Finance

Germany’s Federal Environment Minister has presented his concept for “electricity price protection”. Altmaier’s aim is to limit the energy transition cost and, thus, set the stage for photovoltaic, wind and biomass cuts. The amendments are expected to be passed before the summer break.

With 8.4 GW of new solar projects announced in Latin America and the Caribbean over the past 12 months, market research provider GTM Research is predicting that 450 MW of new grid connected capacity will come online this year.

SolarWorld AG, Germany’s leading solar panel producer and the manufacturer most active in petitioning the EU and U.S. authorities to bring anti-dumping duties against Chinese imports, is seeking to restructure its debt pile.

There were mixed messages in the latest solar white paper from market research company IHS iSuppli, with predictions that a rise in global installations in 2013 will go hand-in-hand with falling revenues.

First Solar has advised shareholders to rebuff an unsolicited ‘mini tender’ for 2.3% of the company’s stock.

The carve-up of debt ridden LDK Solar continued with the disclosure yesterday that the British Virgin Islands-registered Fulai Investments Ltd has paid US$31.1 million for a 12% stake in the ailing Chinese manufacturer.

The impact of plunging PV prices throughout 2012 has been graphically illustrated with the release of full-year figures by global technology giant Bosch.

A group of British “solar and construction companies” has announced its intention to claim £140 million (US$222 million) in damages against the government of its handling of reductions to the solar FIT in 2011 and 2012.

A report into the future of the U.S. clean energy industry has called upon President Obama and Congress to introduce measures to ensure the country does not fall further behind in the global renewable energy revolution.

U.S. solar module manufacturer-turned-plant-developer First Solar is targeting the Middle East and north Africa as a growth market as oil and gas-rich nations look to reduce their domestic reliance on such fuels to maximize export returns.