Solar stocks rally following tax advantage news
Solar stocks in New York rallied this month on the back of news that a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress would provide solar companies with a tax advantage enjoyed to date only by fossil fuel producers. The sector also received several votes of confidence that increased market momentum, including ABBs Power-One acquisition, and BNEFs elevation of Japan to the number-one market for PV installations.
PV module industry forecast to see 18% growth in 2013
IHS forecasts that global photovoltaic module production will grow 18% this year, to over 37 GW; and that OEM manufacturers will increase in significance. Meanwhile, it has identified the top 10 module suppliers by production of 2012.
Midsummer sells first CIGS line to EU manufacturer
Swedish CIGS equipment supply startup Midsummer has announced that it has sold its first turnkey system to a European customer. The sale was made in March with the system to be delivered in late 2013.
SolarWorld expects further losses in 2013; signs preliminary deal on 80% of loan
SolarWorld AG expects more losses in 2013, despite an increase in sales. The Germany-based company has signed a preliminary agreement with creditors for around 80% of its assignable loans, as it posts preliminary losses of 0.5 billion for 2012.
Commercial 5 MW battery park to be developed in Germany
Berlin startup Younicos and renewable power utility company Wemag AG are setting up a 5 MW lithium-ion battery park in West Mecklenburg, Germany. Samsung SDI will be supplying the batteries with a 20-year guarantee.
Australia: 20 MW Solar Auction receives 15 proposals
The second stage of the Australian Capital Territorys (ACT) Solar Auction has received 15 proposals. 20 MW of capacity will be funded under the government program. Meanwhile a new report has argued that rooftop photovoltaics is saving Australian electricity consumers money.
Uruguay signs PV decree worth US$400 million
Uruguays Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, Roberto Kreimerman, has signed a photovoltaic energy decree. The aim is to diversify the energy mix. The government will provide incentives worth US$400 million to help install 200 MW of photovoltaics.
Germany: PV FITs decrease 1.8% in May
Germanys Federal Network Agency officially confirmed that 290 MW worth of photovoltaics were installed in March in Germany. Consequently, FITs will sink by 1.8% between May and July.
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.
Power-to-gas platform established in Europe
Eleven European companies have established the North Sea Power to Gas Platform, a joint body to explore the viability of power-to-gas in the countries surrounding the North Sea area. With this platform, the companies aim to further develop the concept of power-to-gas or P2G, for short.
