Markets

GT Advanced Technologies (GTAT) and Powertec Energy Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding under which Powertec will purchase polysilicon technology and equipment. The Taiwan-based company aims to reach a capacity of 27,500 MT of polysilicon production annually.

The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) has wasted no time in adding its voice to the debate over 2030 EU climate goals, kicked off by the release of a European Commission (EC) Green Paper yesterday in Brussels. EPIA has called for a “three-target approach.”

Phoenix Solar AG expects to see “slight” growth in 2013, on the back of marginally improved 2012 financials. The U.S. and Asia are key growth regions for the German photovoltaic company, which recorded sales decreases of more than 50% last year.

While some firms along the photovoltaic supply chain scale back production and even shutter fabs, Dow has announced this week the start up of a new line for its Enlight polyolefin encapsulant film in Germany. The line will supply the European market, complementing production facilities in Asia and North America.

German photovoltaic manufacturer aleo solar has announced a €77 million loss in its 2012 full-year financials, released today. The loss is more than double the €30.5 million the company lost in 2011.

At the end of February, Dyesol secured A$4 million in funding with potential for a further A$16 million draw-down. The executive chairman speaks to pv magazine about what the investment means for the dye-sensitized photovoltaics developer, and how it managed to secure finances in the current financial climate. He also discusses why Dyesol’s products are on their way to achieving grid competitiveness, speaks frankly about the silicon market and provides updates on the company’s various industry partnerships.

According to media reports, the Polish Government has implemented further solar subsidy changes to its renewable energy draft law. Under them, support will only be given to photovoltaic plants up to two MW in size.

In another sign that the booming Japanese market is delivering considerable demand to photovoltaic manufacturers, thin film producer Solar Frontier has announced today that it is restarting its 60 MW Miyazaki No. 2 fab. The company said that it is considering producing “new products” at the fab.

Without announcement, Uganda has dropped its PV FIT program. Although other forms of renewable energy are still eligible for support, prices for PV power are said to have fallen enough worldwide to merit the removal of tariffs in the country. Tenders are now being considered.

In its 2012 EPC rankings, IMS Research has found that First Solar became the world’s biggest, in terms of MW completed. First Solar completed more than 500 MW of projects last year, the report has found. IMS Research is now a part of IHS.