Markets

In the wake of Solar Universe’s recent acquisition of distributed electricity company Gen110, the California group is expanding eastward with two new franchises in New York and New Jersey.

Four senior executives at Californian solar equipment manufacturer Applied Materials are in line for a shares windfall as part of the acquisition of Tokyo Electron. Senior management have been offered retention bonuses to stay on throughout the deal.

The world’s largest oil producer plans to develop its renewable energy sector – which currently produces just 0.8% of the country’s power – and has hosted its first clean power auction, with 39 ventures securing subsidies.

A new agreement between the Digital Federal Credit Union and the California solar company enhances the SunPower Loan Program to offer more financing options for residential customers.

The EU’s status report on solar says Europe still led the world for installations last year. The report was issued to coincide with the opening of EU PVSEC in Paris on Monday.

A new PV Parity report examines the impact of PV on European electricity systems and assesses the actual costs of grid integration in 11 key EU countries.

Leading scientific advisers in the U.K. urge governments to work together to create a global, collaborative solution to tackle climate change by harnessing the power of the sun.

The Swedish furniture retailer is to sell solar panels in all of its 17 U.K. stores within 10 months following a successful pilot project in one Essex store.

Polysilicon maker GCL GoldPoly has issued a US$50 million convertible bond to raise finance for its CSPG subsidiary. The move bolsters Hung Chao Hong’s stake in the Chinese manufacturer.

SunPower Corporation’s high efficiency E20/327 solar panels to be installed by Shimizu Corporation at the Eurus Energy mega solar power plant in Aomori, Japan.