Finance

The Indian solar market appeared to have some momentum until it initiated an anti-dumping investigation against China, Malaysia, Taiwan and the U.S. For a solar market still in its infancy, starting a trade war could become a costly distraction when the focus should be to encourage new technologies, competition and free markets.

A typically horrendous set of fourth-quarter and full year figures from Norwegian solar manufacturer Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) was enough to see off chairman Jens Ulltveit-Moe. HIs replacement, Mimi K Berdal told pv magazine she is confident the market will turn – she just doesn’t know when.

SunPower has announced bullish full year results for 2012 and an optimistic forecast for 2013, despite seeing net losses in the final three months of the year burgeon by almost US$100 million.

Four renewable energy associations in Spain have joined forces to oppose implementation of the Spanish government’s new decree, which “retroactively aggravates initial investment conditions” for developers of photovoltaic installations and other renewable energy plants.

Greece-based Metaxas and Associates Law Firm has lodged two complaints with the European Commission against the retroactive taxes applied to renewable energy systems in Greece. Meanwhile, rumors abound that the Greek government is considering more retroactive cuts.

The U.S. has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement consultations with the Indian Government regarding India’s solar photovoltaic domestic content requirements (DCR). Industry association SEIA has come out in support of the move.

The sky is the limit for photovoltaic market growth, which is expected to more than triple by 2020, according to a report just released by London-based research firm GlobalData. It says growth is being stimulated by two major forces. Challenges are present, however, including issues over existing grid infrastructure.

The Lithuanian Government has announced it will not permit the construction of any new solar facilities, in a bid to halt the “rapid” development of the project industry. The amendments are expected to be passed on March 1.

Italian renewables provider Enel Green Power’s consolidated results for 2012 paint a picture of growing revenues and profits coupled with a growing debt pile.

Chinese photovoltaic project developer Sky Solar has connected the first 30 MW of a 200 MW solar park in Xinjiang Province, as well as securing funding for three projects in the Czech Republic.