India and Iran to cooperate on renewable energy projects
Indian and Iranian energy ministers met in Tehran this week and have agreed to strengthen cooperation on renewable energy projects, with a special focus on solar power.
Middle Eastern off-grid PV garnering unwanted attention
Photovoltaic installations, many funded by European companies, are being torn down in the West Bank’s Masafer Yatta. pv magazines Middle Eastern correspondent, Ruth Michaelson discusses the situation.
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.
