Germany: Röttgen aims to reform EEG
The German Federal Minister for the Environment aims to introduce an optional market bonus for renewable energies. Now he has submitted a corresponding benchmark paper that also contains sweeping changes for solar energy subsidies.
MEMC YOY sales boosted by solar activities
MEMC Electronic Materials, Inc. has reported an impressive boost in its year-on-year sales, primarily due to its solar materials division and subsidiary, SunEdison. Its sequential results, however, did decrease, partly due to SunEdison.
Trina expands Australian presence
Trina Solar Limited has opened a sales and business development office in Sydney, Australia.
Italy approves draft solar regulation
According to a report in Reuters, Italys Government has finally approved its draft solar regulation at a cabinet meeting held today.
Australian Government tapers off solar subsidies
The Australian Federal Government will start the process of reigning in its generous subsidies for home solar electric panels in light of strong growth in the industry and rising electricity prices.
Italy FIT farce could spill into next week
Speaking to industry representatives at Italys Solar Expo in Verona, confidence seems to be battered. While analysts had reported that the fourth Conto Energia would be signed today, media reports state that it will only be presented to the cabinet tomorrow. It is now believed a final decision will be reached within the next week.
Weak demand and sales decline characterize Sunways first quarter
Looking at its preliminary figures, Sunways AG experienced a significant sales decline of 22.1 million in the first quarter of 2011, in comparison to the first quarter of 2010. The reason cited was weaker than expected demand, which resulted in high inventory levels.
Q-Cells lays off contract workers
Germany-based Q-Cells SE has reportedly let the majority of its contract workers go, due to declining photovoltaic demand. The companys permanent staff wont be affected, according to sources.
REC also experiences weak Q1
In what seems to be the overriding trend for photovoltaics companies in the first quarter of 2011, the Renewable Energy Corporation (REC) has reported decreased revenues due to weakened demand.
EPIA: Bright future for PV, but global rebalancing of growth expected
A new report has forecast a bright future for photovoltaics, as long as government policy remains advantageous for the industry. Meanwhile, 100 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity could be reached by 2013, but Europes current foothold is expected to slip.
