US solar power costs fall 60% in just 18 months
The cost of solar power in the U.S. is now 60% cheaper than it was in early 2011, according to a joint report by the U.S. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and GTM Research.
SolarWorld's Asbeck rekindles interest in Bosch
Right after introducing measures to save his own photovoltaic company, SolarWorld CEO Frank Asbeck is drawing up plans again, this time for Bosch Solar. A German newspaper report confirms Asbeck’s interest in parts of Bosch Solar.
China imposes new solar industry guidelines
The Chinese government has issued new regulations requiring domestic PV manufacturers to not only invest in the expansion of production capacities, but also in research and development and quality control.
PV book-to-bill ratio to remain at sub-parity levels for Q3
NPD Solarbuzz forecast a tenth consecutive quarter where net bookings for PV equipment lag behind recognized sale revenues.
Energy Capital developing 300 MW plant in Utah
The U.S. state of Utah has lagged behind other western states in installed solar capacity, but that is slowly changing. Energy Capital Group has unveiled plans for a 300 MW PV plant in the state.
EIB to support Indian renewable energy projects with EUR 80 million loan
The European Investment Bank (EIB), supported by Italian export credit agency SACE S.p.A, signs EUR 40 million loan as first instalment to SREI Infrastructure Finance Limited (SREI) to finance renewable energy projects in India.
Xevel to invest $85 million in Russian solar projects
In a major public-private partnership in Russia’s solar sector, state-owned Rusnano and private business group Renova’s joint company Xevel is to invest nearly $85 million into construction of solar power plants in Russia.
Sol Voltaics receives $9.4 million funding for nanotech development
The Sweden-based startup convinces Norwegian investors Umoe and others to invest close to $10 million to help the company develop the nanotechnology that can create 25% more efficient solar cells.
BayWa r.e. to construct 45.4 MW solar farm in Aquitane, France
Munich-based renewable energy company BayWa r.e. begins construction on the largest solar power project in the company’s history — a 45.4 MW solar farm in the Aquitane region of France.
Commercial segment set to lead solar storage market by 2017
While the commercial sector currently makes up the smallest part of the global solar energy storage business, it is projected to expand by a factor of 700 in the next four years and dominate the market in 2017.
