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.
Qatari investor expected to save SolarWorld
It has been largely agreed that Qatar Solar Technologies will step in to save SolarWorld AG, according to reports. The details are expected to be published at the German photovoltaic companys EGM.
Malta launches 21 million PV subsidy scheme
Malta has launched a photovoltaic subsidy and rebate scheme worth 21 million, according to local media. The fund is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and will pay a FIT rate of 0.22/kWh.
$7m for clean energy on US tribal lands
The U.S. Department of Energy is making up to US$7 million available for clean energy projects on tribal land.
SunPower shines a ray of light with Q1 figures
With the help of veteran investor Warren Buffett’s decision to buy the 579 MW Antelope Valley Solar Projects, California-based SunPower has announced that rarest of things in the solar industry a positive quarterly update.
Largest Californian solar facility up and running
NRG Energy will cut the ribbon today on its 66 MW Alpine Solar Generating Facility, California’s largest fully operational solar generating plant.
Mercury is falling on EU solar barometer
The changing balance of power in the global solar marketplace with the emphasis shifting from the EU to Asia and the Americas has been emphasized by a new set of European statistics.
