Japan to offer loans for rooftop PV generation
In its efforts to boost solar power in the country, the Japanese government is set to offer low-interest loans to companies that install rooftop solar power systems.
Minnesota bill aims for 450 MW of solar by 2020
The U.S. state of Minnesota has passed a bill that could significantly expand the region’s solar sector and lead to more than 450 MW of solar power by the end of the decade.
SunPower plans to sell US$300 million of convertible debentures
The California photovoltaic manufacturer has plans to sell debenture bonds worth $300 million.
Yingli revises module shipment outlook for Q1
Chinese PV module manufacturer Yingli Green Energy is expecting PV module shipments in the first quarter to be better than earlier estimates.
Brazil receives request for 392.4 MW of PV
Thirteen requests for regulatory authorization to develop and operate photovoltaic plants worth a total of 392.4 MW have been received last week, according to Brazil’s national electricity regulator.
Spain: Renewable energy premium payments rise by 19% in 2012
Premium payments in the entire renewable energy sector in Spain were 19% higher than envisaged in the 2012 outlook, while the total compensation in the photovoltaic sector in 2012 was close to the original forecast.
JA Solar's shipments exceed Q1 target; narrows loss
Despite an 11.5% decrease in shipments in the first quarter of this year, the Chinese PV manufacturer exceeded its previous guidance of 410 MW to 430 MW.
EU leaders seek to lower energy prices
The European Union looks set to meet business demands by revamping its energy and climate policy in order to lower the price of energy and boost employment and growth. Critics warn, however, that appeasing big industry could mean higher prices for private consumers.
Lux Research sees doubling of PV market up to 2018
Boston based analysts Lux Research has announced that the solar sector is on the recovery path, set to reach a worth of US$155 billion in 2018. The industry is expected to ramp up rapidly to 61.7 GW market size in 2018 after modest growth to 35 GW in 2013. This is according to the “most-likely scenario” put forth by the analysts. China is set to leapfrog to become the largest market.
REC refinances 50% of debt due 2014
REC recently announced it has reduced by 50% its debt maturing in the second quarter of 2014, worth US$ 206 million (NOK 1.2 billion).
