Solyndra third solar company to file for Chapter 11 relief
Solyndra LLC has announced its intention to file for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code following the immediate suspension of its manufacturing operations and lay off of around 1,100 employees.
Australia: Victoria FIT cut announced
Australias Victorian State Government today announced a new ‘transitional feed-in tariff’ (TFiT) for rooftop solar panels, joining most of the other Australian states in drastically reducing the amount paid to customers.
Top three Q2 PV module suppliers are Chinese
Although the photovoltaic module market has suffered setbacks this year, Asian manufacturers are keeping the competition on its toes. According to new research, the top three suppliers in the second quarter of the year (Q2) are Chinese.
Jobs axed as Colexon announces office closures
Another casualty of the weak market conditions seen in the first half of the year, Germany-based Colexon has announced it will “hone” its business model. Specifically, it will “considerably” downsize its operations and make “large-scale” workforce reductions.
Payom Solar completes Amsolar acquisition
Germany-based Payom Solar AG has completed its acquisition of U.S. Amsolar Corporation, thus marking its entry into the North American market.
US: Another no-cost solar scheme
MS Solar Solutions Corp. (MSSS) and Main Street Power Company Inc. today launched the Solar for All residential photovoltaic program, which will provide systems for low-income householders in California.
More than half worlds power to come from solar in 50 years
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has been reported by Bloomberg as saying that the majority of the worlds power will be produced by solar by 2060. Whats more, photovoltaic and solar-thermal plants may meet half of all energy needs by this date.
Huge Project Helios plant planned for Greece
The International Herald Tribune (IHT) in Greece has reported that a “mammoth” 10 gigawatt (GW) solar plant is being planned for Greece. The project would be driven by investment from Germany.
LDK Solar posts Q2 loss but "expects growth" in 2011
Vertically integrated photovoltaic manufacturer LDK Solar has announced its second quarter (Q2) financial results that included a USD $47.9 million operating loss, representing -9.6 percent operating margin. However, with recently improving order patterns and stabilizing prices the company expects a resumption of growth in the second half of 2011.
Germany: PV generation overtakes hydropower for the first time
In the first half of 2011, renewable energy broke a new record, having met more than 20 percent of Germanys electricity demand. Also for the first time, photovoltaic generation overtook hydropower.
