Germany: A rescue plan proposed
Green energy politician, Hans-Josef Fell has requested the government to mitigate the drastic cuts that are being made to the photovoltaics subsidies. German photovoltaic manufacturers are also in the need of support from industry politics.
Dampened support for Greek Project Helios
State Secretary for the Federal Environment Ministry Jürgen Becker at an energy conference in Athens clearly articulated that the support for the development of solar energy in Greece will not come from the EEG.
Brazil's smart grid market to grow
Northeast Group has released a study, Brazil Smart Grid: Market Forecast 2012-2022, stating that smart grid investments in Brazil are set to reach US$36.6 billion by 2022.
Japan: 200 MW plant planned
In what will dwarf all previous photovoltaic installations in the country, the Japan Times has reported that telecommunications pioneer Softbank is planning to build a 200 megawatt (MW) power plant on the northern island of Hokkaido. It is reported that Softbank is negotiating with the Hokkaido Electric Power Company over prices for the electricity.
Lux predicts flat demand and revenue declines
Using at times impassioned language, Lux Research has published a report into the 2012 photovoltaic market, which could serve as a great awakening for the industry. Predicting installed capacity growth of only 400 megawatt (MW) and global revenue declines from US$110 billion in 2011, to US$92 million in 2012, the report investigates solars future, post-subsidies.
Spain: Gehrlicher aims at PV without FITs
Project developer Gehrlicher Solar wants to realise a 250 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic plant in Spain without any feed-in-tariffs or other kind of economic incentives. The generated electricity will be sold at market price.
Ghana: PVs next steps
As is the case with photovoltaics in a number of African countries, Ghana is taking the next step towards introducing initiatives to encourage its growth. This was the major message at the Energy Forum of the Ghanian-German Economic Association, held in Accra last week.
India: 2 GW telecom tower market
Bridge to India has released the April 2012 edition of their quarterly market analysis report – The India Solar Compass. According to the latest issue, the telecom tower is a viable option for developers in the Indian solar market.
Conservation groups support appropriately sited projects
The four major conservation groups in California declared their support for a set of proposed large-scale soalr power projects thanks to the suitable site location and environmental awareness.
US: Commercial rooftop lease launched
New Jersey-based solar installer GeoGenix has launched a solar lease scheme for commercial rooftops. The deal is based around a 15-year power purchase agreement (PPA).
