Will PV tariffs level the playing field between the US and China?
Last year, the U.S. reproached China for being “generous to a fault” to its domestic solar manufacturers, even as the rest of the industry suffered from declining subsidies, rising inventories and internecine cost competition. But can punitive tariffs really bring prices up to parity and alleviate the pain?
Up to half of RES investment could come from institutional investors
A new study by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) finds that institutional investors could supply between a quarter to a half of the investment needed to fund renewable energy system (RES) projects through to 2035. Barriers including public policies and investment practices, exist, however.
7th Fab Managers Forum: PV industry drought continues
2013 will be another tough year for the photovoltaics industry, although global markets continue to grow. This was the message on the first day of SEMI Europe’s Fab Managers Forum, held yesterday in Berlin, Germany.
Japan: PV demand growing faster than expected; new FIT rates proposed
The Japanese photovoltaic market has significantly changed since the introduction of FITs last July. With domestic demand growing faster than expected, Japan’s Government has proposed a FIT reduction of around 10%.
SolarWorld delays release of 2012 financial figures
SolarWorld AG has delayed the release of its Q4 and FY 2012 financial report while it continues to work on a restructuring plan. Görg law firm and Houlihan Lokey investment bank have been brought in to help.
Update: Rumors rife that Suntech unit will file for bankruptcy
Speculation is mounting that the Wuxi Suntech Power Company unit of Suntech Power Holdings Company Limited will file for bankruptcy protection this month. The company has declined to comment. Update: Suntech has announced a preliminary solution with its bondholders.
APAC to account for 11 GW of PV demand
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is forecast to account for 11 of the expected 31 GW of photovoltaic demand in 2013, according to NPD Solarbuzz. China is expected to compensate for a demand decrease in Germany. Meanwhile, supply chain fragmentation is set to continue.
Canadian Solar: Bad debts and arbitration hit the accounts
The key number in the fourth quarter and full year figures released by Canadian Solar is the company’s general and administrative expenses which, the company says, unfairly skew perceptions of its performance in 2012.
Malaysia introduces new PV FIT degression rates
The Malaysian Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water has announced new degression rates for photovoltaic technology under the Malaysian FIT mechanism. Further changes to the FIT system have also been announced.
India: Same again for Karnataka round two
The Indian state of Karnataka has announced the second round of allocations under its solar policy and is seeking to generate 130 MW of projects to follow on from last year’s 80 MW.
