Italy FIT farce could spill into next week
Speaking to industry representatives at Italys Solar Expo in Verona, confidence seems to be battered. While analysts had reported that the fourth Conto Energia would be signed today, media reports state that it will only be presented to the cabinet tomorrow. It is now believed a final decision will be reached within the next week.
Weak demand and sales decline characterize Sunways first quarter
Looking at its preliminary figures, Sunways AG experienced a significant sales decline of 22.1 million in the first quarter of 2011, in comparison to the first quarter of 2010. The reason cited was weaker than expected demand, which resulted in high inventory levels.
Q-Cells lays off contract workers
Germany-based Q-Cells SE has reportedly let the majority of its contract workers go, due to declining photovoltaic demand. The companys permanent staff wont be affected, according to sources.
REC also experiences weak Q1
In what seems to be the overriding trend for photovoltaics companies in the first quarter of 2011, the Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) has reported decreased revenues due to weakened demand.
EPIA: Bright future for PV, but global rebalancing of growth expected
A new report has forecast a bright future for photovoltaics, as long as government policy remains advantageous for the industry. Meanwhile, 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity could be reached by 2013, but Europes current foothold is expected to slip.
Italy: Signing of new Conto Energia delayed by bickering
Italys fourth Conto Energia should be done and dusted. However, testing the photovoltaic industrys already ragged nerves, it has emerged that bickering between Ministers has delayed the signing of the new decree. The final outcome is now expected on Wednesday.
PV inverter market strong, but new challenges are emerging
The photovoltaic inverter market grew by 140 percent in 2010: Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and France were cited as key markets. Meanwhile, for the first time, the top ten inverter suppliers were European. However, this foothold is not expected to last, as the market focus shifts.
Total looks to acquire majority stake in SunPower
French oil and gas group Total has announced it will launch a friendly tender offer for a majority share in California-based solar company, SunPower. The two parties have also entered into a research and collaboration agreement.
Australia: Solar bonus scheme suspended in NSW
The newly instated Australian government of New South Wales (NSW) has suspended the states Solar Bonus Scheme due to cost blowouts.
Dates for new Italian FIT pushed back
According to reports, the Italian Government will not introduce its new photovoltaic feed-in tariffs until September 1. The definition of uncapped “small systems” has also reportedly been revised to one megawatt (MW).
