Markets

It is clear the fall from grace of one of the world’s largest PV manufacturers – a key topic at this year’s Solarcon China 2013 – will impact other Chinese top-tier companies. Other discussion points at the event included shifting policy models and the imminent overhaul of China’s PV FITs.

The “brake on electricity price” action proposed by German Environment Minister Peter Altmaier seems to be off the table. An energy summit of federal and state representatives at the chancellery brought no end-solution. Further negotiations are called for.

Apple has managed to up its renewable energy utilization by 114% from 2010, according to the new environment report released by the company. As one of the top global brands, the corporate giant’s goal is to power every Apple facility with renewable energy.

Given the stagnating European market conditions, Mounting Systems GmbH based in Rangsdorf, Germany, is reinforcing its international activities. By mid-year, the company will open a branch in Japan. It is also currently negotiating with local partners in Saudi Arabia.

After months of speculation, Bosch has today confirmed it will exit the crystalline solar sector. As of 2014, the German company will cease production of its photovoltaic ingots, wafers and cells. It will also “quickly” sell its solar business units, including its majority stake in aleo. Decreasing prices has been blamed for the decision. Up to 3,000 employees will be affected.

Plant and grid operators start a progressive pilot project for better grid integration. This was presented at the “PV System Technology Forum” in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Research and consulting firm GlobalData’s latest report shows that the global microgrid market will be worth US$18.9 billion in 2020. This will be a significant increase from the US$5.3 billion reaped in 2012.

The Solar Trade Association (STA) has posted its disappointment over the 2013 U.K. Budget, handed down by chancellor George Osborne yesterday. On a range of measures, there appears little support for photovoltaics.

The Wuxi Municipal Intermediate People’s Court in Jiangsu Province, China, has officially accepted the petition for the insolvency and restructuring of Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd’s main subsidiary, Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd, submitted by eight Chinese Banks on March 18.

Despite efforts by some Australian utility companies and industry groups to see Australia’s Renewable Energy Targets (RET) wound back, the government has decided to maintain them. Utilities are having an impact elsewhere, with fixed electricity prices set to increase to ensure solar households pay “their share” of electricity infrastructure costs.