ABB inverters bear weathering heights
The grid-connected solar plant atop the Mont Blanc cable car station required inverters with specifications appropriate to a site at an altitude of 3,500 meters.
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.
sPower acquires 63 MW North Carolina solar portfolio
Independent power producer sPower has purchased a 63.1 MW portfolio of solar projects in North Carolina from developer FLS Energy. The portfolio is comprised of 16 ground mounted PV power plants.
Australia: Study finds PV can supply more than 60% of electricity demand in Alice Springs
A study released today has found that solar can supply more than 60% of electricity demand in the remote town of Alice Springs and the grid remain stable. The study concludes that an additional 10 MW of PV can be added to the towns grid, although advises it be spread over nine 1.1 MW arrays to reduce the potentially destabilizing affect of variable cloud cover.
UK: Electric vehicles could drive 40% cut in oil imports by 2030
Motorists could save more than $1,500 on fuel costs annually provided the U.K. creates the required infrastructure to support electric vehicles, says new study.
US solar installations up 30% to 6.2 GW in 2014
Solar accounted for 32% of new generating capacity in the U.S. last year, beating out both wind energy and coal for the second year in a row, according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association.
Trina, Vivint sign pact for Trinasmart modules in North America
Leading U.S. residential solar provider Vivint Solar will now offer Trina’s smart panels to homeowners. The Trinasmart technology includes power optimization and monitoring built into the module junction box.
Global advanced energy market worth as much as fashion and apparel industry
At $1.3 trillion, sector driven by solar, wind, natural gas and building efficiency technology now among one of the globe’s largest industries.
Solar Frontier acquires 280 MW US pipeline
Japanese thin film manufacturer Solar Frontier has taken a major step on its path to internationalization with the acquisition of a 280 MW project pipeline in the U.S. Solar Frontier has purchased the utility scale projects from Gestamp Solar.
RWE profits slump amid crisis in conventional energy
Germany’s largest electricity producer posts 45% profit decline for 2014 as country’s renewable energy expansion suppresses wholesale electricity prices.
