Markets

First Solar has achieved a CdTe photovoltaic cell conversion efficiency of 18.7% in the lab. Meanwhile, although the company recorded impressive Q4 financial figures, the thin film manufacturer missed its revised 2012 net sales guidance, and recorded a number of FY losses.

The International PV Equipment Association (IPVEA) has entered into a mutual cooperation agreement with the Saudi Arabia Solar Industry Association (SASIA). The aim is to promote the benefits of photovoltaics in the MENA region and share knowledge.

The sixth PV Expo Tokyo kicked off today, February 26, with optimism. The world’s most generous photovoltaic FITs, coupled with a high environmental awareness, continue to lure many international solar companies to Japan. Insiders at the event expect new photovoltaic installations to top three to four GW this year.

Buoyed by bullish demand forecasts, and increasing utilization rates and pricing, Deutsche Bank forecasts a solar market transition from subsidized to sustainable in 2014.

Germany’s Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, VDE, has announced the establishment of a U.S.-based subsidiary, VDE Americas in Silicon Valley. The goal is to “meet investor demand for solar PV power plant quality assurance.”

Under its SunShot Initiative, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that up to US$15 million will be paid out to the solar manufacturing industry. It has also made up to $12 million available under the Solar Rooftop Challenge II.

Trina Solar Limited sustained significant losses throughout 2012. While photovoltaic module shipments performed favorably, revenues failed to increase compared to the previous year. Both an imbalance in supply and demand, and “aggressive” pricing strategies have been blamed. On a positive note, Trina expects shipments to increase by as much as 30% in 2013.

Conergy has completed a total of 14 photovoltaic plants in Spain since last autumn, which are said to be competitive without subsidies. A new calculation tool is assisting in the planning and implementation of such projects.

According to reports, Uruguay’s government is gearing up to establish a national solar industry. A new decree requiring the country’s national power utility to purchase 200 MW of solar energy is expected to be issued shortly. There are fears, however that compensation is not high enough to attract developers.

The increase of cheaper photovoltaics on the German wholesale power market is reducing the profits and sales of large central power generators. They are hitting back by “heavily” lobbying against decentralization, according to Renewable Analytics, which has further suggested a restructuring of Germany’s renewable energy levy.