US survey finds solar tops publics energy list
According to a new U.S. survey, solar is the most popular energy resource. The majority of Americans, it found, believe it should receive federal subsidies. Meanwhile, many say they would be more likely to buy a product if it were made using solar.
Beacon Power files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy; parallels drawn to Solyndra
Flywheel energy storage solutions company, Beacon Power has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company, which among other products, offers cloud mitigation for photovoltaic plants, received a Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee in April.
Ontarios PV industry requests "stability and transparency" from FIT review
Earlier this week, Ontarios Premier Dalton McGuinty ordered a review of the provinces feed-in tariff (FIT) program. Canadas Solar Industry Association (CanSIA) said that it wants clear rules as to what to expect from the program in the future.
PV Asia Pacific Expo addresses alternative solar technologies
Day two of the PV Asia Pacific Expo has focused on the issue of alternative solar technologies. Questions like why anyone would switch from crystalline technology to technologies like thin film were posed.
LDK breaks ground on new polysilicon manufacturing facility
LDK Solar today held a ground breaking ceremony for its new 30,000 metric ton (MT) polysilicon manufacturing facility in Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia. The company believes “strong” polysilicon demand will be seen in 2014 “and beyond”.
UK: FIT timeframe, not rates problematic
In the wake of the leaked-and-then-announced U.K. photovoltaic feed-in tariff (FIT) cuts, one installer says that it is the timeframe not the level of cuts that presents a problem for the industry.
Australia's solar paradox
Australia is experiencing falling enquiries to solar installers at the same time as households and businesses face fast-increasing electricity prices.
Suntech considers reducing production capacity; CEO new APVIA chairman
Suntechs founder and CEO, Zhengrong Shi has said the company may reduce some of its production capacity in the first quarter of 2012. In other news, he has been appointed the first chief chairman of the Asian Photovoltaic Industry Association (APVIA).
A new chapter begins for Asian solar
Today marked the opening of the PV Asia Pacific Expo at the Marina Bay Sands convention center Singapore. The event, which will be held until November 3, was kicked off with the announcement that Suntechs founder and CEO has been appointed the new the chief chairman of APVIA. Meanwhile, Southeast Asias solar importance has been highlighted.
Despite solid Q3, Wacker lowers full year guidance
Wacker Chemie AG has reported a relatively positive third quarter (Q3) 2011. However, the company is cautious about both the photovoltaic and semiconductor industries going forward. As a result, it has lowered its full year guidance.
