USA

Solarpack has witnessed gains across several financial indicators so far this year, after progress across various construction contracts in Europe and South America.

Bifacial PV stands on the edge of a boom across the world’s four corners as cost improvements and geopolitics strengthen the case for the budding technology, according to Wood Mackenzie.

Microsoft has purchased 85MW of solar energy from Engie as part of a broader agreement covering 230MW of clean energy generated by the developer's Texas operations.

Lightsource BP has secured US$140 million financing for a portfolio of seven utility-scale PV projects across the US.

The Helios Infrastructure fund, a JV between Sol Systems and Nationwide, has completed the financing and construction of its first PV portfolio.

Leading CdTe thin-film PV module manufacturer and ‘Solar Module Super League (SMSL), First Solar has secured a multi-year supply deal for its Series 6 CdTe thin film modules for five projects across Texas and California with developer Intersect Power.

Bolivia will try and capitalise on its large lithium reserves to set up an industrial ecosystem around batteries and other storage technologies, according to a top government official.

Engie North America has bought a four-project portfolio in Massachusetts that comprises 25MW of solar and 22MWh of energy storage.

Japanese carmaker Honda has clinched the car industry’s supposedly “largest” renewable energy deal, signing a duo of virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) for 320MW of wind and solar to power its US operations.

Ahead of Solar Power International 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has set a roadmap to achieving several key goals for the PV industry over the next 10 years.

Leading CdTe thin-film PV module manufacturer and ‘Solar Module Super League (SMSL), First Solar expects to start volume production at its second US manufacturing plant in early 2020, restoring its bragging rights as the largest PV module manufacturer in US and western hemisphere.

Research has found even short-lived, 10 to 15-year solar panels could provide enough return for bankable projects. The researchers believe panel costs, coupled with an industry mindset now fixed on the final solar energy price rather than costs per kilowatt installed, may open opportunities for PV products currently snubbed because of a short lifecycle.

Utah Municipal Power Agency (UMPA) has signed off on an agreement with sPower to provide renewable energy to six cities within the state by way of an 80MW PV installation.

174 Power Global has acquired OnForce Solar, a New York-based commercial solar development firm and community solar business. With this acquisition, 174 Power will boost its profile in both the retail energy sector and C&I project development market.

Solar representatives have cautioned against a move to overhaul US rules that have guided utilities' mandatory renewable purchases for decades, setting the scene for a policy clash.