France intends to cover around 1000 km of its roads with solar panels within the next five years. The panels were newly innovated and patented specifically to suit the ambitious plans of the Minister of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, Ségolène Royal.
The prices for renewable energy installations are continually dropping, which makes these technologies more popular than ever. 2016 was a record year, during which renewables outshone fossils by far.
According to a new French law passed in mid-February, small plants self-producing and self-consuming renewable energies are now exempt from paying levies and local electricity taxes. Up to 40 percent of the network connection costs can be covered by distribution network operators.
The new American president Donald J. Trump has released a first statement regarding the government’s energy plans. It puts clear emphasis on shale oil and completely ignores renewables in the USA.
At the beginning of the week, SolarPower Europe released their most recent report on European solar business concepts. pv Europe, an online magazine focussing on solar energy, has interviewed Sonia Dunlop, the Policy Adviser in charge of this report, who revealed the key aspects.
Solar modules from all over the world are entering and crowding the European market. This growing supply lets prices drop. Nonetheless, various manufacturers develop and offer new products.
