In recent days, a number of large scale solar power projects have been announced in various countries, showing that the shift to renewable energy sources is gathering momentum.
One of the largest projects in the pipeline is a 16.2MWp utility scale solar power plant in Bulgaria, on which construction recently began.
Premier Power is behind the plant and expects it to be completed during the second quarter of this year.
Estimates suggest that for every kWh generated using solar energy, the power plant will receive around 30 cents for the next 20 years from energy administration.
Bjorn Persson, executive vice-president of European operations at Premier Power, said that solar power is proving a success in both developed and emerging economies alike.
"Our previous successes in Eastern Europe – a region few others have been able to effectively penetrate – are now enabling us to capture significant market share in Bulgaria," he commented.
Bulgaria is far from the only country to have given the green light to solar energy, as Kyoto in Japan recently planned to welcome a 4.2 megawatt plant.
The construction will be the first of its kind as well as the largest in the Kyoto prefecture.
Both the Kyocera Group and SoftBank Group have been selected for the project and will use the patented anti-dust modules that help prevent dust and water gathering on the surface.
As a result, the efficiency of the solar panels is improved as dust build-up can lower power output.
Approximately 17,000 of the modules generating 4.2MW of solar power will be installed at two locations, which is expected to be enough to power 1,000 homes.
India, which is fast becoming one of the biggest countries for solar power, has also welcomed a vast number of new installations over recent months.
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited alone commissioned 13MW of solar power plants in various areas of the country during the past financial year, therefore boosting green initiatives.
Projects include a 5MW plant in Rajastan, two 2MW plants in Maharashtra and a 3MW plant at Yapaldinni Village near Raichur.
The US is also taking steps to improve its solar ambitions, as PsomasFMG and NRG Solar have revealed plans to develop in excess of 11MW of projects.
A school in Santa Clarita, California will be welcoming a 7.3MW installation, while the Country of Orange will welcome a 3.3MW plant.
Posted by Mike Peacock