Finance

Electronics giant Panasonic has released its consolidated figures for the last three quarters of 2012, noting a fall in demand for photovoltaics and lithium-ion batteries in Europe.

Finnish company Cencorp Corporation has bucked the global trend of PV manufacturers by announcing its intent to start a production line in Europe.

Germany’s Federal Network Agency has again at the last minute released the latest photovoltaic installation figures and feed-in tariff (FIT) reductions. While last December saw just 330 MW of new plants added, a new installation record was seen in 2012. Meanwhile, FITs will drop 2.2% over the next three months.

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.