Solar market remains 'stock-still'
Its okay to blink. Most of the solar market is going nowhere fast at least, nowhere that the risk-averse investor would want to be. The sector remains a challenging place to do business, as long as subsidies continue to shrink worldwide and panels remain plentiful. There are, however, some interesting opportunities, both downstream and (surprisingly) online.
Japan: Solar helps Panasonic trim costs
Electronics giant Panasonic has released its consolidated figures for the last three quarters of 2012, noting a fall in demand for photovoltaics and lithium-ion batteries in Europe.
Finland: Cencorp to open Finnish module production line
Finnish company Cencorp Corporation has bucked the global trend of PV manufacturers by announcing its intent to start a production line in Europe.
Germany sets new PV installation record in 2012
Germanys Federal Network Agency has again at the last minute released the latest photovoltaic installation figures and feed-in tariff (FIT) reductions. While last December saw just 330 MW of new plants added, a new installation record was seen in 2012. Meanwhile, FITs will drop 2.2% over the next three months.
Germany: Altmaier presents concept for short-term EEG changes
Germany’s Federal Environment Minister has presented his concept for “electricity price protection”. Altmaiers aim is to limit the energy transition cost and, thus, set the stage for photovoltaic, wind and biomass cuts. The amendments are expected to be passed before the summer break.
Latin America: A PV opportunity in 2013
With 8.4 GW of new solar projects announced in Latin America and the Caribbean over the past 12 months, market research provider GTM Research is predicting that 450 MW of new grid connected capacity will come online this year.
SolarWorld seeks to refinance debt mountain
SolarWorld AG, Germany’s leading solar panel producer and the manufacturer most active in petitioning the EU and U.S. authorities to bring anti-dumping duties against Chinese imports, is seeking to restructure its debt pile.
PV installations up in 2013 as revenues fall
There were mixed messages in the latest solar white paper from market research company IHS iSuppli, with predictions that a rise in global installations in 2013 will go hand-in-hand with falling revenues.
US: TRC Capital offers to buy 2.3% of First Solar
First Solar has advised shareholders to rebuff an unsolicited ‘mini tender’ for 2.3% of the company’s stock.
Debt-ridden LDK sells off another 12% stake
The carve-up of debt ridden LDK Solar continued with the disclosure yesterday that the British Virgin Islands-registered Fulai Investments Ltd has paid US$31.1 million for a 12% stake in the ailing Chinese manufacturer.
