Germany: Another PV boom expected
German magazine “Der Spiegel” has published that the German Environment Ministry expects a massive boom in photovoltaic installations once again due to the proposed changes to the solar subsidies. The December record might be reached again or even broken.
EPIA: 2011 capacity figures confirmed
The European Photovoltaic Industry Association (EPIA) released its 2011 Annual Report today, in which it confirmed that 28 gigawatts (GW) of photovoltaic capacity was installed in 2011. In a trend that is turning around, 75 percent of this capacity was added in Europe and 60 percent in Italy and Germany alone.
Ontario government reviews FITs
The Ontario government is taking immediate steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of its renewable energy program. More jobs, lower prices and giving communities more say are in the agenda. FIT cuts are also planned.
IHS acquires IMS Research
Information and analytics firm IHS has announced the purchase of IMS Research, an independent provider of market research and consultancy for approximately US$46 million.
Chiles largest PV power plant underway
While small by international standards, German renewable energy developer juwi and Chilean engineering firm Kaltemp have completed construction on what they claim is the largest photovoltaic power plant in Chile. The plant has a capacity of 1.2 megawatts (MW) and is located near the city of Vicuña, in the countrys sunny north.
Germany: Government will probably compromise
After a meeting with representatives from the federal and provincial governments, it has come to light that the changes proposed for photovoltaics in Germany will be made more moderate.
Jabil plans layoffs at Polish PV module plants
U.S. electronics manufacturer Jabil has announced plans to make redundant up to 600 workers from its two photovoltaic module plants in Kwidzyn, Poland.
PV fires up, gas plants cool down
In an apparent confirmation that photovoltaics have the potential to supply electricity demand peaks and therefore reduce the cost of peak power, a German utility has shut down a 55 megawatt (MW) gas-fired power plant.
Mixed reactions at Asia Solar 2012
Photovoltaic module manufacturers and inverter companies were the dominant force at this year’s Asia Solar.
China: Booming project pipelines and capacity ramp ups
The Asia Solar 2012 and Solarcon events may not have been booming in terms of visitor numbers, but the message was clear: China will be a pivotal player in the photovoltaic industry.
