Finance

German inverter manufacturer SMA says it will not break even in 2013, thanks to European downturn. But SMA’s acquisition of Zeversolar is expected to help the company to brighter times ahead.

First Solar’s Q3 figures show sales and profits jumping as the company announces an imminent deal to sell its 250 MW Silver State South scheme. Foreign exchange losses are the only negative of impressive figures.

The Thai government is reportedly preparing to make it easier for households to install solar rooftops. An easier permitting regime could be put before government for approval on Tuesday.

The non-executive director arrested on suspicion of involvement in the false reporting of registered capital was released on bail on Saturday. The China Solar board has still not been able to contact any of its three directors arrested by the Chinese authorities.

Italian company Enel Green Power says its bids added up to 65% of the PV projects awarded to renewables bidders in South Africa’s REIPPP. The company’s Green Power subsidiary also saw two onshore wind bids approved.

The Japanese motor giants will discontinue their wholly-owned PV subsidiary in Spring next year due to falling revenues in that part of their business.

The second quarter of 2013 saw the U.S. install 832 MW of solar capacity – a 15% increase on Q1 and only beaten by Q4 2012, when 1,311 MW were installed.

The cutting-edge establishment — Institut Photovoltaique d’Ile-de-France (IPVF) — will be part-funded by the country’s state-backed French National Research Agency (ANR) to promote solar R&D.

The German solar giants will install their solar panels for local investor San Carlos Solar Energy Inc. in what is their first foray into this emerging Southeast Asia market.

The troubled solar company has until November 6 to respond to the petition filed against it calling for involuntary bankruptcy.