Swiss developer signs 6.27 GW deal with Hareon
ILB Helios plans 3.3 GW of projects in Turkey over the next three years. The deal, with the Chinese manufacturer, has a pipeline of projects including Jordan, Kazakhstan, Macedonia, Iran and Iraq.
Planning barrier to UK solar could be removed
The government has proposed raising the bar for commercial rooftop systems needing planning permission, from 50 kW to 1 MW. The STA says more needs to be done for the 50 kW-to-5 MW rooftop market in the UK.
LDK Solar has amassed funds needed to exit insolvency
The Chinese manufacturer says it has enough cash to get back on its feet. LDK’s liquidators are seeking permission to halve the creditors’ settlement and extend the deadline to complete an offshore restructuring.
Capital Stage posts 60% increase in pre-tax profit in first half of 2014
The German group’s bottom line in the first six months of 2014 was boosted by recent acquisitions of solar and wind parks in Germany and France.
SMA cuts sales and profit forecast, announces layoffs
The leading inverter manufacturer is lowering its annual sales forecast by up to EUR 450 million and planning to cut 600 jobs worldwide by the end of next year amidst shrinking demand.
PV more profitable than onshore wind in Germany
Although PV installations in Germany produce less electricity than onshore wind installations, they generate “significantly higher profits,” according to a new report by the Fraunhofer Institute.
SunPower breaks ground on 135 MW Quinto Solar Project
CEO Tom Werner says SunPower’s ownership strategy provides it with a return on investment from its technology while reducing the risk to potential buyers if it later sells the plant.
SolarWorld increases first half revenue by modest 13%
SolarWorld AG’s preliminary business results for the first half of 2014 also reveal solid growth in module sales but below-par sales of complete systems.
Developer planning 49 MW scheme on Anglesey
SBC wants to develop a $93m scheme on the Welsh island and is launching a four-week public consultation. UK developers have been emboldened by the recent High Court defeat for the government’s attempt to block solar farms.
EU debates energy security strategy
The European Parliament debated a strategy which calls for more renewable generation alongside more fossil fuels and nuclear. Ukraine conflict is bringing energy security sharply into focus.
