PV module industry forecast to see 18% growth in 2013
IHS forecasts that global photovoltaic module production will grow 18% this year, to over 37 GW; and that OEM manufacturers will increase in significance. Meanwhile, it has identified the top 10 module suppliers by production of 2012.
Midsummer sells first CIGS line to EU manufacturer
Swedish CIGS equipment supply startup Midsummer has announced that it has sold its first turnkey system to a European customer. The sale was made in March with the system to be delivered in late 2013.
Commercial 5 MW battery park to be developed in Germany
Berlin startup Younicos and renewable power utility company Wemag AG are setting up a 5 MW lithium-ion battery park in West Mecklenburg, Germany. Samsung SDI will be supplying the batteries with a 20-year guarantee.
Germany: PV FITs decrease 1.8% in May
Germanys Federal Network Agency officially confirmed that 290 MW worth of photovoltaics were installed in March in Germany. Consequently, FITs will sink by 1.8% between May and July.
Major construction work begins on 579 MW Antelope Valley PV projects
SunPower Corp. and recent investor MidAmerican Solar have announced the start of major construction work at their 579 MW Antelope Valley Solar Projects in California, the U.S. Work should be complete by the end of 2015.
Indonesia: 36 new solar plants planned for 2013
The Indonesian government is planning to develop 36 new solar plants across the country this year, according to local media. A higher budget has also been allocated for solar development.
EC confirms solar glass anti-subsidy investigation
The European Commission (EC) has officially launched an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of solar glass from China to the EU. While a final determination could take up to 13 months, provisional duties may be applied within nine.
Germany: First meeting of the Photovoltaics Innovation Alliance
Over 100 scientists are meeting in Germanys capital today to discuss the interim results of their research and development projects, funded by the Photovoltaics Innovation Alliance. The goal is solar power cost reductions.
Hanergy goes downstream
Chinese solar cell and module manufacturer Hanergy Solar has announced a concerted effort to break into downstream power generation with the launch of its Hanergy Global Solar Power and Applications Group.
Suntech troubles hit poly supplier OCI
South Korean polysilicon manufacturer OCI has been dragged into the Suntech maelstrom thanks to an overreliance on the ailing Chinese cell and module manufacturer.
