Becky Beetz
Austria stops tariffs for PV systems over 500 kWp
Austrias government has unveiled a new Green Energy Act, under which feed-in tariffs for photovoltaic plants over 500 kWp have been removed. Meanwhile, a new support structure has been devised for building integrated and rooftop systems.
Roth & Rau unveils nickel busbars for solar cells
Germanys Roth & Rau has developed a new concept for the metallization of solar cell busbars using nickel instead of silver, thus introducing savings of between 50 and 70%.
Air Liquide unveils new solar R&D lab
Air Liquide has inaugurated its new R&D lab in France. Via a solar cell pilot manufacturing line, the company aims to speed-up the introduction of next generation passivation and light trapping technologies.
Enerparc connects 32 MW PV park to German grid
Enerparc AG has connected a 32 MW photovoltaic park to the grid in Germany after just 6 weeks of construction.
OPIC to fund 60 MW South African PV project
The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) will invest up to US$250 million in its first photovoltaic project in South Africa.
Fluor Corporation plans 170 MW PV project in California
Fluor Corporation has been awarded an EPC contract to construct a 170 MW photovoltaic plant in southern California by Centinela Solar Energy, LLC, a member of the LS Power Group. It is scheduled to be online by mid-2014.
PV polysilicon prices continue to plummet
Oversupply is continuing to plague the photovoltaic polysilicon market, according to IHS iSuppi, which say Tier 1 suppliers need to reduce production to alleviate the market. A revival could be seen this year; however, investigations by China into the U.S. and Korean markets are hampering development.
Suntech reduces PV cell capacity; announces layoffs
In light of the current market conditions, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has temporarily reduced its photovoltaic cell production capacity in Wuxi, China. Around 1,500 employees have been affected by the decision.
LDK posts significant net loss; lowers FY revenues
LDK Solars woes are continuing well into 2012. In reporting its Q2 2012 financials, the companys net loss has continued to decline and it only just achieved the lower end of its revenue guidance. The latest figures have prompted it to lower its FY revenue guidance for a second time.
China: Construction on 40 MW PV project underway
China-based Shanghai Surpass Sun Electric Co. Ltd has started construction on 2 photovoltaic plants worth 20 MW each, in the province of Qinghai.
