Markets

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 country’s total electricity consumption.

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.

The U.S. has requested World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement consultations with the Indian Government regarding India’s solar photovoltaic domestic content requirements (DCR). Industry association SEIA has come out in support of the move.

The sky is the limit for photovoltaic market growth, which is expected to more than triple by 2020, according to a report just released by London-based research firm GlobalData. It says growth is being stimulated by two major forces. Challenges are present, however, including issues over existing grid infrastructure.

Ash Sharma, director of solar research at IHS Solar forecasts double digit growth in photovoltaic power optimizers over the next two years, despite the fact they are not said to be economical in well-designed installations. In the following interview, he discusses the market with pv magazine.

The Greek photovoltaic market was worth around €523 million in 2012 – over double that of 2011 – according to a recent report published by Greek consultancy Stochasis Management Ltd. The figure corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 196.8% for the years 2009 to 2012.

With retroactive effect as of February 1, the newly established Photon Publishing company has taken over the business operations of Photon Europe. Creditor approval is still pending, however.

Germany’s Federal Environment Minister is holding fast to his proposal for “electricity price protection in the EEG”, despite fierce criticism from within his ranks, opposition parties and environmental groups. Now he wants to find a compromise with FDP leader and Economics Minister, Philipp Rösler.

U.S.-based Power-One, Inc. and Japan’s Panasonic Corporation have announced that they will work together on the development of energy storage systems and the large-scale utility and commercial photovoltaic inverter business.

Isofotón is currently drawing up a staff restructuring plan at its Malaga factory in Spain. 380 employees will be affected. Meanwhile, supplier Lamaignere has said Isofotón owes over seven of its suppliers more than €3 million.