Solar Markets & Finance News

Shell-backed Daystar Power is expanding its operations into South Africa to provide alternative power systems as demand increases due to record power cuts. Daystar plans to build up to 120 megawatts of solar power with 400 megawatts across Africa by 2025, targeting large-scale, bankable commercial and industrial users. An office is also opening in Tanzania.

Luminous Energy achieves financial close on 28.5MW Bracon Ash Solar Farm in Norfolk, UK, providing £10k/year for community projects, 203% biodiversity gain & in line with Net Zero targets. Belectric to build & maintain. TLT, CMS, Fichtner & WTW advised.

QIA acquires 2.5% stake in Adani Green Energy Ltd. for INR 39 billion, through its subsidiary INQ Holding LLC. Adani Green has 8.1 GW of capacity in its operational fleet with a goal to reach 45 GW by 2022.

South African investment firm STANLIB has acquired a 51% stake in energy solutions provider Solareff Ltd and its electric vehicle charging infrastructure subsidiary GridCars, committing to fund ZAR 600 million in capex-free energy solutions. This move seeks to make a social and economic impact in South Africa.

Nucor, one of the US's largest steel product manufacturers, has just signed a 250 MW solar PPA with NextEra Energy Resources. The Sebree Solar project will bring USD 20 million in tax revenue to Kentucky and Nucor will also provide steel for a second solar site in Meade and Breckinridge counties. Construction begins this autumn with commissioning due in 2025.

Absa Group provides USD-24-million corporate loan to construct a 100-MW solar power plant in Ghana led by West Africa-focused PV developer Meinergy Technology Limited. This loan supports Ghana's renewable energy capacity & energy needs.

Hungary is taking steps to boost economic growth and recovery, setting out plans to reduce investment costs and provide generous subsidies for renewable and green investments. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the government is committed to ensuring economic growth and green transition, but challenges remain.

Pattern Energy Group LP announces sale of its Japanese renewable energy assets and majority stake in Tokyo-based GPI to Japanese utility Jera Co Inc and NTT Anode Energy Corp. Portfolio includes 4 GW of wind projects and 6 GW of assets across North America. CEO Hunter Armistead focuses on growing pipeline in US.

AXA IM Alts to acquire 25% stake in Finerge, a 2GW renewables platform, to enable decarbonization and electrification investments in Portugal and Spain. Investment to be finalized by end of this year.

Cox Energy of Spain has won a reverse power auction in Guatemala, securing 38.41 MW of solar generation to invest USD 32 million and supply 106.0 GWh annually for 15 years. PEG plan received bids for 1,500 MW.

Solar installations to reach historic high in 2023 with 270 GW of new capacity. China to remain leader in panel manufacturing while US sees boom in utility & residential solar. UK to lead in residential solar, Romania in distributed projects. Solar LCOE falling; 330 GW capacity by 2032.

Matrix Renewables, a TPG-Rise backed company, acquires controlling interest in 200MWac/261MWdc solar project in Idaho. Output to power Meta's data center and will contribute to its goal of 100% renewable operations. Construction expected to begin Q3 2023.

SMA America's Home Energy Solution provides grid stability and cost savings for homeowners, as well as modular design and easy upgrades for installers. The intuitive SMA 360° and Sunny Portal apps keep homeowners and installers connected for control and peace of mind.

Uruguay is capitalizing on its renewable energy infrastructure to become a regional leader in green hydrogen. Investors are developing 7 green hydrogen projects, including a $4 billion synthetic gasoline plant. Uruguay's $8B investment in renewable power infrastructure is powering its growth in the renewable energy sector.

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.