Sandra Enkhardt
SolarWorld debt negotiations continue
SolarWorld AG is currently under massive debt pressure. To ease the situation, the company is in discussions with banks and bondholders regarding solutions. None have, however, been thus far found.
Germany: Severe renewable energy cuts planned
Germanys Environment and Economy Ministers aim to save over 1.8 billion over the next year. One proposal will see all photovoltaic installations bigger than 150 kW, which are connected to the German grid from August 1, sell generated electricity directly to the market.
Germany: PV storage subsidies expected in May
The new subsidies for battery storage systems will apply retroactively to all photovoltaic systems installed this year and have a maximum capacity of 30 kW. The German Environment Ministry and KfW state bank have not made any official announcements, however, the program is expected to be introduced in the coming week.
Germany: Altmaier lays out timetable for EEG changes
Germanys Federal Environment Minister is holding fast to his proposal for “electricity price protection in the EEG”, despite fierce criticism from within his ranks, opposition parties and environmental groups. Now he wants to find a compromise with FDP leader and Economics Minister, Philipp Rösler.
Germany sets new PV installation record in 2012
Germanys Federal Network Agency has again at the last minute released the latest photovoltaic installation figures and feed-in tariff (FIT) reductions. While last December saw just 330 MW of new plants added, a new installation record was seen in 2012. Meanwhile, FITs will drop 2.2% over the next three months.
SolarWorld CEO buys castle
Frank Asbeck would often like to be referred to as the sun king in the solar industry. While his photovoltaic group grapples with its debt issues, the CEO has bought a castle in Germany from entertainer Thomas Gottschalk.
Germany: Altmaier presents concept for short-term EEG changes
Germany’s Federal Environment Minister has presented his concept for “electricity price protection”. Altmaiers aim is to limit the energy transition cost and, thus, set the stage for photovoltaic, wind and biomass cuts. The amendments are expected to be passed before the summer break.
New solar subsidies in Poland delayed
The reworking of subsidies for renewable energy in Poland, through the adoption of a new renewable energy resources act, is only making slow progress.
SolarWorld puts a third of its staff on short-time work
According to media reports, the photovoltaics company will put 350 of its 1,330 staff at its Freiberg, Germany location on short-time work. The reason is the poor orders situation.
Photon Europe files for insolvency
Germanys Aachen District court officially opened preliminary insolvency proceedings against Photon Europe. The prosecution had previously been involved in investigations into delayed filing of insolvency.
