Innovation in solar O&M
Operations and maintenance: As the solar industry matures, spending and focus on PV power plant O&M is increasing. Oscar Fitch-Roy and Ragna Schmidt-Haupt of DNV GL (formerly GL Garrad Hassan) identify several elements of a modernized and holistic approach to technical solar asset management and operations.
Yieldcos keep rolling
Solar finance update: A strong start to the year was recorded, with total corporate funding in the solar sector reaching $6.4 billion in Q1, while a record $1.9 billion was raised by residential and commercial solar funds. Venture capital funding was down, however, writes Mercom Capital Group CEO and co-founder, Raj Prabhu.
Waiting for a star
Israel: Elections in March may have hogged the headlines coming out of Israel of late but, while reporting on location, solar developers told pv magazines Max Hall that the result of the poll was the very last thing on their minds.
That startup feeling
E.ON: The utilitys recent announcement that it is to spin off a new clean energy division has energized the company from within, with employees now imbibing that intoxicating startup feeling, finds pv magazine.
Solars mission possible
India update: Solar PV installations in India are forecast to double across the year to more than 2 GW as the industry moves confidently ahead with the next round of the the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, writes Raj Prabhu, CEO and co-founder of Mercom Capital Group.
Small steps to solar progress
Poland: The countrys revised Renewable Energy Sources Act has taken a slow, considered approach to future clean energy generation, but will soon launch an auction system that could prove attractive to solar PV developers, writes Piotr Mrowiec of law firm Rödl and Partner.
Priced to cell
Cell and module pricing: Quality has always been in the crosshairs for PV cell and module makers, but price pressures bring tough conditions. Paula Mints of SPV Research examines the industrys constant balancing act between prices and revenues.
On fertile ground
Palestine: With a nascent industry dependent on donor programs, no money for domestic incentive schemes, a lack of development land and seemingly intractable political problems, the prospects for solar in Palestine seem grim. But hope springs eternal, as one developer told pv magazines Max Hall in the West Bank.
Mining smart management and storage
Offgrid PV+storage: Despite falling oil prices, mine operators are increasingly turning to PV and intelligent power management and storage solutions to deliver reliable and clean electricity. In a cultural shift, the cost savings and advantages are being recognized by the traditionally conservative resource sector. Three standout regions for this type of application are emerging in South Africa, Australia and Chile.
Minimum import price effect takes hold
Module prices: Asian modules continue their price rise throughout April, but advocates of the minimum import price are winding up to deliver the next blow.
