Spanish summer not bad for solar PV
Although the proportion of electricity generated from solar PV in Spain declined a little this summer, CSP’s share of the mix grew. The country’s PV sector is still dealing with the fallout from last year’s abolition of FIT payments.
Italian net metering expanded up to 500 kW
Italy has raised the upper limit for net metering in the country from 200 kW to 500 kW per installation. The measure is set to boost the commercial rooftop PV sector.
Israel launches tender for first phase of 170 MW PV park
A tender for a new 50 MW solar PV park in Israel will be launched on Monday. pv magazine has the story exclusively ahead of the tender’s official announcement.
Portugal adds 33 MW of PV for 330 MW cumulative solar capacity
Portugal added 33 MW of solar PV capacity in the first six months of 2014. A significant reduction in new mini installations is worrying, though, given the Portuguese PV sector is predominantly rooftop driven.
Scotland says nae to fracking, aye to solar
A lively debate at the Edinburgh International Book Festival showcased Scotland’s stance on fracking, its increasing use of renewables and the U.K.’s energy dilemmas.
Israel to launch net metering pilot program for government buildings
Israel’s Ministry of Public Security is tendering development of 13 rooftop PV installations totaling 750 kW. The so-called ‘Blue Sky’ project is a pilot program that aims to deploy solar PV net metering systems across the country.
Bulgarian Constitutional Court hands down victory to solar industry
Bulgaria installed just 1.18 MW in the first half of 2014, confirming the country’s PV sector stall. Amidst the gloom, a court ruling last week has provided a needed ray of light.
World’s largest solar boat charts course for ancient Greece
Solar boat MS Turanor PlanetSolar has become a research vessel for archaeological expeditions in Greece. The catamaran completed a round-the-world trip in 2012 powered only by sun.
Turkey hits all time electricity consumption record
Turkey’s electricity consumption scored an all time record last week, highlighting the country’s thirst for new power capacity. Yet renewable power development plods slowly onwards.
Spain’s new law shakes PV landscape
Spain’s cabinet recently approved a new renewable energy law which aims to implement previous PV guidelines. PV advocates say the law creates payment confusion, scares investors and punishes existing installations.
