Investing in a photovoltaic system is only worthwhile if the system performs consistently flawlessly. Over time, the system is exposed to many hazards and influences that can cause damage to modules and components. To protect yourself from repair costs and loss of revenue, photovoltaic insurance is essential for every plant operator.
Italy update: Current Italian legislation for self-consumption includes the possibility for owners of PV systems up to 20 MW to sell all or part of the produced power to a single final client. Despite several challenges, this option is now becoming more attractive, as solar module prices keep dropping and energy prices for the Italian industry and service sector remain among the highest in Europe.
Solar plants are one of the most popular investment projects. Investors should be able to expect safe returns and a stable earning, while operating costs remain manageable. Operational systems in particular are highly regarded. A bit out of focus are turnkey systems – unjustly, as can be seen on closer inspection.
The University of Columbia has looked at different financing strategies used for oil and gas projects. A report recently published and related to this research suggests that these approaches might work for solar and wind as well.
In its biggest year to date, the United States solar market nearly doubled its annual record, topping out at 14,626 megawatts (MW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) installed in 2016. This represents a 95 percent increase over 2015’s then record-breaking 7,493 MW. GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) previewed this data in advance of their upcoming U.S. Solar Market Insight report, set to be released on March 9.
In Turkey, new PV projects face a long and tiring bureaucratic process before they can be put to action. As a result, a current auction is receiving little attention. Nonetheless, Turkey’s solar sector continues to grow.
