Markets

In the wake of the hype surrounding Tuesday’s presidential election, an important boost to renewable-energy development in California has received little attention. Proposition 39 was passed by a 60% majority at the state’s poll, which is hoped to deliver US$500/a for renewable energy development in the state.

In the first nine months of 2012, inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology has managed to increase sales volumes and has posted a EBIT result of €116 million. The results were announced today by the company, which reports that the EBIT result translates to a €81 million consolidated net profit for the period.

With the global market in flux, the photovoltaic industry could benefit from innovative approaches to demand side management and consumer-focussed solutions. Next week’s Ecosummit in Düsseldorf, on November 14 and 15, will be showcasing such solutions. Host Jan-Michael Hess discusses.

Requests for regulatory authorization to develop and operate 34 photovoltaic plants worth a total of 793 MW have been received in the past few days, according to Brazil’s national electricity regulator, ANEEL.

Currently the government in Warsaw is still struggling with the reorganization of its solar subsidies. Nevertheless, project planners have already put their hopes in a market that promises attractive subsidies for both large and small photovoltaic systems.

Despite seeing sales sequentially declining, MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. has seen vast improvements in its Q3 2012 figures, compared to a year ago.

The first Desertec Industry Initiative (DII) reference projects are currently being planned. However, an intergovernmental agreement is still to be signed. Despite this, new details have emerged over RWE’s planned Moroccan solar project.

As reported yesterday, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has unanimously determined that Chinese photovoltaic imports materially injured the U.S. industry, meaning AD and CV duty orders will be issued. It has, however, determined that no critical circumstances were present. Thus, retroactive duties will not be applied.

The 6th Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo opened its doors today in Delhi, with fewer exhibitors than last year. Talk at the show has been of the challenges in finding finance to develop photovoltaic projects and of a market under-delivering on expectations.

Bosch has announced shorter working hours for around 3,500 of its solar employees. A complete phase out of photovoltaics is no longer excluded, despite the fact the company distanced itself from solar exit rumors last month.