About: solar panels
EU building ‘renovation wave’ set for launch in September
The European Commission’s energy chief, Kadri Simson, has flagged the upcoming building renovation wave, rooftop solar, and offshore wind as key priorities for the energy sector in the recovery phase from the coronavirus crisis.
German government defeats plan to abolish fines for wind power projects
The German government has rejected parliament proposals to ease restrictions on the construction of new wind turbines, exposing deep divisions in one of Europe's pioneering nations for renewable energies. EURACTIV Germany reports.
Europe’s largest floating solar plant opens in France
The most powerful floating solar PV plant in Europe was inaugurated in southern France on Friday (18 October), marking another milestone in the development of solar energy.
Solar households to be paid for excess power after UK government U-turn
The UK government has made a U-turn on its decision to end the solar "export tariff", confirming that households which install solar panels in the future will be paid for excess power they generate and send to the grid. EURACTIV's media partner edie.net reports.
Commission scraps tariffs on Chinese solar panels
The European Commission decided on Friday (31 August) to eliminate anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese solar panels, saying the decision will help the EU achieve its renewable energy goals.
India takes lion’s share of EU bank funding for solar power
The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed an agreement last Friday (9 March) to provide €800 million for clean energy projects in India, one day before an International Solar Alliance summit took place in Delhi.
France looks to solar power ‘prosumers’ to underpin energy transition
France plans to more than double its solar power capacity in the next ten years and make it easier for citizens to become energy independent, as part of its energy transition plan. But closer inspections leaves room for doubt if Paris will make good on its promises.
Circular Economy: From solar panels to bicycle handlebars
Solar panels offer clean, cheap and sustainable energy. But the materials they are made of are also valuable. It is essential that the proper strategy is put in place in order to bring the industry into the circular economy, explains Andreas Wade.
EU countries oppose duty extension on Chinese solar panels
A majority of EU countries yesterday (26 January) opposed a European Commission plan to extend anti-dumping duties on Chinese solar panels for two years, according to EU diplomats, putting pressure on the EU executive to review its proposal.
Carbon footprint of solar panels under microscope
As the COP22 opens this week in Marrakesh, recent news about solar power has been positive, with record-breaking tariffs reflecting the fast-declining price of solar electricity. But even solar plants can come with a heavy environmental footprint, writes Andreas Wade.
400 companies, NGOs demand immediate end of trade measures on Chinese solar
More than 400 companies from across the European Union, and leading environmental NGOS, have demanded the immediate end of punitive trade measures on solar panels and cells imported from China.
Spain’s Leganés lends a hand to the world’s most vulnerable
SPECIAL REPORT / For the citizens of the Spanish municipality of Leganés, in the autonomous community of Madrid, solidarity with the world’s most vulnerable populations is second nature. EURACTIV Spain reports.
EU solar producers launch new action against Chinese rivals
A group of European solar panel producers has lodged a new complaint with EU regulators, accusing Chinese rivals of trying to evade import tariffs by shipping their products via third countries.
EU says China gave illegal aid to solar industry
The European Union has warned Beijing over evidence that Chinese solar companies benefited from illegal subsidies, sources close to the issue said on Tuesday (27 August), but Brussels will delay taking action following a deal to defuse the row.
Commission rules out duties on Chinese solar panels – for now
The European Commission has decided not to impose provisional duties on Chinese solar panels but plans to continue its anti-subsidy investigation.
Collapse of solar case against China sparks recriminations
An acrimonious split has developed between Brussels and EU ProSun, an alliance of solar panel manufacturers, after EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht announced a ‘targeted and innovative’ settlement to a dispute with China.
Diplomat: EU-China cooperation is not zero-sum game
China has a positive attitude in its EU relations, but it is also strongly determined to safeguard the interests of its nation and enterprises, Xi Jian, ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Warsaw, told EURACTIV Poland.
Hollande calls for action over EU-China solar trade spat
The French President has reportedly called for swift action to resolve an escalating trade war with China over solar power imports, after the Chinese government threatened to drag the wine industry into the row.Why an EU-China trade war is unlikely
Escalated tensions between the European Union and China over solar panel tariffs is not going to cause a trade war. These disputes are short-lived, even if they are expected to continue in the coming years, explains George Friedman.Bashing China with solar panel tariff benefits no one
The Commission’s decision to launch trade action against China in the solar-power sector will not bring any relief to India, argues Suparna Karmakar, a trade economist and visiting fellow with Brussels-based think tank Bruegel.
EU trade chief vows no U-turn in solar panel row with China
EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht bluntly told China and leading European states that they were wasting their time trying to put pressure on him to drop plans to impose punitive import duties on Chinese solar panels.
De Gucht faces growing opposition over duties for Chinese solar panels
A majority of EU governments oppose a plan to impose hefty duties on solar panel imports from China, a survey of member states showed on Monday (27 May), undermining efforts by Brussels to pressure Beijing over its trade practices.
Merkel, Li want to end solar trade row
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday (26 May) called for an end to a trade row between Europe and China over solar panels and wireless equipment, telling a joint news conference they were both for free trade.