The Sharp Corporation has signed an agreement with Thai power producer NED to establish one of the world’s largest solar power generation plants, with a power generation capacity of 73 megawatts (MW). Construction is due to start this month and should be completed by the end of next year.

The U.S. is the leading solar energy market with a total of 73 points out of 100, according to the Ernst and Young Renewable Energy Country Attractiveness Indices. Following hot on its heels is India in second place with 66 points, whilst Italy and Spain are ranked joint third with 64 points.

Phoenix Solar AG, has built a photovoltaic (PV) power plant with a peak power of 14.4 megawatts (MWp) for Hamburg-based LUXCARA Asset Management GmbH. Production will be ramped up to 18 MWp in a second construction phase, says the company.

Spain-based Isofotón has said it will be entering new photovoltaics markets, such as Asia and the U.S.

If the euro reaches parity with the dollar, the cost competitiveness of Chinese photovoltaics (PV) manufacturers will “significantly erode”, says a new report by the Goldman Sachs European Clean Energy team.

Systaic has sold its 64 percent holding in the joint venture Webasto Solar GmbH to automotive supplier Webasto AG for around one million euros.

Sharp Electronics Corporation is commemorating the production of its two millionth solar panel at its assembly operation at Sharp Manufacturing Company of America (SMCA) in Memphis.

BTU International has received a USD$16 million order for its solar cell processing equipment.

The Eaton Corporation is to design and install a USD$20 million 3.2 megawatt (MW) turnkey solar photovoltaic (PV) system in New Mexico, the U.S. When completed, it is set to the state’s largest PV system.

Renewable energy project developer Pacific Blue Energy Corp. (PBEC), has announced it will be partnering with Patriot Solar Inc. for the development of commercial solar farms in Southwestern U.S.