Europe's PV industry rallies against import tariffs
Part of Europe’s PV industry is increasing the pressure on the European Commission’s punitive import duties against Chinese solar products. The CEO of German module manufacturer Solar-Fabrik is demanding the end of the anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese cell imports in an effort to ensure the competitiveness of the European production sector.
EU targets German Renewable Energy Act
The European Commission appears to be sharpening its focus on Germany’s Renewable Energy Act due to possible violations of European Union competition regulations. Energy-intensive German companies that have profited from incentives could be forced to pay back millions in back payments, according to German weekly Der Spiegel.
Solar thermal scheme is no threat to PV in the UK
The U.K.’s renewable heat incentive will rebalance a regime previously skewed towards PV, says the country’s trade body, adding that leveling the playing field will enable people to make the right choice and incentivize mixed systems.
Spain abolishes FITs entirely
The country’s new scheme will guarantee only a ‘reasonable profitability’ for renewable energy plants and that figure will be based on what the government says developers should have paid rather than their actual level of investment.
Greece: PV installation rates plunge in second quarter as RES fund debt rises
PV installations in Greece dropped significantly between April and June compared to the first quarter of 2013, when the country saw a considerable uptake in new solar PV capacity. At the same time, the country’s RES fund continues to amass debt at an alarming rate.
Renesola aims for Japanese expansion
CEO of Chinese manufacturer says Japan will become company’s third biggest market after U.S. and Europe as he announces deal to supply up to 32 MW of modules to Japanese client.
Trina Solar supplies 7 MW of modules to UK project
Load and wind bearing capacity of Trina modules prompts Belgian installer Ikaros Solar to use the Chinese modules for the first time. Goose Willow Farm scheme will use 24,000 Trina panels.
Another cut to Spanish FIT payments
Spanish government announces its fifth cut to FIT payments but sugars the pill by guaranteeing renewables investors will be assured ‘reasonable profitability’ of 7.5% on schemes.
Intersolar North America: Quiet halls on day three
There was a subdued feeling to the halls on the final day of the trade show but plenty of energy from innovative start-ups and even time for PV types to rock out.
Intersolar North America: positive responses from exhibitors
The second day of the Intersolar North America trade show in San Francisco wound down on Wednesday with upbeat assessments from exhibitors as the event continued its focus on new technologies, products and funding opportunities.
