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.
Italy: Signing of new Conto Energia delayed by bickering
Italys fourth Conto Energia should be done and dusted. However, testing the photovoltaic industrys already ragged nerves, it has emerged that bickering between Ministers has delayed the signing of the new decree. The final outcome is now expected on Wednesday.
PV inverter market strong, but new challenges are emerging
The photovoltaic inverter market grew by 140 percent in 2010: Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic and France were cited as key markets. Meanwhile, for the first time, the top ten inverter suppliers were European. However, this foothold is not expected to last, as the market focus shifts.
Total looks to acquire majority stake in SunPower
French oil and gas group Total has announced it will launch a friendly tender offer for a majority share in California-based solar company, SunPower. The two parties have also entered into a research and collaboration agreement.
Australia: Solar bonus scheme suspended in NSW
The newly instated Australian government of New South Wales (NSW) has suspended the states Solar Bonus Scheme due to cost blowouts.
Dates for new Italian FIT pushed back
According to reports, the Italian Government will not introduce its new photovoltaic feed-in tariffs until September 1. The definition of uncapped “small systems” has also reportedly been revised to one megawatt (MW).
SEMI and CPIA release China PV Policy Roadmap
The SEMI PV Group has announced the availability of “China’s Solar Future – A Recommended China PV Policy Roadmap 2.0,” a report containing specific recommendations for a Chinese photovoltaic policy roadmap.
India: Tata Power commissions solar plant
Indian Tata Power has commissioned a three megawatts solar power plant in Maharashtra which the company states is going to be one of the largest solar plants in India.
Malaysia: Sophisticated FIT system adopted
Joining several other Asian countries, Malaysia’s parliament has approved a sophisticated system of feed-in tariffs to develop its renewable energy resources.
Italy: Will the government go easy on cuts?
The Italian regional governments will attempt to enforce less severe cuts than planned to the solar power incentives according to the head of the regional governments’ congress Vasco Errani. Meanwhile, it remains uncertain if the government will take the suggestion to go easy.
