Valentin Software will launch the next generation of its design software PV*SOL premium at the end of 2015. New features are designed to make the process of designing a PV system easier and faster. The shading analysis of roof and ground-mounted systems in 3D mode remains the central feature as it calculates how often the modules are covered by shade, and how this affects the system yield, presenting the results graphically. All shading objects can be freely selected and placed anywhere on the ground or building.
Delhi-based private distribution company (Discom) BSES, which is backed by Indian conglomerate Reliance Infra, plans to procure 700MW of clean energy including solar power using a reverse auction process.
Google is expanding its online solar service that helps customers assess cost and benefits of installing solar on rooftops to be able to reach more homeowners.
China-based Photovoltaics Energy Provider (PVEP) GCL New Energy, a subsidiary of leading polysilicon and solar wafer producer, GCL-Poly expects to raise approximately US$302 million by way of a rights issue.
Michelle Bachelet, President of Chile, has signed off on a new energy strategy for the South American country, which sets a goal of generating 70% of national electricity generation from renewable sources by 2050.
Canadian Solar subsidiary Recurrent Energy has secured a tax equity investment commitment with GE Energy Financial Services for its 75MW Astoria 2 (previously 100MW) solar power project in California that is currently under construction.
Major photovoltaics energy provider (PVEP) SunPower has created a new executive position with the appointment of renewables energy veteran Eduardo Medina as its executive vice president of power plants.
The former VP of Solar Grid Storage has predicted average Balance of Systems (BoS) costs for energy storage will drop from around US$670 to less than US$400 per kilowatt in the next five years.
