Ontario: Increased PV opportunities, but module dissatisfaction exists
Following an increase in Ontarios domestic content rule, there are many new opportunities for photovoltaic (PV) equipment manufacturers. However, installers are dissatisfied with module brands.
2011 PV prices continue to fall
New research reveals polysilicon, wafer, cell and module prices will continue to decline, with smaller companies expected to suffer the biggest price drop. However, the PV polysilicon market is forecast to grow nearly 20 percent to reach around $8 billion.
Schott raises its revenues; focuses on cost reduction
Schott AG has raised its sales revenues by 26 percent to 2.85 billion in fiscal 2009/2010. Having performed particularly well, the companys solar subsidiary is looking to strengthen its global activities.
India: d.light and Christian Aid launch solar lighting project
Ashden award winner d.light and UK-based Christian Aid have joined forces to deliver a micro finance program designed to bring solar lighting to 4,400 rural households in India this year.
US to cut installation costs to $1/watt with SunShot initiative
When Obama spoke of a 2035 clean energy goal during his State of the Union address, a big question on everyones mind was how he could achieve that. The answer, in part, is a new initiative called SunShot, which his energy chief says will help drive down PV system installation costs to $1 per watt.
EuPD Research and BPVA join forces
Under a new agreement, EuPD Research will provide the British Photovoltaic Association (BPVA) with strategic advice for furthering the UK solar industry. It will also update the BPVA on global PV market developments.
Ontario FIT policy reaping more jobs than US
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ISLR), an independent think tank promoting local economic development, says Ontario is getting more jobs for its renewable energy investments than comparable Midwestern states.
UK early FIT review confirmed
The UK will review its solar feed-in tariffs (FITs) early. The news comes after the REA told pv magazine last Thursday that the government had been unaware of how many solar projects were projected to be installed this year.
ACORE founding president to step down
The American Council On Renewable Energys (ACORE) founding president, Michael Eckhart will step down at the end of February. He will go on to join Citigroup as MD and head of environmental markets and sustainability.
UK: Early FIT reviews, rapid growth and brownfield development
pv magazine has learned the UK Government is likely to announce a feed-in tariff (FIT) review this April, with a view to implementing any changes in 2012. Up to 500 megawatts (MW) of new photovoltaic (PV) projects are also expected to be installed this year, while brownfields have been identified as the next big trend.
