PV module price declines continue
Photovoltaic module prices have fallen by more than 2% in July and 44% year-on-year, according to the latest figures from IMS Research. August is predicted to see a slight increase, however.
Australia: $40.7 million grant secured for PV research
Hailed as “historic”, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the University of Queensland have been awarded a AU$40.7 million grant to establish two photovoltaic research programs.
BIPV to add 4.6 GW of new capacity by 2017
Between 2011 and 2017, the building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) market is forecast to add 4.6 GW of new capacity, thus making it one of the fastest growing solar industry segments.
Suntechs Shi steps down
In a surprise announcement, Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has said founder Zhengrong Shi one of the most prominent solar industry figures has stepped down from his CEO position. The company will now be led by David King.
Canadian Solar misses Q2 shipment target, records further losses
Canadian Solar Inc. has missed its Q2 2012 photovoltaic module shipment guidance, thus ending the quarter with higher than planned inventory. Despite this, the company still expects to ship between 1.8 and 2 GW of product for the full year. Earnings also declined in the period.
REC Wafer Norway files for bankruptcy
Following the complete closure of its wafer operations in April, REC Wafer Norway AS now has to file for bankruptcy after parent company, REC ASA said it will not provide the necessary funding for a solvent wind-up of operations.
PV to lead rapid increase in decentralized power generation over next 5 years
Quickly becoming the new industry buzzword, distributed power generation, led by photovoltaics, is set to “rapidly” expand over the next five years to reach an annual installation rate of 63.5 GW by 2017.
Conergys financial improvements continue
Following a relatively successful first quarter (Q1) of 2012, Conergy AG is continuing on its positive earnings trajectory, despite the still-difficult solar market conditions. In addition to marked financial improvements across the board, the German company has recorded a positive EBITDA for the first time since 2010.
Suntech court order sees GSF asset freeze
Suntech Power Holdings Co. Ltd has won the first leg of its investigation into the possible fraudulent issuance of German government bonds, having obtained a court order to freeze GSF Capitals and Romeros global assets, and remove Romero from his managerial role in the Global Solar Fund, S.C.A., Sicar.
Hanwhas proposed takeover of Q.Cells welcomed
An official confirmation that Hanwha has already submitted its Q.Cells SE takeover offer is still to be made. Nevertheless, the announcement has been welcomed.
