Solar Markets & Finance News

Solar energy is expected to reach record levels this summer in Europe, but the EU must take steps to ensure photovoltaic investment and prevent solar power curtailment. Suggested measures include accelerating permitting on electric grids, promoting hybrid projects and cost-sharing by fossil generators.

Actis' BTE Renewables has secured MIGA guarantee for its equity investments in 75-MW South African solar power plant awarded in Round 3 of REIPPP. BTE Renewables, owned by UK growth markets investor Actis, specializes in utility-scale wind and solar projects across Africa and has been sold to French utility Engie SA and Meridiam.

RWE and PPC invest in 280 MW solar park in Greece. Project expected to provide clean energy to region by the end of 2021 with PPC purchasing the entire output in 15 year PPA. Partially funded by the Greek RRF and 3 local banks with shareholders' equity. Part of 2 GW of large-scale solar projects.

Alternus Energy acquires 32MW solar project in Tennessee, US, to generate $2.3m in annual revenue. 30-year power purchase agreements with two regional utilities ensure project's success, with tip of the spear CEO Vincent Browne expecting it to be operational for the 1st quarter of 2025.

RWE and PPC joint venture Meton Energy have made the final investment decision to build 3 solar projects totalling 259MW in northern Greece. Construction set to start in autumn 2021, with projects due to be operational by 2024. €196m investment provided by EU funds, finance from Alpha Bank, Eurobank & NBG, plus €39m in equity. Meton Energy & RWE developing solar farms with capacity up to 2GW in Greece.

Trina Solar has supplied 463.18 MW of Vertex 580 W modules with 210R technology to two hybrid hydro-solar power plants in Sichuan province, China. On July 7, Trina Solar led the standardization of module dimensions, providing comprehensive solutions to support the PV industry's growth and advance towards a net-zero future.

The Biden Administration has proposed modernizing solar permitting rules on federal lands to accelerate environmental reviews & encourage early public engagement, reducing delays & pollution in underserved communities - part of the President’s Permitting Reform Agenda.

Solar financing company Bright, funded in part by Leonardo DiCaprio, raised USD 31.5m to help customers reduce costs and automate workflow. Founded in 2014, Bright has installed over 30MW of solar and serves 4,700 customers.

Prosolia Energy secures €255 million debt financing from US investor EIG, to rapidly expand solar energy activities in Western Europe. Finergreen advises Prosolia as they increase their influence in the solar energy industry.

Encavis and Badenova form new company, Encavis Energieversorger I GmbH, to invest EUR 200 million in renewable energy projects, with a portfolio of 500 MW wind and solar systems. Open to more partners to reach 1 GW by 2035.

Aviva Investors acquires initial 35% stake in Italian renewable energy firm Innovo Renewables, with plans to increase to 50% and support the development of renewable energy projects across Europe.

First Solar and Matrix Renewables have come together to deliver 2.1 GW of advanced thin film modules to power projects in the US and Spain. First Solar's technology is low-carbon and EPEAT-approved, with US and India factory expansions along with framework agreement with Energix Renewables. Responsibly powering the future!

Clearway Energy Group has closed a 147-MW/588-MWh battery energy storage system project in California's Kern County. Financing came from a consortium of lenders, HASI, Clearway Energy Inc, and a committed tax equity investment. SCE will purchase the energy storage capacity to help improve grid reliability. SEO writer with 10 years experience.

First Solar to build 279 MW (dc) thin film solar panel project in Lawrence County, Alabama, slated for completion in 2027. Up to $1.3bn investments, $1.1bn Lawrence County facility, $185m Ohio expansion, $370m R&D innovation center in Perrysburg, Ohio and 5GW of modules with Energix Renewables in Israel. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) contract.

TotalEnergies SE (EPA:TTE) has agreed to take full control of Total Eren, a French energy major, for an enterprise value of about EUR 3.8 billion (USD 4.22bn). TotalEnergies will benefit from Total Eren's 3.5 GW renewable energy capacity and 10 GW project pipeline in 30 countries.