Markets

A new report looking at the building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass market predicts that its market value will rise by at least 400 percent over the next five years. It also highlights the firms to watch and explains why Suntech could transform the market.

While it has only been a matter of months since all lines were opened at its 900
megawatt (MW) Kunitomi production facility, CIGS-module manufacturer, Solar Frontier has been selected for a Japanese government subsidy to construct a new fab. The subsidy is a part of the government’s Great East Earthquake recovery effort.

SolarWorld has once again has managed to exceed the €1 bilion revenue mark. Despite this, the company recorded massive EBIT losses in 2011.

Both industry and politicians alike have reacted with outrage at Germany’s new FIT plans. According to one analyst, EPC players will be the hardest hit. However, there is still time for changes. The question is, will they be for the better or worse? On one side are the politicians calling for further cuts, and on the other, is the “20 percent” hope that improvements could still be made.

Details have emerged today that BP Solar will withdraw from the consortium that was successful in bidding to install the Moree Solar Farm, under a Government solar program. The photovoltaic power project is partly Government-funded and is be 150 megawatt (MW) in capacity.

Various media sources have reported that Korean electronics giants, Samsung and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) are looking to significantly scale-back their solar businesses. However, according to the companies, the rumors are false.

As was reported yesterday, Germany’s politicians have made some serious changes to the country’s pioneering feed-in tariff (FIT) scheme. Specifically, a one-off cut will be applied in March, monthly tariff reductions will begin in May, the maximum size of photovoltaic plants that can receive a tariff has been capped, and just 85 to 90 percent of solar energy produced will receive support.

New research has found that although balance of systems (BoS) revenues are forecast to fall in 2012 due to price erosion, they will increase over the next four years to hit US$24 billion in 2016. Meanwhile, tracking systems are expected to represent the biggest growth segment.

After the recent announcement of the radical changes to the feed-in tariffs (FITs) in Germany, solar stocks are showing a stark downward trend.

Trina Solar Limited experienced a rough 2011, with gross profits and operating income particularly hard hit. Despite this, module shipments were on the up and sales outside of Europe exceeded 50 percent for the first time. Looking to 2012, the company says it will implement capacity ramp ups.