New solar leasing push Down Under
A new campaign to introduce the solar leasing model to Australian households was kicked off today. The campaign is called “Every Rooftop” and is the result of a collaboration between solar developer Ingenero and the NGO Green Cross Australia.
Bulgaria: Photovoltaic grid access fee revoked; appeals underway
The Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court has overruled the controversial grid access fee, introduced for photovoltaic producers in Bulgaria last September 18. The State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SWERC) has appealed the decision.
Bad investment and US trade case led to Suntech fall
Failure to correctly vertically integrate its business operations, the impacts of the U.S.-Sino trade case and the fallout of the GSF Fund debacle all led to Suntechs current situation, according to IHS Solar. Furthermore, the research company adds, China appears less willing to prop up its ailing manufacturers.
UK: Consumers ready for Time of Use tariffs
The first stage of the U.K.s largest smart grid project has returned results indicating that consumers are ready to embrace Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariffs, if they stand to benefit from lower electricity charges.
Centrosolar sells solar glass division; suffers devastating 2012 losses
Centrosolar Group AG will sell its solar glass division off, following a year of devastating financial losses. The Germany-based company has also postponed the publication of its annual report and announced the continuation of its restructuring measures.
UK: Hanwha supplies modules to 16 MW of PV parks
Hanwha SolarOne has supplied modules to 16 MW of ib vogt GmbHs photovoltaic parks in the U.K. Overall, the two companies have worked together on 26 MWp of projects in the country.
Singulus Technologies and M-Cells to cooperate on cell production
PV equipment producer Singulus Technologies and solar cell manufacturer M-Cells have signed a letter of intent to expand technological cooperation for commercial production of crystalline silicon cells.
Cost reduction and innovation the key for struggling PV laminator producers
Photovoltaic laminator producers see little sign of any upturn in the months ahead, on the back of a tumultuous 2012. Weak demand and factory closures are characterizing the industry, as are overcapacity and U.S. sanctions on Chinese exports. Cost reduction and innovation hold the key to long term survival, however.
Innotech Solar ramps PV module capacity up
Going against the current grain, Innotech Solar is planning to increase its photovoltaic module production capacity. New jobs are expected to be created.
Political moves in Australias renewable energy landscape
A cabinet reshuffle in Australia results in the Department of Climate Change merging with Industry and a new Energy Minister. In the states of Queensland and Western Australia, electricity price policies remain a subject for debate.
