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After over two years of policy deliberations and growing pains, India is finally seeing solar installations in meaningful numbers: cumulative photovoltaic capacity stands at 964 megawatts (MW), 745 MW of which have been commissioned in 2012. But it is not all sunshine, with financing proving to be one of the country’s biggest challenges. Quality issues are also surfacing.

As announced yesterday, Shanghai Alex Solar Energy Science and Technology Co. Ltd has been awarded a contract to develop one gigawatt (GW) of photovoltaic projects and install a new module manufacturing facility in China’s Jinchang City. A spokesperson elaborates.

Germany’s Bundesrat wants to revise the country’s renewable energy law (EEG) for photovoltaics. A majority of Bundesrat representatives, therefore, voted for the invocation of a mediation committee with the Federal Parliament.

The recently-established Global Solar Council (GSC) has denied that it was set-up in response to the ongoing U.S.-Sino trade dispute, following media claims to the contrary. In related news, its executive director answers pv magazine’s questions.

Phoenix Solar AG has successfully concluded a financing package worth €132 million, following the company’s failure to fulfill the agreements of a previous loan agreement. It was agreed on the back of a restructuring plan, which has included a significant workforce reduction. In reporting its 2011 financials, the company saw massive losses.

ReneSola Ltd has seen first quarter (Q1) 2012 financial improvements across the board, although it is still suffering significant losses. The company has released its wafer, module and polysilicon cost targets for the year.

Gestamp Renewable Industries has announced new joint ventures between two of its business divisions, and unnamed South African industrial partners. The company has also unveiled its plans to start work on the photovoltaic plants awarded to it under the first round of South Africa’s IPP program.

Gero Solarpark GmbH has inaugurated its 28 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park in Amsdorf near Halle today. It was reportedly constructed in just seven weeks.

According to reports, 30 percent of Hamburg-based Conergy AG will be acquired by a Chinese photovoltaic company. Conergy would not confirm the news.

Germany’s S.A.G. Solarstrom is confident it will post a positive EBIT for the full year 2012. Reporting its first quarter (Q1) 2012 financial results, the solar company recorded lower sales and a negative EBIT, compared to the same period in 2011. It is looking to new markets to compensate for domestic decline.