Taiwans Powertec to produce 27,500 MT of polysilicon annually
GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) and Powertec Energy Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding under which Powertec will purchase polysilicon technology and equipment. The Taiwan-based company aims to reach a capacity of 27,500 MT of polysilicon production annually.
Poland proposes more PV changes
According to media reports, the Polish Government has implemented further solar subsidy changes to its renewable energy draft law. Under them, support will only be given to photovoltaic plants up to two MW in size.
Solar Frontier restarts No.2 fab
In another sign that the booming Japanese market is delivering considerable demand to photovoltaic manufacturers, thin film producer Solar Frontier has announced today that it is restarting its 60 MW Miyazaki No. 2 fab. The company said that it is considering producing “new products” at the fab.
Uganda drops PV FIT program
Without announcement, Uganda has dropped its PV FIT program. Although other forms of renewable energy are still eligible for support, prices for PV power are said to have fallen enough worldwide to merit the removal of tariffs in the country. Tenders are now being considered.
First Solar tops 2012 EPC rankings
In its 2012 EPC rankings, IMS Research has found that First Solar became the worlds biggest, in terms of MW completed. First Solar completed more than 500 MW of projects last year, the report has found. IMS Research is now a part of IHS.
New solar leasing push Down Under
A new campaign to introduce the solar leasing model to Australian households was kicked off today. The campaign is called “Every Rooftop” and is the result of a collaboration between solar developer Ingenero and the NGO Green Cross Australia.
UK: Consumers ready for Time of Use tariffs
The first stage of the U.K.s largest smart grid project has returned results indicating that consumers are ready to embrace Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariffs, if they stand to benefit from lower electricity charges.
UK: Hanwha supplies modules to 16 MW of PV parks
Hanwha SolarOne has supplied modules to 16 MW of ib vogt GmbHs photovoltaic parks in the U.K. Overall, the two companies have worked together on 26 MWp of projects in the country.
Cost reduction and innovation the key for struggling PV laminator producers
Photovoltaic laminator producers see little sign of any upturn in the months ahead, on the back of a tumultuous 2012. Weak demand and factory closures are characterizing the industry, as are overcapacity and U.S. sanctions on Chinese exports. Cost reduction and innovation hold the key to long term survival, however.
Innotech Solar ramps PV module capacity up
Going against the current grain, Innotech Solar is planning to increase its photovoltaic module production capacity. New jobs are expected to be created.
