Germany: An awaited ban of photovoltaic systems?
According to media reports, the Managing Director of the arrhenius Institute for Energy and Climate Policy, Helmuth Groscurth, forsees a ban on new photovoltaic systems in Germany.
The green jail Santa Rita unveils its smart grid
California based Santa Rita jail, which houses 4,000 inmates, unveils its US$11.7 million smart grid project. This is the first smart grid of its kind in the U.S.
SolarWorld posts loss
In another sign of the tough times for photovoltaic manufacturers, SolarWorld has posted a loss of 299 million (US$393.65 million) loss for 2011. A ruinous price war within the industry and balance sheet write-downs has been blamed for the losses.
Germany: Federal Network Agency confirms record numbers
The announcement, at the beginning of the 2012, that estimates indicate that three gigawatts of photovoltaics had been installed in December 2011 led to heated discussions. The numbers have now been confirmed by the Federal Network Agency.
First Solar sells 50 MW Nevada power plant
Thin film manufacturer First Solar today announced the sale of the Silver State North photovoltaic project, in Nevada, U.S. The project is worth 50 megawatts and was acquired outright by Canadian energy company Enbridge Inc.
Germany: Positive changes might come
Representatives of the different states in Germany are apparently pushing for changes to the solar subsidy decisions that have been announced thus far. The German Environment Ministry is said to probably present an amended EEG tomorrow.
Sino-US trade dispute: Low tariffs to be imposed
The U.S. government has announced that it will impose countervailing tariffs on Chinese solar products, but at rates lower than expected. That the tariffs are at the lower end may be seen as a small win for the Chinese PV companies.
Germany: Energy turnaround is only possible with solar
Provincial minister for environment, climate and energy Franz Untersteller sat down with the Baden-Württemberg photovoltaic industry to discuss the future of renewable energy and photovoltaics in the state at a special meeting.
First day of Asia Solar highlights solar survival strategies
The slowdown of the global solar industry is expected to continue well into this year. The need to understand this “crisis” is crucial, according to the experts, who spoke at the first day of the 7th Asia Solar 2012, in Shanghai, China. Overcapacity, meanwhile, is expected to again dominate discussions, while prices will continue to fall. China’s FIT was additionally criticized.
Solar purchasing group launches
The Solar Purchasing Group (SPG) has been launched to allow members to take advantage of group purchasing discounts when buying photovoltaic materials and components. Things like glass, cells, back sheets, junction boxes, EVA and stringing material will be covered under the program.
