U.S. No. 1 for Utility-Scale Solar Power, South Africa Joins Global Top 10

Written by Richard Finlayson, Senior International Editor for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--The U.S. leads the top 10 countries for utility-scale solar power, with 349 solar plants generating a total of 6,948 megawatts (MW). South Africa has joined the list in the 10th spot with 503 MW, according a report by Wiki-Solar.org.

China follows the U.S. with 4,607 MW, then Germany with 3,428 MW, India with 1,897 MW, Spain with 1,680 MW, the U.K. with 1,523 MW, Canada with 714 MW and France with 677 MW.

Utility-scale solar power covers stations with 5 to 10 MW (including all types of solar power) and above, and references the alternating current fed to the grid.

In "Global New Energy Report 2014," which does not qualify the MW scale of installed solar power facilities, China is reported to have passed Germany as the world's largest photovoltaic (PV) market. During 2013, there were 38.7 gigawatts (GW) of new PV capacity installed, bringing the global total to 140.6 GW. China was responsible for nearly 33% of the new capacity, marking a 232% increase over 2012.

China's PV exports have slowed in recent years in European and U.S. markets, due to lower subsidies and protectionist policies in those regions. But 2013 marked a turning point as solar exports to Asia jumped 124% ($5.5 billion) and those to Africa jumped 387% ($570 million). At the same time, exports to Europe fell 62% ($3.72 billion).

From 2012 onward, Chinese regulators have been active in developing the PV market, implementing policies like the State Council's "Opinions on Promoting the Healthy Development of the PV Industry."

South Africa has a number of utility-scale solar projects under construction, and contracts have been signed for more projects in the pipeline, which will see the country climb the global ratings list. Since December 2011, the government has approved 64 renewable energy projects, and is soon to initiate a fourth bidding round.

For related information, see July 7, 2014, article - Abengoa's Solar Project in South Africa Attracts $142 Million AfDB Loan; June 4, 2014, article - South Africa's Renewable Independent Power Producer Pipeline Reaches Strong Operational Phase; and May 21, 2014, article - South Africa's Solar Energy Atlas Supports 9,600 Megawatt Build Program.

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