Finance

What will be one of Australia’s biggest photovoltaic power plants has moved one step further towards completion today, with the 53 MW plant receiving a recommendation that it should be approved. Construction is set to begin in 2014.

Speculation that SolarWorld may receive a three-digit million investment from Qatar saw the German photovoltaic company’s stock temporarily jump. It has failed to respond to the rumors.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) awarded US$46 million for 76 large-scale projects totaling 52 MW of new photovoltaic capacity.

Overall, the Conergy Group managed to reduce its 2012 losses, albeit slightly. Sales are expected to considerably improve in 2013. Meanwhile, business in Asia and the U.S. is forecast to significantly grow, and Eastern Europe should open up as a promising new export market.

Phoenix Solar AG expects to see “slight” growth in 2013, on the back of marginally improved 2012 financials. The U.S. and Asia are key growth regions for the German photovoltaic company, which recorded sales decreases of more than 50% last year.

At the end of February, Dyesol secured A$4 million in funding with potential for a further A$16 million draw-down. The executive chairman speaks to pv magazine about what the investment means for the dye-sensitized photovoltaics developer, and how it managed to secure finances in the current financial climate. He also discusses why Dyesol’s products are on their way to achieving grid competitiveness, speaks frankly about the silicon market and provides updates on the company’s various industry partnerships.

According to media reports, the Polish Government has implemented further solar subsidy changes to its renewable energy draft law. Under them, support will only be given to photovoltaic plants up to two MW in size.

Without announcement, Uganda has dropped its PV FIT program. Although other forms of renewable energy are still eligible for support, prices for PV power are said to have fallen enough worldwide to merit the removal of tariffs in the country. Tenders are now being considered.

In a difficult market environment, even the world’s leading photovoltaic inverter manufacturer suffered revenue and earnings losses in 2012. Despite this, SMA did turn an overall profit. The Board has confirmed its 2013 forecast. Amid expected declining sales, it is not ruling out a loss.

A German association for private investors has published its latest Top 50 list of “capital destroyers” in Germany. In 2013, every second company in the top 10 comes from the solar industry.