Brazil: Pure Energy secures $10 million for new module fab
Brazilian development bank BNDES is financing 75% of the reported $17 million, 40 MW-capacity project in the northern state of Alagoas. The decision marks the first time the bank has financed a PV module factory.
Duke Energy signs 20-year PPA for 20 MW project in Indiana
The largest electric power utility in the United States has committed to purchase power from three solar developers for four Indiana communities.
Idaho approves 100 MW solar project
Valued at some $322.5 million over 20 years, the deal provides an average levelized rate of 6.3 cents per kilowatt hour for Idaho Power Company.
Manz books $47.5 million in battery orders
German PV, battery and flat panel production equipment supplier Manz has announced EUR 40 million ($47.5 million) in lithium ion battery equipment supply deals. The details of the orders have not been revealed.
Pakistan overhauls its solar industry for the better
Government approves net metering program and introduces funding scheme allowing homeowners to borrow against their mortgage for solar installations.
Germany: Innotech Solar buys Energiebau
Saved from insolvency, the German solar wholesaler will now offer Innotech product while continuing to sell other PV modules. The company says it is nevertheless reducing its product portfolio in order to adapt to current market conditions.
Aquion Energy enters 1 MWh battery supply deal in Hawaii
U.S. aqueous hybrid ion battery developer and supplier Aquion Energy has entered into a supply deal with the residential community Bakken Hale, to supply a 1 MWh battery system. The battery installation will be coupled with a PV array to supply the community with 24/7 solar electricity.
New development schemes boost solar across India
The Ministry of Defence, India Railways and the state government of Maharashtra have unveiled new policies and plans that will boost solar development throughout the country over the next five years.
Emerging markets 2015: Dubai's commercial rooftop segment target for new UAE scheme
In late December, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed passed a new resolution that could unlock the rooftop PV market in Dubai. The most populous city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could be set to become the first major rooftop market in the region if the local utility facilitates the new regulation with the potential to jump start distributed generation in the MENA region.
Solar overwhelmingly popular in US, says Harvard scientist
Professor’s 12-year study finds attitudes towards solar and wind energy among Americans largely positive, with natural gas viewed as a ‘make-do’ fuel until renewables more mainstream.
