Research company Bloomberg New Energy Finance has published figures demonstrating China’s dominance in both solar and wind sectors, each securing hundreds of millions in dollars in financing. In the second quarter of 2012, China saw a surge in investment to US$18.3bn, up 92% from the previous quarter. The largest Chinese solar project financed was the Shanlu & Shengyu Bayannur Wuyuan PV plant, at US$316m.
Fiera Axium Infrastructure has purchased a Canadian portfolio of 47.1MW, the company has announced. The portfolio consists of four operational PV plants, developed by EDF EN Canada, located in Ontario. EDF En subsidiary enXco Service Canada will provide operation and maintenance of the projects after the acquisition. All four plants sell energy to the Ontario Power Authority under a 20-year PPA.
BASF advised that this week, during Intersolar North America in San Francisco, it will not only have company experts on hand, but will also have its portfolio of solar industry solutions on display. Included in its portfolio is the Tinuvin 1600, a UV light absorber for transparent outdoor thin section applications.
Bryan Crabb has joined the California Solar Energy Industries Association (CALSEIA) as its new executive director. Crabb comes to CALSEIA after serving as director of government affairs at both First Solar and OptiSolar. He is lauded as having vast experience in solar policy as well as legislative and regulatory experience.
Bloomberg has reported that General Electric (GE) will be putting the construction of its Colorado-based solar panel factory on hold for at least 18 months. Lindsay Theile, GE spokeswoman, noted that sharp price declines and a global oversupply of panels were factors in the company’s decision.
Enecsys has entered a partnership with Albasolar, the company has announced. The micro-inverter manufacturer has partnered with Albasolar to open new distribution channels in the residential market. Enecsys sells its micro-inverters in 15 different countries and its products comply with international certifications and frequency requirements.
Hawaiian electrical contractor Helix Electric has been supplied with 7.2MW of solar modules from ET Solar, the company has announced. The modules will be used to equip the Port Allen solar farm on the island of Kaua’i, Hawaii. The generated energy will be sold under a 20-year PPA to Kaua’i Island Utility.
Martier Solar’s expansion plans are slowly being realized with a 229kW PV solar system at Hertz’s global headquarters in Park Ridge, New Jersey, US. This is one of a series of approximately 15 PV systems designed and installed at Hertz facilities around the US. The array is expected to produce more than 263,000kWh of renewable energy on an annual basis.
Greentech Media reports that New Jersey’s Senate and General Assembly have agreed to pass the solar “resurrection bill” (A-2966), voting to approve the substitutions and amendments. The legislation is said to potentially sustain a healthy rate of solar project development and job growth in the state.
International Power Canada’s (IPC) 10MW Brockville Solar project has begun construction in Leeds County, Ontario. The project site has been cleared and final engineering has commenced. The company expects for civil works to continue through the summer in order to construct the racks for the modules.
