Photovoltaics will see expansion during 2013, but those who are looking to invest globally must study the landscape and take astute risks – exemplifying the attitude, “No guts, no glory.” A local presence in key developed regions, including the U.S., Japan and China, will pay dividends, according to Lux Research, particularly in terms of distributed generation.

The Indian solar market appeared to have some momentum until it initiated an anti-dumping investigation against China, Malaysia, Taiwan and the U.S. For a solar market still in its infancy, starting a trade war could become a costly distraction when the focus should be to encourage new technologies, competition and free markets.

Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) has ordered several studies into fuel alternatives for its civilian aircraft industry, including solar energy. Around RUB628 million (US$ 21 million; €15.5 million) has reportedly been earmarked for the research.

A typically horrendous set of fourth-quarter and full year figures from Norwegian solar manufacturer Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) was enough to see off chairman Jens Ulltveit-Moe. HIs replacement, Mimi K Berdal told pv magazine she is confident the market will turn – she just doesn’t know when.

Behind the headline news from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) that the world has passed the 100 GW mark in cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity, is the ongoing story of a shift away from Europe.

Houston, Texas-based Quanta Services Inc has won an EPC contract for solar parks in Kings and Tulare counties in California.

Photowatt parent company, EDF, has announced it will invest €10 million in the establishment of a new 75 MW photovoltaic module manufacturing line in France, in order to bring production back to Europe. Exisiting facilities will also be modernized.

SunPower has announced bullish full year results for 2012 and an optimistic forecast for 2013, despite seeing net losses in the final three months of the year burgeon by almost US$100 million.

Four renewable energy associations in Spain have joined forces to oppose implementation of the Spanish government’s new decree, which “retroactively aggravates initial investment conditions” for developers of photovoltaic installations and other renewable energy plants.

Greece-based Metaxas and Associates Law Firm has lodged two complaints with the European Commission against the retroactive taxes applied to renewable energy systems in Greece. Meanwhile, rumors abound that the Greek government is considering more retroactive cuts.