China: Gigawatt plans for Suncores new CPV facility
Suncore Photovoltaics commenced production of its concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) modules in Chinas Huainan at the end of February. A spokesperson provides further details on capacity ramp ups and funding.
First Solar to construct 26 MW Arizona PV plant; sells 2 projects
U.S.-based First Solar Inc. has been selected by NRG Energy Inc. to build the 26 megawatt (MW) Avra Valley solar plant, located near Tucson, Arizona. In other news, NextEra Energy Resources has acquired two projects from First Solar.
North Carolina PV systems achieve grid parity
According to a new study, many photovoltaic systems bigger than 10 kilowatts (kW) achieved grid parity with commercial retail electricity prices in 2011. This has resulted in a spike in projects and, thus, jobs. Both declining costs and the states favorable policies are said to be driving growth.
Germany: Resistance at first parliamentary FIT discussion
Germanys parliament today held the first round of meetings aimed at amending the photovoltaic incentives under the countrys Renewable Energy Act (EEG). As expected, the opposition rejected the new proposals. The CDU and FDP also agreed to rethink fast tracking tariff cuts.
FRV and Denham Capital to invest $190 million in solar projects
Spanish company Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV) and private equity firm, Denham Capital, have formed a partnership under which they will invest US$190 million in solar projects across a number of different global regions.
Premier Power and Chaori plan 3 PV projects in New Jersey worth $27.6 million
Premier Power Renewable Energy and Chaori Solar USA have signed a US$27.6 million agreement, under which they plan to develop utility-scale power plants in the U.S.
Asia: PV costs to keep falling; Uzbekistan market to take off
In an interview, Seethapathy Chander, from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) talks to pv magazine about the photovoltaic investment situation in Asia, falling project costs and emerging markets. Overall, he believes costs will, on average, sink to just US$0.09 per kilowatt hour (/kWh) across Asia, and that Uzbekistan will become a major market.
Sharp to develop 100 MW of PV in Indonesia; announces Japan project
The Sharp Corporation, in partnership with the Indonesia Government, will develop 100 megawatts (MW) worth of photovoltaic projects in Indonesia. It will also work on a 2.4 MW solar system in Japan.
German solar companies detail impact of FIT changes
Solar hybrid AG has said it will suffer from loss of investments for its planned 150 megawatt peak (MWp) photovoltaic park, due to be online by the end of 2012. Meanwhile, Parabel AG has said it will push ahead with its 40 MW park, with the assumption that an appropriate transition period will be allowed.
Californias Palo Alto introduces solar FIT program
A new program, called Clean Local Energy Accessible Now (CLEAN), has been introduced in the city of Palo Alto, California, the U.S. Under it, locally-produced solar energy will receive a fixed rate of remuneration.
