SoftBank unit completes 32.3 MW in Japan
SB Energy — the renewables development arm of Japanese telecoms giant SoftBank — has switched on a 32.3 MW solar array in Yusui, Kagoshima prefecture.
BREAKING: U.S. ITC moves ahead with Suniva investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission decided late tonight to move forward under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 to investigate whether the bankrupt module maker deserves protection from its Chinese competitors.
Iranian solar market set to boom as SATBA takes over authority on renewable energies
Interview: Seyed Moslem Mousavi, Chief executive officer of The Iran Renewable Energy Association, revealed that large volumes of grid-connected PV power are expected to come online this year in Iran, and that, however, projects realized with locally manufactured PV modules, which have right to higher FITs, are still missing.
India: solar tax hike could increase power project prices, say industry heads
The 18% Goods and Services Tax rate for solar cells and modules could pose significant threat to around 10 GW of ongoing utility-scale solar projects, says Bridge to India.
GCL signs PV supply deals for 370 MW in China
Hong Kong-listed PV developer GCL New Energy has agreed to sell 320 MW of solar panels to China Resources Leasing for CNY 148.5 million ($21.5 million), as part of supply arrangements for the first 40 MW phase of a planned PV array in Zhanjiang, in China’s Guangdong province.
Africa: solar power and Indian bilateral trade key routes to prosperity, says AfDB president
African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina tells the media ahead of the bank’s Annual Meetings forum that Africa-India bilateral trade will reach $100bn by 2018, with solar power playing a prominent role in closer cooperation and boosting economic opportunities.
India hikes solar cell and module tax rate to 18%
The increased Goods and Services Tax rate for solar cells and modules is in part a response to the technology’s ability to “stand on its own two feet”, says energy minister.
Itochu launches residential lithium-ion battery in Japan
The Japanese trading firm has started selling its new Smart Star L lithium-ion storage battery system for the Japanese residential PV market. It has designed the system in cooperation with Yokohama-based manufacturer NF Corp.
Cypark to develop 14.5 MW in Malaysia
Engineering firm Cypark Resources has signed contracts to build two utility-scale PV projects for MYR 75.01 million ($17.4 million) in the Malaysian state of Negeri Sembilan.
40 MW floating PV plant in China connected with Sungrow’s inverters
The world’s largest floating PV power plant, with the capacity of 40 MW is now connected to the grid.
