Markets

The EU’s Joint Research Center says three metals used in the solar industry are at risk of shortages. China’s stranglehold of raw materials could mean problems ahead for Europe.

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy says grid-connected solar in the country has passed the 2 GW point. Wind power still dominates the sector with 19.8 GW installed.

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.

A grassroots movement had sought to amass enough votes to ensure a state buy-back of the city electricity grid, currently operated by Swedish energy group Vattenfall. The effort lost by a narrow margin.

The cluster of three solar projects is located in the Lisbon, Setubal and Evora regions of the country, with Martifer Solar responsible for all operations.

The California Valley Solar Ranch (CVSR), located in San Luis Obispo County and one of the biggest in the world, is owned by NRG Energy, NRG Yield and SunPower.

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 country’s Commerce Ministry cited the “comparative specificity and complexity” of the case as reason for the extension, which will run until May 1.

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.

Freetricity has chosen PassivSystems to monitor a free solar PV roll-out campaign due to be launched across the U.K., a scheme that is expected to add 30 MW of rooftop solar to the nation’s portfolio.