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.
Chile receives US$50 million funding for PV projects
Chile’s Ministry of Energy has received US$50 million of international funding for photovoltaic projects. The government hopes it will help boost the number of grid-connected installations in the South American country.
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.
Buffett denies Suntech purchase rumors
Veteran American investor Warren Buffett has never had an interest in buying Suntech, according to an interview the ‘Sage of Omaha’ gave to China Business News, and which was carried by news agency Bloomberg. On Friday, the Chinese companys share price fell 7.4% to US$0.61; so far the decline for the year has been 60%.
Lightway Solar receives Chinese government approval to build 50 MW PV project in Romania
China-based manufacturer Lightway Solar has recently received approval from China’s Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to develop 50 MW of photovoltaic plants in Prundu, Romania.
Germany's Alfasolar files for insolvency
Yet another German photovoltaic manufacturer is experiencing financial difficulties. Alfasolar GmbH filed for insolvency on April 24 at the District Court of Hanover, according to a company statement. However, for the moment, production and business operations will continue.
Domino effect: Asola Automotive Solar also insolvent
Just shortly after Asola Solar Power filed for insolvency in April, now sister company Asola Automotive Solar Deutschland has also submitted an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings. Nevertheless, good future prospects are still expected.
High efficiency cells from lower grade silicon
University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers have released results indicating that lower-quality silicon can be used to produce high efficiency solar cells. The development is based on controlling the charge state of hydrogen atoms within silicon to help correct defects on an atomic level.
Massachusetts surpasses 250 MW goal, aspires to reach 1.6 GW
Massachusetts governor has announced that his state has surpassed its goal to install a total of 250 MW of photovoltaics by 2017 four years early. It now aims to reach 1.6 GW by 2020. This growth rate is said to be one of the fastest in the U.S.
UK publishes new FIT rates; records 70% increase in PV capacity
The U.K. has published its new FIT rates, due to take effect in July. The countrys 2012 energy statistics have also been released. According to the figures, 3.2% of energy was generated from PV, while renewables accounted for 11.3%. Overall, the government is confident growth will continue.
