China: Aleo terminates avim solar module production
Aleo solar AG has announced the termination of its avim solar production Co. Ltd. joint venture (JV) in China. The decision has affected 246 employees.
PV stabilization phase predicted in 2013
Rewards in the form of “strong” market gains await those photovoltaic module manufacturers that survive 2013, states NPD Solarbuzz. It adds that 2012 end-market demand for product is unlikely to reach 2011s record levels. Overall, just under 30 GW of photovoltaic demand is predicted for 2012.
Austria stops tariffs for PV systems over 500 kWp
Austrias government has unveiled a new Green Energy Act, under which feed-in tariffs for photovoltaic plants over 500 kWp have been removed. Meanwhile, a new support structure has been devised for building integrated and rooftop systems.
Centrosolar: Rumors of an Asian investor intensify
According to media reports, the entrance of an Asian investor into Germany-based Centrosolar AG is imminent, following the decision of two of Centrosolars board of directors to sell their entire share packages over the counter.
Air Liquide unveils new solar R&D lab
Air Liquide has inaugurated its new R&D lab in France. Via a solar cell pilot manufacturing line, the company aims to speed-up the introduction of next generation passivation and light trapping technologies.
Australia: 90% renewable target set for Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government has unveiled a plan this week that sets the goal that 90% of its energy needs will be provided by renewable energy, by 2020. The key pillars to the plan are solar, wind and energy efficiency. The plan sets out 90 MW of large scale solar to be installed by 2020, and around 72 MW of small and medium scale rooftop photovoltaics.
Italy closes first PV register
At midnight, registration for Italys first photovoltaic register under the Conto Energia V expired. GSE is scheduled to publish the list of projects eligible for a feed-in tariff (FIT) in October.
Bulgaria: Up to 39% retroactive grid fee for PV operators
The Bulgarian state regulator has introduced a retroactive renewable energy grid fee. Under the new rules, photovoltaic operators will have to pay back up to 39% of their feed-in tariffs (FITs). While the fee is supposed to be temporary, no deadline has been provided.
Renewables in UK to rival thermal power by 2025
A new report, released today, has concluded that the cumulative installed capacity of renewable energy plants will reach 79 GW by 2025, only 2 GW less than the predicted installed capacity of traditional thermal plants.
Australia: Proposed "gross FITs" slammed
Only months after the new conservative government in the Australian state of Queensland slashed its FIT program, a proposal to pay gross FITs has been slammed by clean energy groups.
