Markets & Policy

Troubled solar panel maker SolarWorld will host creditors next month at two separate meetings with the goal of appointing creditor representatives and outlining its efforts to restructure.

According to various media, US$275 million is expected to be invested in the development of a solar power plant in Minbu, Myanmar. If construction is completed, it will be one of the largest plants of its kind in the world, with an installed capacity of 210 MW.

The development of the global PV market last year and future growth forecasts clearly show that Europe’s leading role in driving the industry is coming to an end as the rest of the world embraces solar power and market dynamics shift, according to a new report by EPIA.

EU commissioners today backed the EU trade chief Karel De Gucht’s proposal to impose provisional anti-dumping (AD) duties of an average 47% on Chinese photovoltaic imports as of June 6, an anonymous source close to the EC confirmed to pv magazine.

Renewable Energy India and Green Energy Expo & Conference (Korea) have joined the Global Solar Alliance, which aims to create more competition for the organizers of Intersolar. There was little new in terms of the EU trade dispute, however, despite it being one of the dominant themes at the opening ceremony of the Global Solar Summit.

Canada suffered a setback on Monday as the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled against its appeal on incentives offered to domestic companies, according to a report published by news agency Reuters. This final decision was based in a WTO ruling issued in December in favor of Japan and the EU, Reuters says.

The sun was shining for First Solar during the first quarter of this year. Yesterday it announced their financial results for Q1 2013. The Arizona-based firm has posted a net income of US$ 59.1 million, compared to a loss of US$ 449.4 million recorded one year ago in the same period.

After months of speculation, Bosch has today confirmed it will exit the crystalline solar sector. As of 2014, the German company will cease production of its photovoltaic ingots, wafers and cells. It will also “quickly” sell its solar business units, including its majority stake in aleo. Decreasing prices has been blamed for the decision. Up to 3,000 employees will be affected, tells pv magazine.

Nanowin Technology Co. Ltd is reportedly planning to build a CIGS manufacturing plant in the Zhambyl region, located in southern Kazakhstan. A 5 MW photovoltaic plant is also expected to be built this year.

U.S.-based Citizens Energy Corporation has inaugurated two PV plants totaling 3.6 MW in Agawam, Massachusetts.