Beacon Power files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; parallels drawn to Solyndra
Flywheel energy storage solutions company, Beacon Power has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, which among other products, offers cloud mitigation for photovoltaic plants, received a Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee in April.
PV Asia Pacific Expo addresses alternative solar technologies
Day two of the PV Asia Pacific Expo has focused on the issue of alternative solar technologies. Questions like why anyone would switch from crystalline technology to technologies like thin film were posed.
LDK breaks ground on new polysilicon manufacturing facility
LDK Solar today held a ground breaking ceremony for its new 30,000 metric ton (MT) polysilicon manufacturing facility in Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia. The company believes “strong” polysilicon demand will be seen in 2014 “and beyond”.
Suntech considers reducing production capacity; CEO new APVIA chairman
Suntechs founder and CEO, Zhengrong Shi has said the company may reduce some of its production capacity in the first quarter of 2012. In other news, he has been appointed the first chief chairman of the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA).
A new chapter begins for Asian solar
Today marked the opening of the PV Asia Pacific Expo at the Marina Bay Sands convention center Singapore. The event, which will be held until November 3, was kicked off with the announcement that Suntechs founder and CEO has been appointed the new the chief chairman of APVIA. Meanwhile, Southeast Asias solar importance has been highlighted.
Despite solid Q3, Wacker lowers full year guidance
Wacker Chemie AG has reported a relatively positive third quarter (Q3) 2011. However, the company is cautious about both the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries going forward. As a result, it has lowered its full year guidance.
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.
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.
