Markets

Advances in crystalline silicon technology, combined with the falling cost of the polysilicon raw material, have served to pile pressure on manufacturers of emerging thin film technologies, according to a new research report.

Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd. has announced it is in the process of acquiring 375 megawatts (MW) of ingot and wafer slicing capacity in China. The company has also reported positive third quarter financial results.

New research has revealed that “rapid price erosion” is likely to see a decline in market revenues, despite the fact that photovoltaics (PV) module shipments are expected to increase next year.

New research has found that China’s photovoltaics (PV) market is set for “rapid” expansion, having reportedly posted one of the fastest growth rates in annual and cumulative installations.

A group of scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and other institutes have come together to initiate a new series of conferences focused on silicon photovoltaics.

North Star Solar has signed a 60 megawatt (MW) solar power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) Company. North Star Solar is a wholly owned affiliate of NorthLight Power, a joint-venture between REC and U.S.-based Summit Power Group.

The photovoltaics (PV) industry looks toward the coming year with some uncertainty.

The German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar), together with the consultancy firms Roland Berger and Prognos, have completed Germany’s “Guide to the Solar Industry – Photovoltaics Roadmap 2020.”

The lower house of the Czech Parliament has approved a new amendment, which, if supported by the upper house and the President, will see a tax introduced on electricity generated by solar plants.

The UK’s Renewable Energy Association (REA) has said it will be seeking clarity on the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s policy for ground-mounted photovoltaics (PV) systems, following warnings that larger installations could “distort” the market.