Swedish dye-sensitised solar startup Exeger pursues its strategy to reach scale with its organic PV technology through the consumer electronics market and in particular the fast-growing wearables sector.

In another sign that the module manufacturing environment is returning to more sure footing, Japanese thin film manufacturer Solar Frontier has announced that it will construct a new fab, with 150 MW nameplate capacity.

New figures have revealed that Australia has now installed 3 GW of solar PV. Rooftop arrays continue to dominate the market.

Australia’s mining industry is investigating solar to supply some of its energy needs in off-grid and remote locations. In the resource rich state of Western Australia, estimated savings could reach an excess of AUD$2 billion.

A range of PV players are launching a number of solar leasing programs in Australia. The development shows the evolution of the post-FIT market in the country.

The Baden-Württemberg Center for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research (ZSW) has announced the production of a world record efficiency 20.8% CIGS cell. Equipment supplier Manz has secured exclusive rights to the technology in its CIGSfab.

The 5th All Energy trade show in Melbourne, Australia, is under way, with attendees and exhibitors remaining relatively upbeat regarding the market as policy changes in renewable energy loom.

While the Australian PV market continues to be dominated by the residential market segment, the unique challenges in developing large scale solar in the country have emerged at the All Energy trade show and conference currently underway in Melbourne, Australia.

The commercial rooftop market is an important growth area as a post-FIT residential sector slows. But rigid requirements from state utilities are an obstacle for installers.

New draft regulations for renewable energy development in Poland, released last week, indicate that PV may have an uphill battle to gain renewable energy market share in the country. The proposed feed-in tariff (FIT) for micro-installations and installations up to 40 kW may still be worthwhile.