The cost of solar in Japan declined as much as 15% in one year, but a lack of clear policy direction from the government has left a number of businesses with a “pessimistic” outlook of the industry’s future, according to a survey by the Japan Renewable Energy Foundation (JREF).
Brazil can expect to see the capacity of PV projects contracted under its national power auction process more than double by the end of this year, according to the head of the country’s solar trade body.
Solar investors in South Africa are losing confidence in the country's market due to ongoing delays by the government to reveal successful bidders in the latest round of its national renewables procurement programme, claims South African PV Industry Association (SAPVIA) spokesman Wido Schnabel.
Major merchant solar cell producer Neo Solar Power (NSP) reported a modest decline in revenue for February 2015 due to the shorter working month and Chinese New Year.
President Obama signed an executive order that the administration hopes will entice businesses to commit to lowering greenhouse gas emissions and supporting renewable energy and efficiency initiatives.
Japan has confirmed it will make big cuts to the feed-in tariff (FiT) payable for solar, which have been expected for some time, dropping the rate by around 16%, from ¥32 (US$0.27) per kWh to ¥27 per kWh by July.
According to market research firm IHS global cumulative solar PV installations will reach almost 500GW (498GW) in 2019, up from around 180GW in 2014, a 177% increase.
US Bancorp and ORIX USA Corp. have announced the closing of US Bancorp’s first renewable energy conglomerate, which is expected to help SolarCity install around 2,500 PV systems at homes and businesses in nine states.
