Markets

Chinese photovoltaic module suppliers continue to dominate global supply, as they try to expand their market share overseas, according to NPD Solarbuzz. Overall, it says the top 20 suppliers accounted for nearly 70% of global shipments in Q1 2013. Meanwhile, average module sales prices for the top 20 have shown signs of stabilization.

A power-to-gas research project has been launched in Germany. A research network of institutes and companies will evaluate the capability of long-term storage technologies in a 100% renewable energy electricity scenario.

The U.S. Bureau of Land management (BLM) has issued a regulation, which will provide solar and wind energy project developers with the possibility of right-of-way applications to temporarily give them the right to use public land. The aim is to prevent conflicts related with the appropriation of land for other purposes, like mining.

IHS has released its latest PV inverters quarterly report. Despite indications of industry consolidation, the top ten largest PV inverter suppliers saw their market share fall from 62% in 2011 to 56% in 2012.

According to reports, Spain is considering cuts to renewable energy totaling around €1 billion under the energy reform expected this June.

Centrotherm has sold subsidiary GP Solar to German software company Isra Vision AG. Meanwhile, the company’s insolvency proceedings at the Ulm District Court are expected to be completed by the end of this month.

Solar stocks in New York rallied this month on the back of news that a bill introduced in the U.S. Congress would provide solar companies with a tax advantage enjoyed to date only by fossil fuel producers. The sector also received several votes of confidence that increased market momentum, including ABB’s Power-One acquisition, and BNEF’s elevation of Japan to the number-one market for PV installations.

IHS forecasts that global photovoltaic module production will grow 18% this year, to over 37 GW; and that OEM manufacturers will increase in significance. Meanwhile, it has identified the top 10 module suppliers by production of 2012.

Swedish CIGS equipment supply startup Midsummer has announced that it has sold its first turnkey system to a European customer. The sale was made in March with the system to be delivered in late 2013.

SolarWorld AG expects more losses in 2013, despite an increase in sales. The Germany-based company has signed a preliminary agreement with creditors for around 80% of its assignable loans, as it posts preliminary losses of €0.5 billion for 2012.