UK: DECC community solar backing prompts STA 10 commitments amendment
Voluntary agreement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change to explore opportunities for community-backed solar farms triggers revision of STA’s solar commitments.
Germany: PV growth drops to lowest level since February 2011
The demand for photovoltaic systems in Germany reached a new low in September with 110 MW. Nevertheless, solar subsidies continue to decrease. November feed-in tariff rates for rooftop systems up to 500 kW range between 10.98 and 12.62 eurocents per kilowatt hour.
German wholesaler Energiebau files for insolvency
The Cologne District Court has ordered the opening of preliminary insolvency proceedings for the photovoltaic wholesaler. The provisional administrator is reviewing the state of the company. The management is eager to find a solution for its long-term survival.
Hanergy expands operations in Silicon Valley
The Chinese company’s new Product Development Group will comprise seven units aimed at expanding its thin-film business operations around the globe.
ACME wins 160 MW in Andhra Pradesh tender
The company’s solar power portfolio has reached 422.5 MW following the additional projects from the state’s request for proposals ACME is now on course to generate 1 GW by 2017.
Vattenfall to focus on renewable energy as it preps exit from lignite business
State-owned Swedish energy giant Vattenfall will in the future concentrate on renewable energy. President and CEO Magnus Hall has announced that the company is considering a “new ownership structure” for its lignite division.
SunPower partners on 3 GW of projects in China
The California-based company is expanding its reach in China with a second joint venture. It’s partnering with TZS, Sichuan Development, Leshan Electric Power and Tianjin Tsinlien; Plans to Utilize Leading LCPV Technology
pv magazine: Week in review
Energy storage garnered the spotlight at SPI in Las Vegas while in the U.S., renewables continued to account for new capacity. In the Middle East, Saudis are looking increasingly at solar as the key to their future while Israel is testing its local industry with ever lower FITs. And SunEdison continued its global project hot streak. Without further ado, here is pv magazine’s week in review.
US DOE provides $15 million for solar and energy storage projects
A week after Energy Secretary Ernie Moniz announced US$53 million in awards for R&D at the Solar Power International trade show, the DOE is opening another funding opportunity focused on integrating higher penetrations of solar.
Greek PV market remains idle, defined by paradox
While government cuts slashed the internal rate of return for Greek PV plants, they still remain significantly higher than in other European countries and offer foreign investors a potentially attractive investment as Greece’s economy slowly recovers.
