Last week, it was announced 32 GW of utility-scale solar PV projects were currently under development in the U.S. ahead of the Federal energy investment tax credit (ITC) deadline. Analysts believe just 16 GW will be completed by the end of 2016.

According to the PV Market Alliance, 50 GW of solar PV will be installed globally this year. China, Japan and the U.S. will drive growth, while markets in Europe are expected to stabilize.

In more positive news for the company, Sonnenbatterie GmbH has opened an R&D facility in Georgia. Research will focus on next generation smart energy storage devices.

In a new report, Roland Berger Strategy Consultants predict solar PV could account for 12% of Europe’s total electricity production by 2030. It further looks at the challenges and opportunities decentralization is presenting utilities, including regulation.

Heraeus has launched a lawsuit against Giga Solar Materials Corporation in Taiwan, claiming the company has infringed a front-side metallization paste material patent, used in solar cell technology.

Analysts say a massive 32 GW pipeline of utility-scale solar is under development in the U.S., with developers aiming to finish their projects by the end of 2016, when the Federal energy investment tax credit (ITC) expires. Almost half of this is set to be installed in leading solar state, California.

In another positive announcement for the U.S., a record 1.3 GW of solar PV has been installed in Q1. The residential sector boosted growth, installing more capacity than natural gas, thus highlighting the significance of its future role in the electricity market. Overall, solar accounted for 51% of all new energy generation brought online.

Last year was said to be a benchmark for renewable energy, with renewables producing more power in Europe than nuclear for the first time. In yet another glittering solar industry report, SolarPower Europe further calculates cumulative solar capacity could reach 540 GW, globally, by 2020, with a record 40 GW installed in 2014. China is set to “frame global growth.”

Principal Solar Inc. is set to go public this week on the Nasdaq capital market. It is looking to raise up to US$26 million by selling up to 2.8 million shares. It plans to become the “world’s first distributed solar utility” and has identified targets, including SolarCity and TerraForm Power, which it could either partner with, or acquire. The U.S. solar company will also develop up to 500 MW of PV projects in Texas.

JA Solar Holdings Co Ltd has received a takeover bid from its chief executive officer and chairman for around US$489 million. Shares were up 12% following the news.