Yingli Green Energy brings solar power into Tibet
Yingli Green Energy has partnered with Longyuan (Tibet) New Energy Company Limited to supply 22,209 off-grid PV systems to families in Tibet.
The 2012 solar year in review and what lies ahead in 2013
During 2012, many PV manufacturers endured a long, uphill battle, staggering under steep price cuts, excess inventory, shrinking margins and political headwinds; and all the while, jostling for position with other technologies. However, those that have demonstrated the stamina to survive, and that can hold their ground in 2013, have a chance at remaining in top demand for years to come.
SiC Processing in self-administration
SiC Processing GmbH’s request to file for self-administrative insolvency has been accepted by the district court in Germany’s Amberg. Management now has three months to design a restructuring plan.
SMA acquires majority stake in Chinese PV inverter company
SMA Solar Technology AG has acquired a 72.5% stake in Chinese photovoltaic inverter company, Jiangsu Zeversolar New Energy Co., Ltd. The move, if approved, will help SMA access China’s burgeoning solar market.
Spanish Congress approves new energy law
With the approval of the parliament, from 2013 onwards, PV power producers in Spain will have to pay a new tax of 7% on top of their FITs. Meanwhile, Energy Minister Soria intends to finalize Spains energy reform within the next six months.
Germany: Glimmer of hope for First Solar's Frankfurt operations
By the end of the year, First Solar Inc. will stop photovoltaic production in Germany’s Frankfurt Oder. However, plant management has announced that there is now investor interest and hopes for a solution in Q1 2013.
US: Meaningful improvements in PV system pricing
GTM Researchs Andrew Krulewitz details the factors that contributed to price declines in each U.S. photovoltaic market segments in Q4 2012.
Industry shakeout filters out untested PV technologies
Only the lowest cost and most commercially viable PV technologies will end up surviving through the brutal PV shakeout phase of 2012, writes Finlay Colville, vice president of NPD Solarbuzz.
Battery market development will be guided by step-wise innovation
Pike Research’s Brittany E. Gibson is confident that emerging cleantech markets for batteries, especially for transportation and stationary applications, will be viable new markets in ten years.
US: Red tape holds back solar installer market
New data has revealed that solar installers in the U.S. are being slowed down by red tape, which is pushing up the installed price. The survey data was collected by solar financers Clean Power Finance, which gathered responses from installers across 12 states.
