First Solar inaugurates second German plant
Thin-film module manufacturer First Solar has inaugurated today its second plant (FF02) at its Frankfurt (Oder) site in Germanys east. The plant will have a capacity of 250 megawatts (MW) a year, bringing the company’s capacity at the site to 500 MW.
Q-Cells announces 91 MW PV project
Q-Cells has begun work on what it says is Europes largest photovoltaic park. Located near Berlin, Germany, the 91 megawatt (MW) project is expected to supply energy to around 22,500 households.
Arizona: 34 MW of PV under AZ Sun Program online
Two photovoltaic facilities have been brought online in Gila Bend. Worth 17 megawatts (MW) each, they represent the first facilities to reach commercial operation under the AZ Sun Program.
UK looks to significantly slash solar FITs
The U.K. government has launched a consultation paper, which is proposing further, significant photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) cuts for systems registered on or after December 12, 2011. It says that “urgent” action must be taken to avoid a “boom and bust” solar situation.
Morocco identified as location for 500 MW Desertec project
Desertec has announced that it will build its first solar power plant in 2012. Set to be located in Morocco, it is expected to be 500 megawatts (MW) in size.
US: Identification of solar energy zones to speed up permitting processes
Utility-scale solar development is set for a boost under new plans unveiled by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior yesterday. Through the identification of new solar energy zones (SEZ), it is believed permitting times will be reduced. Industry leaders have welcomed the news.
GP Joule constructs 20.8 MW CIGS PV park in Germany
At 20.8 megawatts (MW), GP Joule has completed construction on what has been described as the worlds largest CIGS photovoltaic project. Today marks the opening ceremony.
Jefferies: Grid parity a reality in Germany
Industry analysts Jefferies have taken the reductions in Germany’s feed-in tariffs as an indication of approaching retail grid parity.
Parabel completes 5.3 MW Horka solar park
Parabel AG has completed and grid connected a 5.3 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic park in Saxony, Germany.
First CIS/CIGS power plant installed in France
Integrator Belectric and Solar Frontier have announced today the completion of their 4.2 megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power plant in Bessan, France. It is the first such installation in France using copper, indium, gallium, (di)selenide (CIGS) thin-film modules. The project also represents the Japanese manufacturer’s entry into the French photovoltaic market.
