Markets

The third-party ownership (TPO) model could become “the most significant innovation in the U.S. solar market,” according to a report this week from GTM Research.

The clouds parted for the solar industry, America’s present and potential workforce, and environmental advocates on February 12, as U.S. President Barack Obama rededicated his Administration to making the nation a shining example of advanced technological innovation and opportunity.

Greece’s Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (YPEKA) is expected to introduce retroactive photovoltaic feed-in tariff cuts to parliament. The goal is to reduce the burgeoning RES Fund deficit, which is forecast to almost triple by the end of 2014 on the back of significant photovoltaic growth.

Germany’s Environment and Economy Ministers aim to save over €1.8 billion over the next year. One proposal will see all photovoltaic installations bigger than 150 kW, which are connected to the German grid from August 1, sell generated electricity directly to the market.

The WTO (World Trade Organization) recently ruled that the local content requirement within Ontario’s FIT program violates global trade rules. Ontario has already appealed the decision, but now Japan and the EU are counter appealing.

In its latest Polysilicon Price Index, IHS Solar predicts that polysilicon prices will soon bottom out, as production is more aligned with demand.

In its 2012 Annual Report, the Desertec Industry Initiative (Dii) has acknowledged the challenges it faces in attracting investment to North Africa and the Middle East. It therefore has set out a new focus, which aims to facilitate the integration of the EU and MENA energy markets.

The New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) has announced that it will work to support the NY-Sun initiative in the state. The body wants to see a longer-term commitment to the initiative and is lobbying for four policy changes to see photovoltaics supported in the state.

Photovoltaics will see expansion during 2013, but those who are looking to invest globally must study the landscape and take astute risks – exemplifying the attitude, “No guts, no glory.” A local presence in key developed regions, including the U.S., Japan and China, will pay dividends, according to Lux Research, particularly in terms of distributed generation.

The Indian solar market appeared to have some momentum until it initiated an anti-dumping investigation against China, Malaysia, Taiwan and the U.S. For a solar market still in its infancy, starting a trade war could become a costly distraction when the focus should be to encourage new technologies, competition and free markets.