Green islamic fund initiative launched
Shari’ah compliant investment securities, sukuks, are to be made available for renewable energy projects such as photovoltaics. A Green Sukuk Working Group has been established to identify such investment opportunities.
Thin film industry association launched
A collection of six companies manufacturing thin film photovoltaics has formed an industry coalition called PVthin. The association aims to promote the benefits of thin film technologies and represent the industry segment in public policy debates.
Q-Cells announces devastating 2011 preliminary financials
Having suffered at the hands of the weak solar market conditions, Germanys Q-Cells has reported very weak 2011 preliminary financials. The companys EBIT has been particularly hard hit, due to a number of impairments incurred.
Guggenheim Partners appointed financial advisor to Greece's Project Helios
U.S.-based financial services firm, Guggenheim Partners has been officially appointed strategic and financial advisor to Greeces planned 10 gigawatt (GW) Project Helios.
Microsol forms Solon Energy GmbH
Less than a week after it was disclosed that UAE-based solar cell manufacturer, Microsol, had taken over the insolvent Solon, it has been announced that Solon Energy GmbH has been established.
Oerlikon sells solar business
Switzerland-based Oerlikon Group will sell its thin film solar operations to Japanese company, Tokyo Electron Limited (TEL) for an undisclosed sum. In reporting its negative 2011 financial results, the group cited “extremely challenging” market conditions and a lack of customer investment.
Australia: Remote Aboriginal community saves with solar
In an environment where very hot, humid conditions are common in the wet-season months, remote Aboriginal communities have begun turning to photovoltaic installations to reduce power bills. Power-hungry air conditioners are used extensively during the summer months known as the wet season and rising electricity prices have been impacting on communities.
Enerplan: French solar industry remains sceptical
France-based Enerplan demands a clear political strategy for Frances future, and expresses scepticism over electricity giant, Electricité de Frances (EdFs) Photowatt takeover.
Germanys solar industry out in force
Under a beating sun, around 12,000 people from across Germany gathered together today in Berlin at 13.00 to protest against the new photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) changes.
Mixed messages for UK PV: Innovation and criticism
In what is a microcosm of the environment facing photovoltaics in many parts of the world, in the UK innovative installations have been going up, while a new report has been produced critical of the countrys renewable energy goals.
