A European Committee has spoken out in favor Germany-style renewable energy (EEG) feed-in tariffs, as opposed to a European-wide quota model, despite opposition from the EU Energy Commissioner.

The German Federal Environment Minister wants a fundamental reform of Germany’s renewable energy law, or EEG. His ideas received wide support at a meeting between the German Chancellor, ministers and associations.

Germany installed 274 MW worth of photovoltaics in January, according to the latest figures from the Federal Network Agency. Overall, the country has a cumulative photovoltaic capacity of 32.6 GW.

Poland’s new renewable energy law is expected to be adopted by the government by the end of March. However, due to the EC notification process, it is not anticipated to enter into force until mid-2014. Meanwhile, mandatory certification for imported biomass has been suggested.

Centrosolar has indicated that it will employ a series of measures to clearly reduce its debt burden of some €90 million. To this end, jobs will be cut and the company’s financing reorganized.

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’s 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.

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’s 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’s 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.