Germany: Slump in PV equipment sales
German PV equipment, machinery and component manufacturers had to make do with a decline of 50% in turnover in 2012 compared to the previous year. The German Engineering Foundation, VDMA, reported this downturn.
EU to propose anti-dumping duties of 30% or higher on Chinese PV imports
The EU trade chief is expected to propose anti-dumping (AD) duties on Chinese photovoltaic imports to the EU Commission on Wednesday. The levies are likely to be set at 30% or higher.
UK: STA adds voice to opposition to EU solar duties
The U.K.s Solar Trade Association has added its voice to the opposition to EU Commission trade duties on Chinese solar modules.
SoloPower confirms reductions, searches for investor
U.S.-based flexible CIGS manufacturer SoloPower has confirmed that it is scaling back its operations, as it searches for a strategic investor.
California: New group formed to defend net metering
A coalition of solar companies and physicians has been formed in California, to push back against utility company attempts to wind back net metering for solar customers.
US: DOC asks customs to review Chinese PV imports
Chinese solar manufacturers are misreporting and underreporting their imports to evade new tariffs, according to the Coalition for American Solar Manufacturing (CASM). It adds that the U.S. DOC has asked Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to review the claim.
Clean Power Finance raises $37 million "C Round" finance
While solar startups may struggle to raise venture capital funding at present, Californias Clean Power Finance (CPF) has managed to raise US$37 million in “growth equity” from new and existing investors. Notably, Edison International has purchased a share in the company.
Germany: 970 million surplus for EEG levy in March
In Germany, the EEG levy received a record surplus of around 970 million (US$ 1,263 million) last March, thus reducing significantly the accumulated deficit to around 450 million (US$ 586 million).
EU: Installers against anti-dumping tariffs
European installers are against the introduction of punitive and protective tariffs, a survey conducted by the EuPD Research showed today.
China drops solar cell import taxes, sends "positive signal" to Europe
China dropped import duties and value-added tax (VAT) for a variety of equipment, including for solar cells and lithium-ion batteries on April 1, thus sending a “positive signal” to the China-Europe trade negotiations.
