Spain: PV sector did not increase 2012 tariff deficit
The PV sector did not cause Spain’s power tariff deficit to increase to its record level in 2012, according to the countrys National Energy Commission (CNE).
India: Andhra Pradesh announces new PV tariffs
The government of southern Indian state Andhra Pradesh has announced a photovoltaic FIT of Rs 6.49/kWh (US$0.12, 0.09) for its tender of one GW, according to energy consultants RESolve. Solar developers are said to be disappointed with the rate.
Russia unveils draft renewable energy law
Russias Energy Ministry submitted a draft renewable energy law to Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for approval on 15 April. It is aimed at supporting the deployment of renewable energy sources including solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants across the country.
Czech Republic: PV module take-back and recycling cooperation
PV Cycle and Czech collective scheme Retela are collaborating on module take-back and recycling in the Czech Republic. PV Cycle hopes to serve the value chain better with Retela’s expertise for PV waste execution in the country.
Germany's Sunways to lay off 50 employees
German solar company Sunways has announced it will lay off about half of its 105-strong workforce at its cell production plant located in Arnstadt, according to a local German newspaper. Redundancy packages have already been settled by the works council.
BMW and Solarwatt announce partnership
BMW has said it wants to offer its customers, in cooperation with Solarwatt, complete photovoltaic systems in the future. The concept, “360° Electric” aims to provide solutions for all customer requirements on the topic of electric mobility.
North Carolina lawmakers support renewable energy standards
An attempt to repeal the U.S. state of North Carolinas Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS) legislation has been defeated. A vote at the committee stage of the repeal legislations progress was defeated 18 votes to 13.
PV storage market to reap $19 billion by 2017
From US$200 million in 2012, the photovoltaic storage market is projected to be worth $19 billion in 2017, mainly driven by the German energy storage subsidy, reports IMS Research. While Germany is set to lead the residential sector, Asia and the Americas will dominate the utility-scale market.
First Solar agrees to sell 139 MW Californian power plant
U.S. thin film producer and project developer First Solar has agreed to the sale of its 139 MW Campo Verde Solar Project to Southern Power and Turner Renewable Energy. The sale is expected to go through when the plant begins commercial operation this year.
Germany: Avancis in negotiations to stop production at second CIGS facility
Avancis GmBH is currently in negotiations with the workers council to temporarily stop production at its Fab 2 CIGS production facility in Torgau, Germany. Up to 220 workers will be affected by the decision, which is expected to come into effect this June.
