UK: Shift from large-scale to rooftop PV confirmed
The anticipated shift in the U.K. solar PV industry from large, utility-scale plants to rooftop projects has been confirmed by the Department of Energy and Climate Change. Investors and developers will have to wait after the elections to get a clear view of the new policy landscape, however.
UK: The smart home in focus as startups drive innovation
The concept of the smart home is emerging as a hot topic in the debate regarding the U.K.’s energy future. At the EcoBuild last week, a special session entitled “Smart and Efficient Use of Future Energy” depicted accurately the central role solar PV plays in the transition to the smart era. It also highlighted how innovation leadership is coming from small, bottom-up firms as utilities and policy-makers struggle to adapt and embrace the new technologies.
Ecobuild: Solar to be included in energy efficiency program
U.K. Energy Secretary Ed Davey called for bolder solar PV targets as a part of the Green Deal. Davey made his remarks while delivering the Ecobuild keynote speech today in London, clearly enunciating part of his party’s 2015 General Election campaign.?
Jordan’s universities install solar
pv magazine has learned the Hashemite University is soon going to announce the winner of its tender for a 5 MW solar PV park at its premises in the city of Zarqa in northeast Jordan. The solar installation represents an overall trend in the country, where an increasing number of educational institutions are embracing PV.
Jordan’s round two tender applicants announced
Jordan has impressed with its commitment to include a sizeable amount of solar PV power in its energy mix. The country aims to generate 10% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020, including 600 MW of installed solar PV.
Energy Union: Italy couples with France, Austria, Slovenia
This is “another significant step towards an integrated European power market,” says Italian transmission grid operator Terna. In the coming months, the country will connect with Switzerland and Greece.
Spain’s link to France boosts intermittent power
Spain and France have interconnected a new grid line that doubles the electricity exchange between the two countries. With a power capacity of 2 GW and capable of reversing the direction of flow of the energy exchanges between Spain and France in just 50 milliseconds, the new line is expected to boost renewable energy.
Romania installs 363 MW of PV in 2014
Romania added 363 MW of solar PV in 2014. While the figure is considerably smaller than in 2013, it still proves that Romania has emerged as a one of Europe’s significant markets for photovoltaic investors.
Turkey installs only 78 MW of grid-tied PV in 2014
Latest installation data demonstrates Turkeys strong preference toward wind power. Solar PV, in contrast, either has fallen out of favor or Turkish institutions struggle to cope with the licensing process.
Jordan’s rooftop PV sector thriving
Jordan leads Arab world in utility-scale solar PV installations with many large solar farms expected to go online in 2015. Residential and commercial rooftop sectors are also kick-starting the thriving solar sector.
