Solar

Solar in Mexico will now grow by 521 percent in 2016.

April 5, 2016

In Mexico’s first Clean Energy Auction, 11 solar projects were awarded contracts. Together, these projects will produce 4 million megawatt hours per year. Project developers include: The winning projects are from seven developers: Enel Green Power with 992 megawatts and 2.25 million Clean Energy Certificates (CELs) SunPower with 509 megawatts and 989,265 CELs (includes projects by local […]

SunPower wins 500MW solar power projects in Mexico

April 4, 2016

SunPower secured a PPA for a 500 MW solar project in Mexico in the recent renewable energy auction. This includes a 400 MW installation in Yucatan and a 100MW installation in Guanajuato. These projects account for 25% of solar energy awarded in the auction, according to Mexico’s National Center for Energy Control (CENACE). SunPower president and […]

Caribbean’s largest solar plant goes live

April 2, 2016

A 33.4 MW solar plant was inaugurated in the Dominican Republic this week. Designed and developed by the Phanes Group, the plant is the largest in the Caribbean to date. By 2016, the plant’s capacity will be increased to 67 MW. “This project is a demonstration of how multiple stakeholders can work together to co-develop […]

Barbados Agricultural Society seeks solar

April 1, 2016

James Paul, CEO of the Barbados Agricultural Society (BAS), says that access to affordable solar will cut operating costs for farms, which in turn will cut the cost of food for consumers. According to Paul, the agricultural sector in Barbados has not seen any programs to engage farms in the renewable energy discussion. “We have […]

35 companies submit bids to construct St. Lucia solar farm

March 26, 2016

St. Lucia Electricity Service Ltd’s RFP for the construction of a 3 MW solar farm resulted in bids from 35 companies. Participants at the meeting were given an overview of the project and its importance to St. Lucia, information on St. Lucia’s energy transition strategy and the RFP process. LUCELEC’s Business Development Manager, Victor Emmanuel, […]

Saft provides lithium-ion batteries for Puerto Rican solar plant

March 18, 2016

Saft will provide energy storage for a 10 MW PV facility in Puerto Rico. The 20P lithium-ion batteries will allow the facility to store energy produced during the day, when energy demand is lower, and distribute it in the evening during peak-demand times. Saft business development manager Jim McDowall said: “In remote locations and islands, […]

Bolivian Legislature approves construction of 50mw solar system

March 15, 2016

Last Thursday, Bolivia’s Legislative Assembly approved the construction of a 50 MW solar system by the state-owned utility Empresa Nacional de Energia’s (ENDE). The project will be supported by 67 million USD in funding from the French Development Agency (AFD). Once completed, the PV plant will generate 106 Gwh annually.   Read more here.

Guyana launches energy project

March 15, 2016

In an effort to electrify the 80% of rural areas in Guyana that have no electricity, Guyana’s Ministry of Public Infrastructure, the Multilateral Investment Fund and CARISBSAVE have partnered to implement the Sustainable Business Models for Rural Electrification and Energy Access project. The program will electrify 6,000 homes across 25 communities through solar power.   […]

Chile approves 600+ MW of renewable energy

March 14, 2016

The Chilean government approved the construction of a 600 MW PV system and a number of smaller systems this week. Approved projects include: Project (technology) Capacity Investment Cielos de Tarapaca (PV) 600 MW USD 1bn Planta Fotovoltaica La Esperanza (PV) 9 MW USD 18m Planta Fotovoltaica Marchigue (PV) 9 MW USD 18m Mini Central Hidroelectrica […]