First Solar tops 2012 EPC rankings
In its 2012 EPC rankings, IMS Research has found that First Solar became the worlds 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.
Organic solar substrate that literally grows on trees
Researchers have published results showing that organic solar cells can be produced on cellulose nanocrystal substrates (CNC). The cells are easily recyclable and are being touted as the first solar cells from materials that literally grow on trees.
SMA records 2012 profit; not ruling out 2013 loss
In a difficult market environment, even the worlds leading photovoltaic inverter manufacturer suffered revenue and earnings losses in 2012. Despite this, SMA did turn an overall profit. The Board has confirmed its 2013 forecast. Amid expected declining sales, it is not ruling out a loss.
Centrotherm, SolarWorld and Phoenix Solar cause big investor losses
A German association for private investors has published its latest Top 50 list of “capital destroyers” in Germany. In 2013, every second company in the top 10 comes from the solar industry.
New solar leasing push Down Under
A new campaign to introduce the solar leasing model to Australian households was kicked off today. The campaign is called “Every Rooftop” and is the result of a collaboration between solar developer Ingenero and the NGO Green Cross Australia.
Bulgaria: Photovoltaic grid access fee revoked; appeals underway
The Bulgarian Supreme Administrative Court has overruled the controversial grid access fee, introduced for photovoltaic producers in Bulgaria last September 18. The State Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (SWERC) has appealed the decision.
Bad investment and US trade case led to Suntech fall
Failure to correctly vertically integrate its business operations, the impacts of the U.S.-Sino trade case and the fallout of the GSF Fund debacle all led to Suntechs current situation, according to IHS Solar. Furthermore, the research company adds, China appears less willing to prop up its ailing manufacturers.
UK: Consumers ready for Time of Use tariffs
The first stage of the U.K.s largest smart grid project has returned results indicating that consumers are ready to embrace Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariffs, if they stand to benefit from lower electricity charges.
Centrosolar sells solar glass division; suffers devastating 2012 losses
Centrosolar Group AG will sell its solar glass division off, following a year of devastating financial losses. The Germany-based company has also postponed the publication of its annual report and announced the continuation of its restructuring measures.
Singulus Technologies and M-Cells to cooperate on cell production
PV equipment producer Singulus Technologies and solar cell manufacturer M-Cells have signed a letter of intent to expand technological cooperation for commercial production of crystalline silicon cells.
