Latin American solar markets explode in 2014, 2015
The latest report by GTM Research predicts that 805 MW of solar PV will be installed across the region in 2014, a six-fold increase over 2013. The company forecasts another 2.3 GW of new PV in 2015.
Brightsource, Abengoa scrap plans for controversial solar CSP project
Despite a recommendation of approval by regulators, the project company has abandoned its application for the 250 MW solar power tower project in the California desert. Palen drew fire from conservationists due to potential impacts on birds.
New York State to support 214 MW of new solar PV
New York will provide an estimated US$94 million in incentives for 142 PV projects at businesses, schools and universities, government buildings and non-profits, which were awarded through a competitive solicitation.
U.S. government releases draft of Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan
The state of California and U.S. federal officials have released the latest draft of their plan for renewable energy in the California desert, which environmentalists say does not go far enough to protect biologically sensitive areas.
SolarCity breaks ground on GigaFactory for solar PV in New York state
The 110,000 square meter plant in Buffalo will produce PV cells and modules based on Silevo’s high-efficiency technology, as the largest solar manufacturing facility in the Western Hemisphere.
California approves solar permit streamlining
California Governor Jerry Brown has signed a bill which advocates say will greatly simplify and standardize local permitting in the state, removing a key market barrier for residential solar in some areas.
EIB to provide loan for 30 MW PV project in West Africa
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will join France and the EU in supporting a PV project in Burkina Faso, as one of the largest in the continent outside of South Africa to receive funding to date.
California calls for scaled-down version of Palen CSP project
Regulators at the California Energy Commission have recommended approval of a new plan for the Palen solar CSP project with a single solar tower and reduced acreage. A final decision on the controversial project will be made on October 29.
Massachusetts utility-scale PV sector in danger
The U.S. state of Massachusetts has proposed not setting aside any capacity in 2016 for traditional solar PV projects larger than 650 kW under the new SREC II program. The state’s solar industry warns that this will have major impacts.
India reveals draft of new program to support 20 GW of large PV projects by 2020
As outlined in an initial draft, the ambitious program will work with state governments to set up a series of solar parks and mega-solar projects. Mercom Capital says that the announcement is good sign for solar policy under the Modi Administration, but questions remain.
