Retail grid parity Down Under
New research from the Australian National University (ANU) shows that if a proposed carbon tax goes through the Australian Parliament on schedule, retail grid parity will be reached right around Australia in a matter of weeks.
SMA revises 2011 forecasts down; announces lay offs
Weak demand in the solar inverter and roof systems businesses has forced SMA to revise its 2011 sales and earnings forecast downwards.
US sees "substantially" decreased PV installation costs
New research has indicated that the installed cost of photovoltaic systems in the U.S. “substantially” decreased in 2010 and during the first six months of 2011. For the first time, data is available on utility-scale installed costs trends.
Brazil: 50 MW PV plans unveiled
Brazils first commercial-scale, one megawatt (MW) photovoltaic plant is set to double in size. Plans to ramp up to 50 MW have been unveiled.
Ontario renewable industry tries to rally voters
As the largest Canadian province of Ontario heads towards elections, on October 6, the Ontario Sustainable Energy Association (OSEA) has launched an advertising campaign in an attempt to sway voters in favor of candidates who support renewable energy, including photovoltaics.
US: Rhode Island implementing FITs
Rhode Island has passed a law implementing a limited feed-in tariff (FIT) and set it on a fast track to implementation. Under it, a 40 megawatt (MW) capacity cap for renewables has been set.
PV Rome focuses on Italys solar future
The fifth PV Rome Mediterranean 2011 kicked off yesterday. The future of Italys photovoltaic industry was the main focus of the opening conference. A key advertising theme is “Made in Europe”.
Solyndra under scrutiny
The decision by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support failed thin film manufacturer Solyndra with a half-billion dollar loan guarantee is being closely examined in congressional hearings.
France unveils new smart grid project; Tenesol to install 500 PV systems
Under a new 30 million government funded project designed to develop a French smart grid, Tenesol will install 500 photovoltaic systems and 250 converters.
Italy on track to knock Germany off top PV spot
The Italian network agency, GSE, reports that photovoltaic installations in Italy have reached over 10 gigawatts (GW). Already this year, says the agency, 6.5 GW have been installed.
