Siemens diversifies solar portfolio with HCPV acquisition
Siemens has acquired around a 16 percent share in high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) module manufacturer Semprius, for an undisclosed amount. The move will help Semprius scale up its activities to production levels by 2012.
SDG&E signs two solar contracts worth 257 MW
San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has signed two solar contracts worth 257 megawatts (MW). The first, for 130 MWp, was signed with enXco, while the second, for 127 MWp, is with Arlington Valley Solar Energy II, LLC.
China: Anwell to ramp up thin film manufacturing to 1.5 GW
Anwell Technologies Limited’s subsidiary, Henan Sungen Solar Fab Co., Ltd., is planning to ramp up its thin film production capacity in China after securing long-term funding.
South Africa: PV could be a "goldmine" if supported by government
A recent report believes South Africa could be the next photovoltaics superstar, if the government implements a strategy supporting the technology. However, there are a number of barriers hindering growth, particularly in the residential sector.
JinkoSolar to focus on increased efficiencies with new R&D facility
JinkoSolar has established a new research and development center, which will exclusively focus on increasing solar cell efficiency and next generation photovoltaic technology.
Etrion and Phoenix Solar to install 2.6 MW Italian PV plant
Yet more solar plans are being executed in Italy. Etrion and Phoenix Solar have said they will build a 2.6 megawatt (MW) photovoltaics plant in the countrys Lazio region.
IHS iSuppli: c-Si module costs to fall below USD$1 per watt by 2012
According to IHS iSuppli, crystalline silicon (c-Si) photovoltaic module costs are set to fall to USD$1 per watt by the first quarter of 2012.
Australian Government gives green light to 400 MW worth of solar projects
The Australian Federal Government has announced an injection of over AUD$750 million (558 million) to help build two of the worlds largest solar power stations after months of uncertainty surrounding the projects.
Germany: IBC Solar starts work on 27.5 MWp PV project
IBC Solar has broken ground on a 27.5 megawatt peak (MWp) photovoltaic project in Bavaria, Germany. Bavarian Prime Minister, Horst Seehofer was in attendance.
Conergy withdraws 2011 forecasts
This year is not looking bright for the solar industry, according to Conergy. Following poor performance in the first two quarters of this year, the German manufacturer has retracted its sales forecasts.
