A key factor in the strong growth of the PV industry in 2017 is the Silicon Module Super League (or SMSL), comprised of the seven companies that will each ship in excess of 4GW of modules this year, well above all other module suppliers to the industry.
Indian utility NTPC has invited bids for 35MW of grid-connected solar PV projects across two states, with the requirement to source domestic solar equipment.
Plans for the largest solar farm in Scotland have been approved, allowing Elgin Energy to construct what is expected to be a subsidy-free 20MW development on the north coast.
The solar industry is set to reach annual demand at the 100GW level much earlier than has been forecast by both third-party observers and the leading component suppliers. During 2018, the solar industry is shaping up to ship more than 100GW of solar modules during the calendar year, while 2017 alone will see the number exceed 90GW comfortably.
The latest phase of a AUS$55 million (US$43.8 million) programme giving remote communities in Australia’s Northern Territory reliable and clean power will see a 2MWh battery installed and paired with more than 3,000 solar PV panels.
Canadian Solar has launched an innovative ‘cool’ PV module design, dubbed ‘Ku’ modules. The new PV module series is based on Low Internal Current (LIC) module technology to provide better module energy yield and reliability.
Major PV inverter manufacturer Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd has reported strong first half-year financial results due to strong demand in China and key markets such as South East Asia.
Solar project development, acquisition and asset management company Nautilus Solar has acquired a 13.3MW community solar portfolio previously owned by integrated solar manufacturer ReneSola.
Tenders for solar-plus-storage projects on French island territories including Corsica, Guadeloupe and Martinique have resulted in winning bids often 40% lower than the victors of previous reverse auctions.
