Solar in the Netherlands crosses 2 GW mark
Around 525 MW of installed PV was connected to the grid in the Netherlands in 2016, according to provisional numbers provided by the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS).
