China: Government to rescue domestic manufacturers
2012’s first and second quarters have seen a major setback in China’s manufacturing landscape, with exports falling. Now the Chinese government is stepping in by more than doubling its long-term installation target from 20 to 50 GW by 2020.
Aleo solar lowers revenue guidance
German company aleo solar has reported that its revenue the first half of 2012 has fallen by 28.3 percent, compared to the first six months of 2011.
US: Bancorp and National Cooperative Bank jointly finance 8 solar projects
US$64.4 million in funds will be used to finance the photovoltaic projects that Borrego Solar Systems will develop. The projects are to be found at municipal landfills and at a school district.
US: ECD and USO liquidation plan confirmed
US Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Michigan has confirmed the liquidation plans for Energy Conversion Devices (ECD) and United Solar Ovonic LLC (USO). USO is known for its Uni-Solar brand.
US: NREL reports solar has most potential amongst renewables
A study released by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) shows that the technical potential of photovoltaic and concentrated solar power (CSP) is the highest in the US case.
France: 541 MW of solar projects approved
The French energy and ecology minister, Delphine Batho announced that the government has approved 214 solar power projects totaling 541 MW. Two tenders were opened last year, one for projects on rooftops between 100 to 250 kW and another for bigger projects.
26 percent of Arenales power plant sold
Solar Millennium’s insolvency administrator, Volker Böhm has sold a 26 percent share of the Spanish solar power plant Arenales. Purchaser is private equity firm STEAG GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of STEAG, Germany’s fifth largest electricity producer.
India: 1 GW milestone crossed
Local media in India have reported that solar photovoltaic installations in the country have crossed the one GW mark, according to the data released by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
Suntech investigates possibility of fraud
Suntech Power Holdings has launched an investigation into a security interest the company received in connection with its investment in Global Solar Fund, S.C.A., Sicar (GSF). This investigation may delay Suntech’s earnings announcement for 2Q2012.
India: Bharat Heavy Electricals commissions 5 MW solar plant
BHEL (Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited) has commissioned a five MW grid-connected solar power plant in Shivanasamudram, Karnataka. The company claims it is the largest plant of its kind in the state.
