[SMM PV News] Solar Self-Generation Could Cut Industrial Power Costs in Brazil by Up to 33%

As of March 31, Italy had 3,670 PV grid connection applications totaling 144 GW, according to the grid operator Terna. Ready-to-build (RtB) solar projects increased to 210 applications representing 9.34 GW. Solar accounts for 62.5% of renewable connection applications and 44.64% of the total 322.67 GW renewable capacity requested. Regionally, Puglia leads in number of PV applications, while Sicily ranks first by capacity at 37.39 GW. Approved PV projects reached 1,139 applications totaling 46.49 GW. Integrated storage requests remained stable, while stand-alone storage declined slightly. Meanwhile, data center connection requests rose to 480 projects totaling 82.63 GW, reflecting rising electricity demand from digital infrastructure.

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.

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.