Poland added 94 MW of PV capacity in 2016
The Polish solar market has seen its largest growth in 2016 with approximately 94 MW in new installations. The country’s cumulative installed PV power had reached 192 MW at the end of December. A more stable regulatory framework is giving investors more confidence.
Slovenia’s PV capacity tops 259 MW, net-metering expected to support more growth
The small eastern European country has been adding around 10 MW of new PV systems each year over the past four years. A net-metering scheme introduced in 2015 is expected to increase demand for residential installations.
Wacker’s Christian Westermeier elected SolarPower Europe president
SolarPower Europe announced that Christian Westermeier has been elected as the organization’s new president. Westermeier is the Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Application Engineering of German chemical company and polysilicon manufacturer Wacker Chemie.
Solar Systems LLC builds 15 MW PV plant in Russian region of Astrakhan
The government of the Russian region of Astrakhan announced that work on the first large-scale PV plant in the area has begun. Completion on the 15 MW project, which is being developed by local developer Solar Systems, is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.
ReneSola to build 550 MW globally in 2017
The Chinese integrated PV manufacturer and developer currently has 335 MW of solar capacity under construction in seven countries, with plans to finish 550 MW by the end of the year.
Scatec Solar seeks to develop PV plants in Ukraine
The Norwegian solar developer is considering the construction of two PV plants totalling 60 MW in Ukraine. The company is discussing opportunities with local deputy Minister of Energy.
Romania’s PV capacity grew by 70 MW in 2016
Romania’s solar market registered a slight drop in new installations in 2016. Approximately 70 MW was installed last year. This capacity is represented by MW-scale PV projects developed under the green certificate scheme launched in 2011.
SolarPower Europe summit opens, 6.7 GW installed in Europe in 2016
The European solar market decreased by 21% last year. This disappointing if not unexpected news opened SolarPower Europe’s annual summit in Brussels today. Grid integration of Europe’s solar capacity, EU market rules for protecting the ‘prosumer’ and reforms to the continent’s faltering Emissions Trading Scheme were major themes during the plenary session.
Hevel Solar energizes four PV plants totaling 35 MW in Russia
The Russian solar company has connected to the grid four large-scale PV plants in Russia. Its solar operational capacity in the country has now reached 75 MW.
Extension of EU duties on Chinese solar products is now official
On Friday, the EU published in its Official Journal the 18-month extension of antidumping and anti-subsidy duties on Chinese solar products, including notification of a partial interim review of the measures. The review could lead to the gradual reduction of duties and minimum import prices. The EU will also consider if the Minimum Price Undertaking agreement is still of relevance.
