Germany: New proposals for solar subsidies
As installed photovoltaic capacity for the fourth quarter, 2011, surprises many, pv magazine speaks with consumer protection expert, Holger Krawinkel, the Head of Building, Energy and the Environment at the Federation of German Consumer Organizations (vzbv).
MEMC refutes Japanese investment claims
Earlier this week, some news outlets published claims that MEMC Electronic Materials, through its SunEdison subsidiary, was going to invest 350 billion yen (USD4.6 billion) in Japans downstream photovoltaic market. The report said that the funds had been earmarked despite many details surrounding Japans feed-in tariff being unclear.
Röttgen for further reductions in solar subsidies
The Environment Minister is for stronger cuts in solar feed-in tariffs (FITs) in Germany. There will be a discussion with industry representatives tomorrow.
New world record for cadmium-telluride
First Solar has announced today that it has achieved 14.4 percent total area efficiency for its CdTe (cadmium-telluride) PV modules. The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) confirmed the record, which eclipsed the prior record of 13.4 percent, which also was set by First Solar.
New analysis shows solar PV is competitive in the Middle East
Solar photovoltaic electricity is competitive with conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation, particularly for peak demand during the middle of the day, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), according to a new report.
aleo solar forecasts 2011 loss
German-based photovoltaic manufacturer and distributer aleo solar today announced earning forecasts for 2011. Coming in at 462 million euros, the result represents a 17 percent decrease in revenues from 2010.
Rise of Chinese equipment suppliers
In a week where mixed signals have been emerging from the photovoltaic equipment market, NPD Solarbuzz figures indicate growing revenues during 2011. Looking to the future is another story however, with the analysts predicting a sharp downturn.
Solar Frontier to supply worlds biggest CIS/CIGS project
Japanese thin-film producer Solar Frontier has announced today that it will supply a 100 MW Californian power plant. The company has already delivered 26 MW Catalina Solar Project, in Kern County, California, which is set to become the worlds biggest installation of its kind.
New York City-area firms receive $30 million for solar projects
Forget New Jersey. The solar industry is “in a New York State of mind,” to paraphrase singer Billy Joel, now that two government agencies have launched a five-year, USD150-million initiative to fund new large-scale photovoltaic (PV) power projects in the region.
Global solar investment surges ahead
New figures from Bloomberg Energy Finance have shown that while the global economy remains sluggish, clean energy and solar in particular, continues to attract investment.
