[SMM PV News] Italy PV Grid Connection Requests Reach 144 GW, RtB Projects Continue to Rise

South Korea has expanded tax incentives for low-carbon solar manufacturing. Under revised rules effective April 1, PV module production facilities with lifecycle emissions of ≤655 kg CO₂/kW qualify for investment tax credits. According to the Korea Photovoltaic Industry Association (KOPIA), the policy covers the entire solar manufacturing chain, including polysilicon, wafer, cell, and module production equipment. The move extends South Korea’s existing carbon-grading system—used in public solar procurement and Renewable Portfolio Standard auctions—into manufacturing investment incentives. The policy aims to encourage domestic producers to adopt low-carbon processes and advanced technologies amid strong import dominance in the market.

Researchers from the Federal University of Ceará and Federal University of São João del-Rei evaluated contracting strategies in Brazil’s Free Contracting Environment (ACL), comparing long-term PPAs with solar PV self-generation for large industrial consumers. Using stochastic modeling, the study found that direct-investment self-generation can reduce costs by up to 32.9% compared with PPAs, with an IRR of 11.8%–18.1% and a discounted payback period of about 10 years. However, self-generation carries higher risks related to capital costs, O&M expenses, solar resource variability, and electricity price fluctuations. Regulatory exemptions—especially discounts on TUSD and other sector charges—play a crucial role in improving project economics and cash flow stability.

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a registration agreement with GREEENC to manufacture, assemble, and export PV modules from Batangas province in the Philippines. GREEENC plans an initial investment of PHP 370 million ($6.16 million) and expects about $132 million in export sales during the incentive period, mainly supplying European markets. The facility will be located in Light Industry and Science Park III, a PEZA ecozone offering tax incentives and duty-free imports. The project aligns with the renewable energy agenda of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and reflects the gradual development of solar manufacturing capacity in the Philippines.