Indian trade war a costly distraction
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.
Australia: Greens push CSP project
The Western Australian branch of the Australian Green party, the WA Greens, has released its Energy 2029 plan today, which promotes a 100% renewable future for the resource-rich state. As a part of a plan, an inland site has been earmarked for a large CSP project.
Flisom closes funding round for 15 MW CIGS fab
Swiss CIGS developer Flisom has closed a third funding round, which will allow it to develop a 15 MW production line, to refine its roll-to-roll CIGS processes.
Customized PV strategy required for APAC region
Photovoltaic demand in the APAC (Asia Pacific) region is expected to increase 50% year-on-year. However, analysts warn that business strategies must be tailored to the individual countries, following the emergence of “discrete” end-market demand environments.
MEMC: Solar segment growth driven by solar project sales
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. has announced its financial results for 2012’s fourth quarter (4Q2012). The solar energy segment revenue growth was fueled by higher solar project sales while the company’s semiconductor materials segment revenue decreased as a result of the industry downturn.
Phoenix Solar announces major restructuring
Phoenix Solar AG has unveiled a major restructuring plan, which will see it focusing the majority of its efforts on the U.S. and South East Asia. Significant capacity reductions in Germany, Spain and Italy will be implemented. From a workforce of 409, just 115 jobs will remain. Meanwhile, the CEO has resigned.
UK: Pay-as-you-go PV secures finance
A Cambridge-based developer of a pay-as-you-go photovoltaic system for sub-Saharan Africa has secured a £1 million (US$1.6 million) “working capital loan” to roll out its systems to 30,000 off-grid households.
Russia considers solar power for planes
Russias Ministry of Industry and Trade (Minpromtorg) has ordered several studies into fuel alternatives for its civilian aircraft industry, including solar energy. Around RUB628 million (US$ 21 million; 15.5 million) has reportedly been earmarked for the research.
Wacker sees increasing polysilicon demand
Wacker Chemie AG has reinstated full time working hours at its German polysilicon factory following increased demand.
Panasonic hits 24.7% cell efficiency
The Panasonic Corporation has claimed what it says is a world record for a crystalline silicon-based photovoltaic cell of a “practical size” with an efficiency of 24.7%. Japans Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology has evaluated the efficiency.
