China bucks forecasts to install 9.65 GW of PV in Q1, DG leads the way
Of the 9.65 GW of solar PV China installed in the first quarter of 2018, 7.68 GW comprised distributed generation (DG) systems, reports China’s National Energy Administration (NEA). Changes to the country’s PV policy have also been proposed.
Hong Kong authorities propose generous new rooftop solar FIT
The Hong Kong government will start discussing plans from early next week to give owners of residential and commercial rooftop solar PV systems the chance to sell surplus electricity to the grid.
UK, India strengthen solar ties with new commitments
The governments of the U.K. and India have announced a new green fund, managed by Lightsource BP and the Everstone Group, which will see up to £500 million invested in green energy in India. The U.K. has also joined the Indian-led International Solar Alliance (ISA).
March rooftop solar installs sets new Australian record, exceeding NEG modelling by 50%
Rooftop solar PV installation rates in Australia are breaking all previous records. March saw the highest number of rooftop systems ever installed in the country, worth a capacity of some 127 MW.
Cuba introduces net metering for solar, renewables
According to local association, Cubasolar, the Cuban government introduced Law No. 345 at the end of March. The new rules will come into force after their publication in the country’s official journal.
Solar to top 104 GW of new installations this year, finds GTM Research
Latest Global Solar Demand Monitor from GTM Research forecasts 6% annual increase in PV installation growth, although current largest markets will register 7% contraction while geographic diversification poised to grow.
Sweden increases 2018 solar budget by another $20 million
Solar rebates were increased, from covering 20% of the cost of buying and installing a rooftop PV system, to 30%, starting from last January. Overall, the Swedish government will grant around US$80 million in incentives this year.
United Nations backs solar powered irrigation
A new report published by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization outlines the benefits of solar powered irrigation systems to both large and small scale farming operations in developing countries. The report also stresses the need for comprehensive management and regulation of such systems, to avoid unsustainable water use.
Global investments in small-scale solar rise 16% in Q1, one of few sectors to buck downward trend, finds BNEF
New quarterly figures from Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) show that investments in solar PV arrays of less than 1 MW hit US$14.3 billion worldwide in Q1 against 10% year-on-year contraction in global renewable investments.
Renewables set to lower UK’s summer demand for grid electricity, says National Grid
Rise in small scale solar contributing towards new trend of falling summertime peak transmission system demand on U.K. grid, says outlook report. Inflexibile gas and nuclear plants may be curtailed to make way for solar and wind.
