Global FIT overview
Feed-in tariffs: More details emerge about Chinas regional FIT; New York moves to a bidding system; and France, Germany and Slovenia continue their gradual easing downward. Meanwhile, Malta and Lithuania traverse a more rugged decline.
Growth in the shadow of Chernobyl
Ukraine: Eastern European PV markets have been characterized by boom and bust of the worst kind like that seen in the Czech Republic and a sometimes agonizing wait for policy, as is the case in Poland. However, in Ukraine the development of PV power plants has been consistent, demonstrated solid growth, and appears to have paid off for market-leading project developer Activ Solar. pv magazine headed to Kiev and Ukraine to find out more.
How many more wake up calls?
Dear readers, How many more wake up calls are needed? How many more super typhoons, floods, landslides or droughts have to happen? How many thousands of people have to die? How many millions have to become homeless until climate protection is taken seriously? Because despite the terrible wake up call of images bearing the destruction […]
Indonesias new solar regulations
Indonesia: The generation of renewable energies has become a core focus in Indonesias recent energy policies. In this light, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has issued Regulation 17 concerning the purchase of energy from solar photovoltaic power plants by the National Electric Company. The regulation became effective in June 2013 and appears of significant relevance for solar energy producers, including foreign investors.
Island in the sun
PV Taiwan: Determined not to be overshadowed by the looming presence of its Chinese neighbor, Taiwans solar industry has explored many revenue avenues over the past few years. But what will the future hold, and where does Taiwan fit into the worldwide solar landscape? pv magazine attended PV Taiwan to find out.
Land of the highly prized sun
Japan: Historically strong, the PV market in Japan in 2012 and 2013 has provided huge demand to the PV supply chain. While domestic producers are in pole position to benefit, foreign suppliers are entering the market and developing a track record, both in their own right and through partnerships with local firms.
New horizons
2014 trade show preview: In what was always likely to be a tough year for solar, 2013 looks to have ended on something of a high, buoyed by emerging markets fuelling renewed demand. How will the trade shows of 2014 serve these new appetites?
Off-grid 2.0
Fuel save controller: standalone power systems offer remarkable new opportunities for photovoltaic technology. Among other things, the combination with diesel generators lowers the costs of fuel consumption. In the meantime, there are new control devices in order to ensure both supply and mains stability with a high share of solar electricity.
One of the lowest solar rates in the world?
Uruguay: In May this year, Uruguay approved a 200 MW tender for solar facilities with capacities of between 5 and 50 MW. Despite offering an extremely low rate US$0.09 per kWh the government announced in September that the quota had been filled.
Optimization over radical change
Balance of systems market: The BOS industry is lowering costs mainly through system and process optimization rather than by developing revolutionary new devices. Matt Feinstein provides examples.
