India contemplates new funding model for solar mission despite budget deficit fears
Indias Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has today said that a Viability Gap Funding (VGF) model has been “envisaged” for the second phase of the countrys Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). National budget deficit concerns are, however, throwing the viability of the program into question.
Portugal reaches 225.5 MW of installed PV capacity
Cumulative photovoltaic capacity in Portugal reached 225.5 MW at the end of 2012, according to a report published by the Portuguese energy regulator, DGGE (Direcção Geral de Energia e Geologia), on March 4.
Suntech takes over GSF fund ownership
Suntech Power Holdings Co., Ltd has reached a settlement regarding its fraud dispute with GSF Capital Pte Limited (GSF Capital). A part of the agreement has seen the Chinese photovoltaic manufacturer taking over ownership of the GSF Fund.
Financial markets "endorse" Obama DOE and EPA nominees
In Washington, DC, this week, Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Steven Chu and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Secretary Lisa Jackson officially vacated their seats in the Cabinet, leaving considerable baggage behind. The new nominees have been met with general approval, however.
Greece adds 300 MW of PV capacity in January
According to the latest figures, 300 MW of newly installed photovoltaic capacity was added to Greeces grid in January. Meanwhile, new forecasts estimate 2.58 GW and 2.82 GW of cumulative capacity at the end of 2013 and 2014, respectively.
Inverter buyer survey: Storage seen as key
An inverter buyers survey conducted by IHS Inc. revealed that there is a growing need for energy storage in PV systems. More than 400 global PV inverter customers responded to the survey, of which a third expect to be using energy storage in over 40% of the PV systems they install by 2015.
Official: Chinese PV modules must register in EU
As of today, March 5, all Chinese photovoltaic modules and their main components coming into the EU must register with national customs authorities. This means should anti-dumping tariffs be imposed at the end of the year, they could be retroactively applied.
Solarion applies for self-administrative insolvency
Germany-based CIGS thin film manufacturer Solarion AG has applied for self-administrative insolvency with the District Court in Germanys Leipzig. Lucas Flöther has been appointed trustee to oversee the restructuring.
Italy: PV generation rose 11% in February
While overall electricity consumption fell 8.1% in Italy last month, photovoltaic power generation increased by 11.2%.
The solar aspect of EU-US trade talks
EU trade commissioner Karel De Gucht gave a speech in Boston at the weekend about the planned EU-U.S. trade talks, which could have an impact on the Transatlantic, and wider, solar industry.
