World passes 100 GW installed PV capacity mark
Behind the headline news from the European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) that the world has passed the 100 GW mark in cumulative installed photovoltaic capacity, is the ongoing story of a shift away from Europe.
Inverter market to reach US$71 million by 2020
Yole Développement has released its “Inverter market trends for 2013-2020 and major technology changes” report. The report states that more than 28 million units were shipped in 2012.
US$150 million in tax credits for clean energy manufacturers
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the Treasury have released US$150 million in Advanced Energy Manufacturing Tax Credits for clean energy and energy efficiency manufacturing projects in the country.
SunPower announces positive results
SunPower has announced bullish full year results for 2012 and an optimistic forecast for 2013, despite seeing net losses in the final three months of the year burgeon by almost US$100 million.
Germany: PV storage subsidies expected in May
The new subsidies for battery storage systems will apply retroactively to all photovoltaic systems installed this year and have a maximum capacity of 30 kW. The German Environment Ministry and KfW state bank have not made any official announcements, however, the program is expected to be introduced in the coming week.
Spanish associations to start legal action against PV FIT decreases
Four renewable energy associations in Spain have joined forces to oppose implementation of the Spanish governments new decree, which “retroactively aggravates initial investment conditions” for developers of photovoltaic installations and other renewable energy plants.
EU complaints lodged against Greeces retroactive renewable energy tax
Greece-based Metaxas and Associates Law Firm has lodged two complaints with the European Commission against the retroactive taxes applied to renewable energy systems in Greece. Meanwhile, rumors abound that the Greek government is considering more retroactive cuts.
Belgium reaches 2.6 GW of installed PV power
Belgian Renewable Energies Association, Apere, announced yesterday that Belgium surpassed 2.6 GW of installed photovoltaic capacity at the end of 2012. Overall, the renewable energy accounts for 2.8% of the countrys total electricity consumption.
BNEF: PV will be cheaper than fossil fuels in Australia by 2020
Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) forecasts that large-scale photovoltaic systems will supply energy cheaper than coal and gas by 2020 in Australia. Already, it states, wind farms are supplying energy cheaper than its fossil fuel counterparts.
US requests WTO consultation over Indian solar DCR
The U.S. has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement consultations with the Indian Government regarding Indias solar photovoltaic domestic content requirements (DCR). Industry association SEIA has come out in support of the move.
