While basking in the glow of its largest ever supply deal, Yingli Green Energy has posted a substantial loss for Q3 2012. The net loss of U.S. $152.6 million is an increase on the loss of $92 million in Q2, and $29 million in Q3 2011.

SunEdison has announced today that it has closed US$314 million in financing for two utility scale photovoltaic power plants in South Africa. Plans to develop the 30 MW Witkop Solar Park and the 28 MW Soutpan Solar Park can now go ahead.

In another sign of the moves into photovoltaics by a diverse collection of Japanese industrial players, financial services group ORIX has announced its plans to develop 200 MW of solar projects over the next three years.

IHS has plotted the shift away from established markets towards emerging markets in its latest photovoltaic market report. It has forecast cumulative demand of around 30 GW to be delivered by the emerging markets over the next four years.

A new report, released today by Australia’s Climate Commission, has made the case for a vastly expanded role for renewable energy in the country. The report argues that Australia is currently in “critical decade” in which a transition towards renewable energy, including photovoltaics, is made.

The Australian federal government has released a new round of funding for “early and mid career” photovoltaic researchers. The funding is a part of the government’s “Skills Development Program.”

For some time speculation has swirled around LDK Solar, about whether its huge debts will prove too great a challenge for the vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturer. In a sign that issues may be coming to a head, media reports have been published indicating that the company is being sued by Shanghai Rural Commercial Bank.

In a surprise move, the Australian federal government announced today that it would bring forward, by six months, the conclusion of a “multiplier” Renewable Energy Credit scheme for photovoltaics. While difficult to generalize over the vast continent, the move is anticipated to increase the cost of the average residential solar array by AUD$700 – $800 (US$723 – $826).

German photovoltaic project developer S.A.G. Solarstrom has posted EBIT earnings of €2.2 million for Q3 2012. Sales for the company in the quarter totaled €55.4 million, which was more than the previous two quarters combined.

More evidence of Conergy’s strong presence in South East Asia has emerged today, with the company announcing that it has been selected to develop two photovoltaic power plants worth 21 MW in Thailand.