Saudi Arabia: 50 monitoring stations planned for solar
Saudi Arabia has turned to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for training and expertise. Together with NREL and its partner Battelle, more than 50 monitoring station to gauge and predict solar radiation will be installed in the kingdom.
2012 global clean energy investments decline, as capacity grows
Despite an 11% decline in global clean energy investments in 2012, the industry showed resilience by adding 88 GW of generating capacity, according to a report released by U.S.-based The Pew Charitable Trusts.
US: 99% of installed PV systems in 2012 were net-metered projects
Net-metered projects continue to grow in the U.S., as annual capacity surpassed 2 GW for first time in 2012, according to a report on new trends and solar power connections by U.S. electric utilities released by the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA).
Germanys PV storage incentive program will come into force on May 1
Germany will launch its support program for photovoltaic battery storage systems on May 1. Funding totaling 25 million will be available in the first year from German state bank KfW.
177W modules rolling off Solar Frontiers production lines
Japanese thin film producer Solar Frontier has announced a milestone module efficiency during Thin Film Week in Berlin. Speaking at the Thin Film Forum, head of product management, Ichiro Sugiyama, said that a champion module with 177W rolled off its production lines at its 900 MW Kunitomi plant.
Asia drives growth in global PV inverter market
Global inverter sales generated 5% growth, as Asia drove the global market in 2012, IMS Research reports. But European and U.S. suppliers still dominate this market segment.
Austria: New subsidy system for PV
Austria started its subsidy round for PV power plants on Friday. A total budget of 36 million has been set aside. With this budget more than 24,000 power plants with a total capacity of 115 MW are expected to be developed.
French developer proposes 250 MW Spanish PV project
French photovoltaic developer Dhamma Energy is planning to install a 250 MW photovoltaic plant in Extremadura, Spain, according to Spanish newspaper El Periódico de Extremadura.
LDK Solar announces non-payment of convertible notes
China-based LDK-Solar announced that, due to a temporary cash-flow shortage, it was not able to make full payments to the holders of its 4.75% convertible senior notes due on April 15. A settlement is said to have been reached, however.
Solen reports insolvency
PV manufacturer Solen was unable to repay the interest on a loan within the stipulated time period. Two meetings with creditors to decide on a moratorium failed, due to the lack of interest and participation. The board is left with the sole decision to head to the district court.
