Markets & Policy

Photovoltaics can become a mainstream energy source, says EPIA, if the right policy conditions are in place. It predicts that around 20 to 25 GW could be installed annually in Europe, up to 2016, and between 38 and 77 GW outside of Europe. However, the possibility of a market collapse exists, if the industry is not adequately supported.

Positioning itself to become one of the largest solar markets globally, the governments King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE) has announced Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plans to install 41 gigawatts (GW) worth of solar by 2032.

U.S.-based Westinghouse Solar Inc. and Australian CBD Energy Ltd have signed definitive merger agreement, which has been approved by both companies’ board of directors. Under the agreement, Westinghouse CEO, Barry Cinnamon has been replaced by an interim CEO.

Berlin-based Soltecture GmbH is the next German photovoltaic company to file for insolvency. Attorney Hartwig Albers of law firm Brinkmann & Partner has been appointed provisional liquidator.

India’s booming population and increasing demand for energy provides one of the most positive marketplace opportunities for renewable energy, and in particular solar, in the world, according to a new report. However, there are still many issues, like financing and policy, to be addressed, leading to doubts that the 20 gigawatt (GW) solar targets can be achieved.

U.S.-based Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) has cancelled the auction of the going concern sale of United Solar Ovonic LLC (USO) and has discontinued the court-approved sale process, having failed to find an “acceptable” qualified bid. Around 300 employees will be let go.

Ever since the 1603 Treasury and Section 1705 loan guarantee programs expired last year, succumbing to what many characterized as premature deaths, renewable energy advocates have been inconsolable. And they haven’t suffered silently. They continue to find ways to remind the U.S. Congress that the solar sector is not receiving the support it needs to build jobs and independence from fossil fuels, or to compete on a global scale.

Like an unrepentant child confined to a “time-out” corner, China is not only irate at accusations that it has over-subsidized its solar industry and underpriced its products, but it is plotting a market rally strong enough to scuttle its competition.

Clean Power Finance, Morgan Stanley subsidiary, MS Solar Solutions Corp., and Main Street Power Company have created a new U.S. solar lease facility, which will provide funding for up to US$300 million worth of projects.

The last of Japan’s 50 nuclear reactors was shutdown over the weekend, as the country heads into the electricity-hungry summer months. With proposed feed-in tariff (FIT) rates promising healthy returns to investors, the stage appears set for a photovoltaic boom.