pv power plants

EDF Renewable Services (EDF RS) is in the process of taking over the operations and maintenance (O&M) responsibilities for 206 solar projects spanning across 13 states from New Jersey to Hawaii that total around 200MW.

Independent global testing and certification body UL (Underwriters Laboratory) has acquired renewable energy engineering services and support firm, AWS Truepower for an unspecified sum.

China-based independent solar power producer United Photovoltaics Group said it expected FiT back payments of RMB1.328 billion (US$199.2 million) from 16 solar power plants after confirmation of payments have been authorised by the Ministry of Finance, National Development and Reform Commission and National Energy Administration on September 23.

Both yieldco subsidiaries of bankrupt renewables firm SunEdison have said they were seeking mergers or sales of their entire businesses after it became increasingly possible that SunEdison would not emerge from bankruptcy proceedings.

According to Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) US residential solar installations are expected to increase by 21% in 2016, yet growth in 2017 is expected to be a tepid 0.3%.

The US Energy Department is planning to provide solar technology funding to the tune of US$107 million via the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy's (EERE) SunShot Initiative.

GE Power Conversion is introducing Silicon Carbide (SiC) technology into its next-generation 1500V PV inverter product line, bringing increased power conversion efficiency to the PV industry. The LV5+ Solar Inverter is the first multi-MW, utility scale inverter based completely on SiC technology and has an efficiency rating of 99% weighted EU and is being showcased at Solar Power International 2016.

Independent power producer Etrion Corporation said it was evaluating the possible sale of its 60MW PV power plant portfolio in Italy to raise funds to expand project development in Japan.

Jordan’s Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources (MEMR) plans to launch a 400-700MW solar and wind auction by the end of September.

Summer wildfires across the West Coast of the US have significantly impacted the output of solar PV projects in the region with smoke cover reducing irradiance levels, according to environmental and industrial measurement firm Vaisala.