UK: CCC's "blinkered" PV view criticized
The UK Committee on Climate Change’s (CCC’s) new renewable energy report has met with dissatisfaction by photovoltaic industry stakeholders. A key criticism is related to pricing discrepancies. However, there is big potential in the future, with the deployment of 2.2 gigawatts per year a feasible goal in the 2020s. Imported solar power is also an option.
BrightRoof submits 12 MW worth of Ontario FIT applications
Solar LP has submitted over 40 applications to the Ontario Power Authority for solar feed-in tariff (FIT) contracts worth 12 megawatts.
Centrosolar expands export business; predicts strong second quarter growth
Having increased its export business from last year, Centrosolar says 72 percent of its 71.1 million first quarter revenue was generated outside of Germany. But, as with many solar companies, the companys year on year revenues decreased. Looking forward, it expects strong second quarter growth.
Trina revises Q1 guidance
Trina Solar has revised its first quarter guidance ahead of its first quarter results. Photovoltaic module shipments have been adjusted downwards, while both its in-house and overall gross margins have been increased.
Centrotherm bucks the trend to post Q1 profit
With the majority of solar companies recording negative first quarter results, Germany-based Centrotherm Photovoltaics AG proved to be a rare ray of sunshine in the industry, having posted growth of 64.2 percent.
Australian federal budget "disappointing" for solar
The Australian Federal Budget was handed down in the capital Canberra today providing mixed news for the photovoltaic industry as the government aims to implement over AUD$20 billion (15 billion) in cuts to return to a surplus.
Applied Materials secures wire saw order from GCL-Poly
GCL-Poly Energy Holdings Ltd. has ordered wire saws representing over 2.5 gigawatts of wafering capacity from Applied Materials. The order value was not disclosed.
Italys fourth Conto Energia signed; strong growth predicted
Italys fourth Conto Energia has finally been signed into law. While this is good news, analysts believe the delay has been “extremely disruptive”. The 200 kilowatt ground-mounted market has also taken a blow. Nevertheless, 3.5 to four gigawatts (GW) of installed photovoltaics capacity is expected in the second half of 2011, with further growth predicted in 2012.
Germany: Röttgen aims to reform EEG
The German Federal Minister for the Environment aims to introduce an optional market bonus for renewable energies. Now he has submitted a corresponding benchmark paper that also contains sweeping changes for solar energy subsidies.
Australian Government tapers off solar subsidies
The Australian Federal Government will start the process of reigning in its generous subsidies for home solar electric panels in light of strong growth in the industry and rising electricity prices.
