Portugal: Renewables supply 70% of power in Q1
Seventy percent of Portugal’s power generation came from renewable energies, mainly hydroelectric power and wind energy, in Q1 2013, according to the country’s grid operator, Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN). Despite this record, photovoltaic energy still fails to have significant presence in the energy mix.
Turkey: 2013 a critical year for solar energy development
2013 is expected to be a pivotal year for the Turkish solar industry, as the countrys Energy Market Regulatory Authority gears up to distribute PV production licenses for projects larger than 1 MW. Meanwhile, cumulative capacity is expected to surpass 4 GW by 2017.
US installs 537 MW of large-scale solar projects in Q1
A total of 537 MW of new large-scale photovoltaic capacity was added in the first quarter of 2013, according to the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
First Solar stock surges on major announcements
U.S. thin film manufacturer and project developer First Solar has taken what appears to be a major leap forward, as its share price soared on the back of 2013 financial guidance, an acquisition announcement and a major efficiency improvement.
Germany: PV falls by 500 GWh year-over-year
Despite an increase in installed PV capacity to 33.4 GW in Germany, photovoltaic power output fell by 500 GWh year-over-year during the first quarter of 2013, according to a report released by the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE).
UK: Martifer Solar completes 28.1 MWp PV project
Portugal-based Martifer Solar has commissioned a 28.1 MWp photovoltaic project in the U.K. Spread across a number of systems, construction was completed in 15 weeks.
Centrosolar unveils stark debt reduction plans
Germany-based Centrosolar Group AG has unveiled a number of approved measures aimed at cutting its around 90 million debt burden. Included in these are a capital reduction of 25:1 and the issuance of new shares.
Advanced Energy acquires Refusol
Following the signing of a contract by both parties, German photovoltaic inverter company Refusol is now a part of U.S.-based Advanced Energy Industries.
JinkoSolar sees huge 2012 losses
JinkoSolar recorded a number of hefty losses, both sequentially and annually. CEO, Kangping Chen blames continued photovoltaic module oversupply and lingering global economic certainties. He is, however, confident of the companys strategy going ahead.
Suntech seeking buyers and investors
Suntech is searching for buyers and investors, an unidentified source close to the China-based photovoltaic manufacturer has told Reuters.
