Chinese PV manufacturers setting up shop in Kenya
Facing punitive tariffs in the EU, Chinese solar panel makers are eagerly looking to African markets and the state-owned Jiangxi Corporation is helping to coordinate a $140 million solar power station in Garissa, Kenya, as a base of operation.
ET Solar completes 50 MW of new PV in Romania
ET Solar Group has completed construction on three photovoltaic solar parks in Romania with a combined capacity of 28 MW. The company has installed a total of 50 MW in Romania so far this year — an increase for the country of 48 MW over the past eight months.
France adds 88 MW of new PV in first quarter, weighs carbon footprint of future projects
France installed 88 MW of new PV capacity in the first quarter of the year. While it’s the lowest amount of solar capacity to be installed in the country since 2009, the French government is eager to increase PV while putting greater focus on the the carbon footprint and research and development impact of new projects.
Bulgaria limits PV capacity
State-owned energy holding group EAD has ordered drastic limitations on renewable energy capacity. Electricity distribution company CEZ will cut capacity by 40%.
Cyprus to fund 2,000 PV households via net metering
Cyprus will fund rooftop PV system installations for 2,000 low-income households via the country’s net metering program.
University of Cyprus will lead EU net metering research
The University of Cyprus has announced plans for a second, 10 to 13 MW, solar park and revealed it will lead a 1.3 million research program into the adoption of net metering across the EU.
Greece announces drastic FIT cuts
The Greek Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (YPEKA) announced on Friday the new feed-in tariffs (FITs) for photovoltaic systems. An over 40% tariff reduction has been signed off on, both for ground-mounted and rooftop installations. This will be valid from June 1.
UK publishes new FIT rates; records 70% increase in PV capacity
The U.K. has published its new FIT rates, due to take effect in July. The countrys 2012 energy statistics have also been released. According to the figures, 3.2% of energy was generated from PV, while renewables accounted for 11.3%. Overall, the government is confident growth will continue.
Enel to add 55 MW of PV capacity in Romania and 21 MW in Italy
In its 2013 to 2017 business plan, Enel Green Power states its aim to install 55 MW of photovoltaic capacity in Romania, and 21 MW in Italy by 2017.
Greece adds 793 MW of PV in Q1 [Updated]
Greece added 793 MW of photovoltaics in the first quarter of 2013, according to national electricity market operator (LAGIE). In March alone, 259 MW of new capacity was installed. Meanwhile, a new renewable energy systems (RES) bill has been introduced.
