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A 30 percent reduction for photovoltaics applications would signal “the end”, according to Javier Anta, president of the Spanish photovoltaics association (ASIF). In an interview with pv magazine, he also said that current plant owners would be ruined. Furthermore, he stated that between 600 and 1,000 megawatts (MW) in Spain are currently “with a leaglly uncertain status”.

U.S.-based Solyndra Inc. has withdrawn its request from the Securities and Exchange Commission to proceed with an initial public offering (IPO) of shares of its common stock, due to “adverse market conditions” and the availability of alternative funding from existing investors.

Germany-based Sunways AG has reported sales increases of 52 percent to €44.3 million. The company has also stated it is looking to extend its distribution activities both in Germany and abroad. Moreover, it has predicted an upturn in international business.

The mediation committee between the German Bundestag and the Bundesrat for solar promotion – set up to find a compromise regarding the issue of feed-in tariffs (FITs) – failed to reach a consensus after meeting for the first time yesterday.

Until now, the Spanish photovoltaics associations have not been able to come to a compromise in terms of the planned reductions of feed-in tariffs. Negotiations were held between the parties yesterday.

The availability of “critical” raw materials for products like thin layer photovoltaics (PV) is coming increasingly under pressure, according to a new report published by the European Commission, due to the growth of developing economies and new emerging technologies.

The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) has said that the BP oil spill has been a “wake-up call” for the industry to develop clean energy sources, like solar.

A solar powered aircraft, which flew its first successful flight in April, is due to undergo night flight trials.

During a controversial closed meeting held today, Spain’s Industry Minister, Miguel Sebastian informed industry associations that from July 1 remuneration rates for existing photovoltaics plants could be drastically reduced.

A new report has said there are “massive” opportunities for job creation within the UK solar sector over the next two decades. It was also found that solar photovoltaics (PV) has the potential to help the UK become carbon neutral by 2030.