Markets & Policy

A new report into the CIS/CIGS photovoltaic manufacturing market, by market and technology analysts Yole Développement, has concluded that while a number of small copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS) manufacturers are likely not to survive present market conditions, opportunities still remain.

Price is crucial and will remain the most important driver, according to a new study. Raising prices for photovoltaic modules by one or two percent would see a return to profitability for some of the major solar players, and is “more realistic” than selling more megawatts. Localized sales teams and partner programs are also identified as key.

For a second time this year, the U.K. government has revealed a new photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme, aimed at establishing a more “predictable, certain and sustainable” industry. Under the changes, a new 16 pence (p) FIT will be introduced from August 1. According to STA, there are now provisions to install 800 MW to one GW annually.

CEOs from China’s four largest photovoltaic manufacturers were gathered today, May 24, at a press conference in Shanghai, China, to launch the Solar Energy Promotion Alliance and comment on the latest U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) ruling regarding the dumping of crystalline silicon cells in the U.S. market.

In a sign of continued consolidation, Australian photovoltaic module manufacturer SilexSolar announced today that it will permanently close its manufacturing operations. The move will cost around AUD10 million (US$9.77 million).

Germany’s Federal Network Agency has once again quietly released the new photovoltaic installation capacities. Overall 1.8 gigawatts (GW) were installed in the country in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012.

Hopes that Germany-based Odersun AG will be saved are fading fast. Unless an investor is found by the end of the month, the company will be forced to shut down and its employees let go.

Taiwan looks likely to see a substantial boost to its solar cell industry following the latest U.S.-China trade case announcement, but will it be enough to offset declining margins and the industry’s core issue – overcapacity in supply?

Bright spring sunshine has welcomed the completion of world’s largest copper indium gallium (di)selenide (CIGS/CIS) power plant today in Brandenburg, near the German capital Berlin. The 28.8 megawatt (MW) power plant is largest, using CIGS/CIS technology, to be connected to the grid.

China Sunergy has seen some financial improvement in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012. The company is still suffering losses, however. Looking ahead, it will shift its market focus and invest more in downstream segments.