US-Chinese trade war heats up
Set to be one of solars biggest topics of 2011 – a year already riddled with immense price pressure, insolvencies and investment issues – the U.S.-Chinese trade war is heating up. SEMI is the latest participant to make public its disgruntled feelings towards the petition. Meanwhile, CASM has vented its frustration at CASMs defense of Chinas “anti-competitive trade aggression”.
Germany: CDU business wing lashes out against solar subsidies
Following the publication of the medium-term forecast for Germanys Renewable Energy Act [EEG] reallocation measures, economic policymakers from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) are now demanding a cost limitation. Once again, they are attempting to incite discussion about a ceiling for photovoltaics.
Australia: SilexSolar halts PV module production
Australias only photovoltaic panel producer has suspended all of its manufacturing operations. Most of its employees have been made redundant.
PV installations to reach 24 GW in 2011; Italy to take the lead
New research has revealed that newly added global photovoltaic capacity will grow from 19 gigawatts (GW) in 2010, to reach 24 GW this year. Meanwhile, Italy will overtake Germany to become the worlds leading country in terms of installed capacity.
Solons financials hit by solar slowdown
Germany-based Solon has also suffered from the downturn in the global solar market. In the first nine months of 2011, it recorded losses across the board. In particular, the companys EBIT was significantly affected.
Potential of job creation highlighted at Solarcon India 2011
The third Solarcon India has wrapped up in Hyderabad. One of the key takeaways from the event, held from November 9 to 11, is the great potential for job creation through American-Indian collaboration. Meanwhile, the looming European debt crisis made its presence felt.
Q-Cells: 250 employees to go; CFO resigns
Following a hard year for the German photovoltaic company, Q-Cells has announced that 250 of its employees will be let go by the end of the year. Meanwhile, CFO Marion Helmes has announced her resignation, effective today, November 14. Third quarter (Q3) financial results are also weak.
Sunways full year outlook bleak
In line with many of its German peers, Sunways has reported strong international sales. However, due to the damp solar market, the company has suffered from falling financial figures, leading it to post a bleak outlook for the full year 2011.
SolarWorld suffering from weak market
While SolarWorld may have slightly increased its solar module shipments from last year, revenue has dropped. Meanwhile, the companys EBIT more than halved and consolidated net income suffered significant losses, leading to a lowered full year guidance.
JinkoSolar revises Q3 and full year guidance downwards
Another casualty of 2011, JinkoSolar has revised both its third quarter (Q3) and full year 2011 guidance downwards.
