Markets

Tier 1 photovoltaic module supplier Canadian Solar has released Q3 figures that show declines in the volume of modules shipped and in revenue, thus culminating in a net quarterly loss of US$43.7million.

Organized by SEMI China, the Distributed PV Application and Commercialization Forum opened today in Shunde, Guangdong province. Overall, it was felt that China’s new Presidential appointments will bode well for the domestic photovoltaic market, and that Guangdong and China are about to do a lot more in distributed photovoltaic power.

Unhampered by a massive surge in the output of oil and natural gas, especially in the U.S., renewables will take their place in the sun by 2035, according to the findings of the World Energy Outlook 2012. Overall, solar power is expected to grow more rapidly than any other renewable technology. Subsidies will continue to play a key role in development, however.

According to a new report, the “explosive” growth of photovoltaics in the U.K., and the related falling costs, mean the market for nuclear is disappearing. Combined with “stiff competition” from other renewables, the case for investing in nuclear is shaky at best.

According to a new survey, moderate not major growth is predicted for the United Arab Emirate’s solar industry. The results were presented at Solarpraxis’ Solar Industry Summit – Middle East 2012, held today in Dubai. Meanwhile, Siemens’ indicated its intention to work in the region.

Concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) cost reductions and “major” technological advancements will see global installations rising to almost 1.2 GW by 2012, states IMS Research.

SolarWorld AG has suffered significant losses in the first three quarters of 2012, compared to the previous year. To improve the situation it will, among other measures, cut back on personnel. The company is very firmly laying the blame at the feet of the Chinese photovoltaic manufacturers.

Heavily impacted by its terminated wafer sales contract with MEMC, Conergy recorded a number of Q3 2012 losses. Despite this, its results are on an upward trajectory, compared to the same period last year. Overall, the company is confident it is “on the right track”.

EU Energy Commissioner, Günther Oettinger has again called for the European-wide promotion of renewable energies. Furthermore, he is for the application of a “speed limit” regarding the expansion of photovoltaics in Germany.

Indian solar installations stalled in Q3 2012, however around 1.1 GW of projects are due to be added in the next six months. Meanwhile, the market is eagerly awaiting the Phase II policy announcement, which is expected sometime towards the end of this year. Already draft tariffs have been released.