Ecobuild London: pro-nuclear, anti-residential PV panel debate causes stir
An Ecobuild panel debate about the U.K.’s future energy mix proved to be heavily in favor of nuclear power and against the use of domestic solar PV with batterie, prompting cries of derision from audience.
UK Spring Budget: Chancellor silent on solar
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond made no mention of solar energy in today’s Spring Budget Announcement. This leaves the UK’s rooftop solar segment facing a tax hike of up to 800% in the financial year beginning next month.
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.
Belectric installs 15.9 MWh storage system in eastern Germany
The German EPC contractor is currently installing the largest battery storage system in Saxony, eastern Germany. The battery is expected to come online in the second quarter of this year.
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.
UK Solar rate hike could add GBP 1.8 million to schools tax bill
New research suggests that schools in England and Wales that have installed solar panels will collectively face an additional GBP 1.8 million in taxes, as the Government pushes forward plans to remove tax exemptions on small commercial installations.
Manz expects to return to profitability this year
Large orders for the solar segment are expected to enable the company to return to profit in 2016. Last year, Manz was able to slightly increase its revenue, although it is still struggling with losses.
Welink and CTIEC bag EPC contract to build 220 MW PV plant in Portugal
Work on this huge solar project without subsidies is expected to begin in the first quarter of this year.
