US collaboration to advance thin film technologies
A knowledge-sharing collaboration has been announced between U.S. solar industry body the Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium (PVMC) and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to advance thin film technology.
Applied Materials' solar chief quashes solar exit rumors
The president of Applied Materials’ solar division has rubbished rumors the parent company is preparing to pull out of solar.
US hits 7.7 GW of cumulative PV capacity
On the back of another record year for the U.S. PV market, which saw 3.31 GW installed, 2013 forecasts are for 4.3 GW of new capacity. However, while utility-scale projects dominated the PV landscape in 2012, the sector is not expected to lead this year. Three future trends have further been identified.
Solar fire and theft protection
Fires and theft have become growing problems for the solar industry. Leto Solar is now waiting for a patent for its H?MOS technology which, the company claims, enables the development of solar panels with capabilities to combat these problems.
India: Domestic PV manufacturing capacity reaches 2 GW
According to Indias Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), domestic manufacturing capacity of photovoltaic cells and modules has grown to 2 GW. It also estimates Indias potential solar power per square kilometer to be 30 to 50 MW.
MEMC proposes name change; unveils financing division and 2013 outlook
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. is considering a name change to SunEdison to “better reflect” its business. It has also announced the establishment of SunEdison Capital and released its expectations for 2013.
Will PV tariffs level the playing field between the US and China?
Last year, the U.S. reproached China for being “generous to a fault” to its domestic solar manufacturers, even as the rest of the industry suffered from declining subsidies, rising inventories and internecine cost competition. But can punitive tariffs really bring prices up to parity and alleviate the pain?
Up to half of RES investment could come from institutional investors
A new study by the Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) finds that institutional investors could supply between a quarter to a half of the investment needed to fund renewable energy system (RES) projects through to 2035. Barriers including public policies and investment practices, exist, however.
7th Fab Managers Forum: PV industry drought continues
2013 will be another tough year for the photovoltaics industry, although global markets continue to grow. This was the message on the first day of SEMI Europe’s Fab Managers Forum, held yesterday in Berlin, Germany.
Japan: PV demand growing faster than expected; new FIT rates proposed
The Japanese photovoltaic market has significantly changed since the introduction of FITs last July. With domestic demand growing faster than expected, Japan’s Government has proposed a FIT reduction of around 10%.
