Hungary supports net metering PV projects up to 50 kW with 0% loans
The Hungarian Development Bank started a subsidized loan program for renewable energy and energy efficiency in late April. The €350 million program will run through to 2022.
Manz sets up CIGS joint venture with Chinese partners
The German PV equipment provider will partner with Shanghai Electric Group and Shenhua Group to further develop the CIGS technology. NICE PV Research has already started R&D activities.
Study: reasonable cost of capital can make solar competitive in all European countries within five years
According to a new report from (ETIP PV), solar is already competitive with the current low wholesale electricity prices in southern European countries, while in Europe’s northern regions PV can become competitive within the coming five years.
California grid operator gets ready for August eclipse (with graph)
With California getting a higher portion of its electricity from solar than any non-island nation, the stakes are high with this summer’s eclipse. Fortunately, Europe has already been down this road.
Denmark: solar without incentives is possible, but bureaucracy is killing it
Interview: Denmark is planning a future without incentives for solar and renewables, after abruptly closing the “transitional” incentive program for PV installations up to 400 kW in December. The Danish PV market, meanwhile, has now come to a halt. pv magazine asked Peter Ahm, the CEO of PA Energy and Danish representative to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA’s) PV Power Systems Programme, how the Danish solar market can further grow in the short and long term without subsidies.
Italy opens ancillary services market to pilot renewable energy and storage projects
The project is the initial stage of an organic reform of the Italian ancillary services market, which is expected to be implemented in accordance with the European balancing code.
Moldova sets solar FIT of $0.10/kWh
A tariff of MDL 1.90 ($0.10)/kWh will be granted for the first time to a 41 kW PV system planned by local developer Opal-Succes SRL. Furthermore, the authority has granted special tariffs to three wind projects totaling 6.5 MW. The country’s new legislation on renewables came into force at the end of March.
Armenia publishes tender for 55 MW solar project
All pre-qualified bidders are invited to submit project proposals by June 16. The project is part of 110 MW pipeline that the government is supporting through a recently created ad hoc commission.
Italy issues new regulation to promote solar and renewables in non-interconnected islands
The new rules will apply to the country’s 20 minor islands that have no connection with the national grid. Solar installation will be entitled to receive a premium tariff for both injected and self-consumed power.
Spain loses its first renewable energy case in international courts
Spain must pay €128 million for cuts to compensation for concentrating solar power (CSP) plants as ordered by the World Bank’s ICSID, where many other cases for investors in solar PV and other renewable energy projects are pending.
