PV in 2012: The year of truth
The photovoltaics industry is going through some major changes. A still deteriorating global economic situation, government belt-tightening and a number of corporate incidents have left the industry in an unfamiliar, unhealthy state at the end of 2011. With the end of the year fast approaching, it is time for a change.
Ukraine: Activ Solar completes next 20 MW PV system
Making it one of the largest photovoltaic systems in the world, Austria-based Activ Solar has completed the fourth 20 megawatt (MW) phase of its giant Perovo photovoltaic park in the Ukraine.
T-Solar signs 3 loan agreements for solar projects worth 44 MW
Continuing on with its Peruvian photovoltaic plans, T-Solar has signed three loan agreements worth US$145 million.
Stion secures US$130 million financing for thin film plans
U.S. thin film photovoltaic module manufacturer, Stion, has secured US$130 million in equity investment. Among other plans, it will establish a Korean subsidiary and manufacturing facility.
300 MW Sonoran PV project approved
The U.S. Interior Department has approved NextEras 300 megawatt (MW) Sonoran photovoltaics project. Set to be located in Arizona, more hurdles need to be cleared before it can be brought online, however.
Indian solar capacity to hit 33.4 GW by 2022; off-grid potential "huge"
A new report on Indias solar market forecasts that as much as 33.4 gigawatts of both off- and on-grid solar will be installed in the country by 2022. While the National Solar Mission (NSM) aims to install 20 GW, it is believed there are “huge” off-grid opportunities. Furthermore, Rajasthan is expected to become the countrys solar hub.
Sacramento: Google invests in 88 MW worth of PV projects
Internet giant Google, investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. L.P. (KKR), and solar developer Recurrent Energy are to work on a portfolio of photovoltaics projects worth 88 megawatts (MW) for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD).
Canadian Solar and TransCanada enter into 86 MW PV project agreement
TransCanada Corporation is set to acquire 86 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaics projects from Canadian Solar Solutions Inc. (CSSI) for around CA$470 million.
Gehrlicher begins work on 34 MW PV park
Gehrlicher Solar AG today began work on its largest photovoltaic project, a 34 megawatt (MW) system located at Germanys former military Perleberg Airport.
Oerlikon produces thin film silicon modules at 0.35/Wp
Oerlikon has released a new production line which, it says, allows thin film silicon photovoltaic modules to be produced at around US$0.50 or 0.35 per Watt peak (/Wp) and reduces capital expenditure by 20 percent.
