HyperSolar, Inc. has completed a prototype design of its thin solar concentrator. The company’s aim is to reduce the number of solar cells in a panel by 75 percent.

Eighty five percent of PV cells will be produced in Asia by the end of the year, according to IMS Research. Last year, it estimates that nearly 80 percent of PV modules were produced there.

Following Portugal’s recent solar auction, launched by the state at the beginning of the year, French renewable energy producer Neoen has been awarded 29 out of a total 52 projects.

Germany-based SiC Processing GmbH, a leading slurry recycler from wafer production, aims to expand in Asia. This will be financed through the proceeds of a €100 million corporate bond, issued today. R&D and capacity expansion are also on the cards.

According to SolarWorld head, Frank Asbeck, the German company intends to place a greater focus on foreign markets. He adds that it will continue to be able to compete with Asian PV companies.

Under a new amendment, the Ontario Power Authority (OPA) will no longer issue microFIT or FIT capacity allocation exempt (CAE) contracts for smaller PV projects, until it has been confirmed that there is available grid space.

The Indian Government has revised its benchmark costs for PV systems, effective from April 1, 2011.

Scatec Solar is to build a six megawatt (MW) PV plant in Italy’s Emilia Romagna region.

Following the UK’s announcement that it will bring its FIT review forward by one year, representatives from EPIA gathered in London to urge the Government to “act very carefully”.

The moratorium for PV plants in France will remain in force until March 8, after which a new regulation will be published. Charpin and Trink, political advisors charged with the task, are due to provide their report to the French Government soon.