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Satcon Technology Corporation, A123 Systems, Renewable Energy Services, and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) have been awarded US$2 million by the California Energy Commission to work on the development of storage technologies that will help reduce renewable energy power intermittency.

According to the latest figures, German manufacturers sales’ of photovoltaic components, machinery and equipment fell 54 percent in the first quarter (Q1) of 2012. The sales’ share of Asian customers is also said to be on the decline.

After several years of hustling and hyperbole in the photovoltaics industry, the first half of 2012 has been a time of oversupply and underachievement globally. pv magazine takes a look at the biggest developments of the year to date. Overhang, crystalline, storage and fracking are just some of the watchwords.

Korea-based photovoltaic module manufacturer, Hanwha SolarOne Co. Ltd has announced a new partnership with U.S. storage system company, Silent Power.

The Intersolar North America tradeshow and conference ended today with a mixed outlook for photovoltaics, and talk of an industry shakeout prominent in discussions.

Uncharacteristically clear blue skies greeted attendees at the fifth Intersolar North America tradeshow, which began yesterday in San Francisco, California. Despite a number of political and regulatory clouds hanging over the event, which includes the Intersolar North America conference, a number of firms remained upbeat about the prospects for photovoltaics in the country.

Solar Millennium AG’s insolvency administrator has sold the company’s 74.9 percent stake in Flagsol GmbH to Ferrostaal GmbH.

On Friday, July 6, Italy’s ministers signed the new Conto Energia (renewable energy act). It is believed that only an extra €700 million will be made available for photovoltaics. Final security will not be available until the law has been published, however.

As the global solar industry develops, increased corporate transparency becomes a necessity on the back of growing consumer understanding and local market regulations. Subsequently, the services required by test laboratories and certification bodies have undergone a boom in recent times. Speaking to pv magazine, Ulrike Therhaag, director Solar/ Fuel cell Technology at TÜV Rheinland Shanghai discusses the current situation in China.

Germany’s Sovello AG is urgently searching for a new investor, in order to save at least part of its workforce. Company management is said to be optimistic.