Finance

Phoenix Solar AG expects to see “slight” growth in 2013, on the back of marginally improved 2012 financials. The U.S. and Asia are key growth regions for the German photovoltaic company, which recorded sales decreases of more than 50% last year.

At the end of February, Dyesol secured A$4 million in funding with potential for a further A$16 million draw-down. The executive chairman speaks to pv magazine about what the investment means for the dye-sensitized photovoltaics developer, and how it managed to secure finances in the current financial climate. He also discusses why Dyesol’s products are on their way to achieving grid competitiveness, speaks frankly about the silicon market and provides updates on the company’s various industry partnerships.

According to media reports, the Polish Government has implemented further solar subsidy changes to its renewable energy draft law. Under them, support will only be given to photovoltaic plants up to two MW in size.

Without announcement, Uganda has dropped its PV FIT program. Although other forms of renewable energy are still eligible for support, prices for PV power are said to have fallen enough worldwide to merit the removal of tariffs in the country. Tenders are now being considered.

In a difficult market environment, even the world’s leading photovoltaic inverter manufacturer suffered revenue and earnings losses in 2012. Despite this, SMA did turn an overall profit. The Board has confirmed its 2013 forecast. Amid expected declining sales, it is not ruling out a loss.

A German association for private investors has published its latest Top 50 list of “capital destroyers” in Germany. In 2013, every second company in the top 10 comes from the solar industry.

Failure to correctly vertically integrate its business operations, the impacts of the U.S.-Sino trade case and the fallout of the GSF Fund debacle all led to Suntech’s current situation, according to IHS Solar. Furthermore, the research company adds, China appears less willing to prop up its ailing manufacturers.

Centrosolar Group AG will sell its solar glass division off, following a year of devastating financial losses. The Germany-based company has also postponed the publication of its annual report and announced the continuation of its restructuring measures.

Photovoltaic laminator producers see little sign of any upturn in the months ahead, on the back of a tumultuous 2012. Weak demand and factory closures are characterizing the industry, as are overcapacity and U.S. sanctions on Chinese exports. Cost reduction and innovation hold the key to long term survival, however.

It is clear the fall from grace of one of the world’s largest PV manufacturers – a key topic at this year’s Solarcon China 2013 – will impact other Chinese top-tier companies. Other discussion points at the event included shifting policy models and the imminent overhaul of China’s PV FITs.