Minnesota made significant strides in strengthening its solar crediting policies last week, as the state’s Public Utilities Commission (PUC) approved the nation’s first statewide methodology for calculating the value of consumer-generated solar energy.
Major tier one PV manufacturer JA Solar reported better than guided shipments for the fourth quarter of 2013, while ending two years of quarterly losses on revenue of US$357.3 million.
The delay to the US solar trade case could further increase PV prices, which are already on the up due to high demand, according to consultancy firm EnergyTrend.
Japan has launched a subsidy programme to support the installation of lithium-ion battery-based stationary storage systems, offering to pay individuals and entities up to two-thirds of their purchase price.
Japan’s feed-in tariff (FiT) from 1 April looks almost certain to be set at ¥32/kWh for commercial customers and at ¥37/kWh for residential PV system owners, falling by approximately 11% from 2013 levels.
Saudi Arabia will put 700-1000MW of solar power out to tender by the end of the year, according to Vahid Fotuhi, president of the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA).
Germany’s solar industry fears a PV self-consumption levy will further diminish the country’s already dwindling solar installation figures, according to national industry association, BSW-Solar.
