Europe

Japanese thin-film manufacturer Solar Frontier is to introduce its SolarSets range of standardised PV systems to the Italian residential market after agreeing a distribution deal with P.M. Service.

The European Commission has announced a list of 140 electricity projects that will be fast tracked and have access to a funding pot of €5.85 billion (US$7.9 billion).

France is to lend €100 million to South Africa’s national utility Eskom to support the development of solar energy in the country.

China Sunergy has gained TUV Rheinland certification for its factory in Turkey, the company has confirmed.

The French regulatory commission for energy (CRE) has released a response to 396 applications for solar project tenders.

The UK solar industry has united to build a new installer ratings website to help consumers avoid the cowboys.

Norwegian manufacturer REC’s division into REC Solar and REC Silicon has made it possible for the company to “invest heavily in research and development again”, according to REC Solar’s senior vice president for sales and marketing, Luc Graré.

Wind and solar produced as much as 60% of Germany’s electricity during the 3 October, according to an energy consultant.

TUV Rheinland has awarded six energy storage certificates to Phono Solar, for the Phonocube all-in-one PV inverter and storage system.

Peter Fath has been appointed as the new managing director of the solar division of German equipment supplier RENA.